IPL and LASER are different permanent hair removal procedures that have a similar purpose and achieve similar results.
They achieve their results by emitting a specific range of light energy towards a specific target in the skin.
IPL and Laser are both safe and effective treatment methods for treating skin conditions and permanently reducing unwanted hair. It is important to remember that results vary with both methods, there are specific guidelines to follow pre/post treatment, and number of sessions can range from 4-12.
LASER (Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation)
Lasers operate by emitting a single wave of steady or pulsed laser light into their target. Depending on the manufacturer of the laser equipment, some lasers are not suitable for all skin tones or skin conditions. As a result, the technician is required to use different attachments or machines for treatment.
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)
IPL technologies project flashes of light energy onto the surface of the skin. The handheld device is placed directly on the skin and flashed at set intervals. The device emits a broad band of light energy into the skin, which is then quickly absorbed by the target. The diameter covered by the spot size varies and is ideal for larger areas.
At Dérmica, we offer IPL treatments for skin care and hair removal solutions. Our chosen technology is safe and customizable thanks to its ‘DPC’ technology. DPC stands for Dynamic Pulse Control. The DPC technology means that we can determine the “aggressiveness” of the treatment based on the duration of the pulse- shorter pulses are more aggressive, delivering the light beam in a shorter period of time, while longer pulses are less aggressive as they have a longer period to deliver the light beam. The different range of pulse durations results in a major increase in the safety and effectiveness of the treatment.
In a professional setting where the service is delivered by a trained technician there should not be any concern regarding eye damage when having IPL hair removal or any other method of phototherapy. That is not to say there is never reason for concern. However, any contraindications can be determined during your consultation. For example, reasons for concern could include the use of medications that cause sensitivity in the eyes, or recent eye surgery or trauma.
Otherwise, the precautions taken when preparing the client for the treatment are enough to prevent any harmful side effects to the eyes.
How do you prevent eye damage during laser/ IPL hair removal?
Precautions involve the use of goggles. Goggles are made from different materials depending on the manufacturer’s recommendation for the type of phototherapy and the intensity of the treatment. Eyewear protection can range from translucent lenses to fully enclosed goggles. Anything that has been deemed harmful to the vision is filtered out by the appropriate eyewear.
Potential Side Effects to the Eyes
IPL/ laser hair removal is safe for the eyes. Minor side effects include pressure from enclosed goggles during the procedure. Some light may still be visible even with protective eyewear. After the treatment there may be a bit of haziness that lasts a few minutes. This is usually due to the pressure of the goggles and having your eyes closed for so long.
Does IPL laser hair removal have long term side effects?
The long term side effects of IPL Hair Removal may include lightening of the hair tone in the area being treated. In addition, you may also see thinning of the hair growth in that area if and when it starts to come back. Overall, there aren’t really any negative side effects if the treatment course goes well.
However, if there was damage or trauma to the skin during the treatments, then scarring could be a long term side effect.
What is the down side to IPL treatments?
Treatments can be costly when compared to other methods of hair removal, such as waxing. While these treatments may be a higher price point than other methods, they yield permanent results. So, in the long run, if waxing is regularly being used as method of hair removal it eventually balances out.
Another downside could be the time allotted to the treatment for larger areas, for example legs, chest, or back. It can be a lengthy session depending on the individual and how much surface area is being covered.
Finally, having to avoid the sun could be a downside for some people. You cannot have a previous tan or sun exposure during any of your sessions. It is recommended to wait a minimum of 2 weeks prior to the treatment. Plus, afterwards you are to avoid sun exposure as well. So that’s another couple of weeks that your skin needs to stay away from direct and extended sun exposure.
If you have a low pain tolerance take an ibuprofen or acetaminophen prior to your appointment. This will help decrease discomfort.
24 hours or less before your appointment
To maximize the success rate of your IPL hair removal treatments, give yourself the cleanest shave possible. If hair remains on the surface, theKeep in mind that the cleaner the shave, the better the results.
Throughout the course of your treatment
It is important to avoid all forms of hair removal that remove the hair root, for example, waxing. These types of hair removal cause interruptions in your treatment which in turn decrease the success rate.
