Laser hair removal and IPL machine both are long-term procedures for reducing hair growth. Both methods work in similar ways and can be very effective. Both can significantly reduce the growth speed of remaining hairs, as well as hair thickness. But many patients and clients are confused because they do not comprehend the differences between intense pulsed light and laser hair removal.
Both laser and IPL hair removal machines use a light source to target hair follicles. The light energy is absorbed by the pigment in the follicles, which results in heat damage and slowed growth or even permanent loss of hair. The main difference between a laser and IPL machine is the light source used. Laser uses a concentrated beam of coherent light, whereas IPL uses broad-spectrum visible light.
As an IPL machine supplier, we often get asked about the difference between these two devices. Since results are still achievable with either technology, here is some information regarding how they work:
How