In addition, avoid heat, friction, and irritants in the area being treated for approximately one week after each treatment. On that note, for irritating razor burn and ingrown hairs we recommend picking up some “Bump Stopper” solution found in the ethnic hair care section at most drug store/supermarkets.
Another tip is to discontinue usage any products containing AHA/BHA/Retin A/Vitamin A on the area being treated 2 weeks prior to each treatment.
Last but not least, we cannot stress the importance of staying on schedule. We need to target those new/recovered hair roots at just the right time!
Wishing you all peace, love, and great skin…and don’t forget to follow the tips above for successful IPL laser hair removal treatments!
IPL and LASER hair removal on the legs offer different procedures that have a similar purpose and achieve similar results. Located in Edmonton, AB., Dérmica offers temporary and permanent hair removal solutions.
Is laser hair removal effective on legs?
IPL/ LASER hair removal on the legs is effective even on light hair! Advanced IPL / LASER operating systems can now effectively treat lighter hair tones.
Hair colour plays an important role when setting expectations for treatment outcomes. The light energy pulsed by the operating system targets pigment cells found in the hair bulb. As a result, the more pigment cells present, the more energy is absorbed and therefore, producing optimal results.
How painful is laser on legs?
While LASER uses an actual laser, IPL uses pulse light. As a result, you may feel a slight, momentary sting, such as the snap of an elastic band, during your IPL treatments.
The sensation felt when the energy is delivered is described by most as a small pin-prick shock lasting only milliseconds. When graded on a scale from 1-5 for the pain felt during the session, clients will on average report under a level 3. The portion of the device that is in contact with the skin has a patented cooling system that keeps your skin slightly numb on contact.
Should I shave my legs before laser?
Yes, we ask that the hair be shaved flush to the skin. The reason for this is because the laser’s target is melanin. If there is hair that is long enough to cast a shadow on the skin or fold over on to the skin, that area will get the get unnecessary heat at the surface of the skin which may cause burns.
For first timers, you must wait at least 3 weeks after waxing or tweezing before your visit. The active bulbs are required to be intact for best result.
How long does laser hair removal last legs?
Results vary and can last between 1 – 5 years before a touch-up is required.Although IPL / LASER hair removal are considered methods of “permanent hair removal”, these treatments often require touch-ups. The typical span is 1 to 5 years.
How many sessions for hairy legs?
Body areas require longer rebooking timeframes than facial areas. The typical regimen is 8-12 treatment sessions, spaced 4-12 weeks apart, depending on the body area. Therefore, your treatment course could last up to 2 years when doing IPL/ LASER hair removal on the legs. That is to say, a successful IPL treatment course requires commitment.
The exact number of sessions will depend on genetics and personal preference. Clients report 20-60% reduction after the first treatment. Each session afterwards will reduce the remaining amount of hair by approximately 10%. Sessions are continued until the client has reached their reduction goal and growth has been stopped.
What happens if you don’t shave before your IPL Hair Removal treatment?
The reason we ask that the hair is shaved flush to the skin is because the target is melanin. If there is hair that is long enough to cast a shadow on the skin or fold over on to the skin, that area will get the get unnecessary heat at the surface of the skin which may cause burns.
Also, your results are not going to be as good as they would be if that hair wasn’t taking up that extra energy. In other words, all the energy would go straight to the source we are targeting, which is the bulb. That hair strand is already dead so we don’t need that interfering. We need the live bulb.
Can you shave after IPL laser hair removal?
Most definitely. You can shave after IPL laser hair removal as often as you’d like or not shave at all. However, you cannot do any form of hair removal that involves pulling the bulb out of the skin, for example, waxing. In addition, you should not use corrosive hair removal creams that can potentially absorb into the skin and have an effect on the bulb.
Can you use IPL on stubble?
If there is a shadow being cast on the surface of the skin by that hair growth you should not. By shadow, we mean that it causes a greyish appearance and its apparent that hair is present.
What about men that want to get rid of their beard?
IPL Hair Removal is an excellent choice to get rid of an unwanted beard. However, clients need to make sure they are clean shaven before their appointment.
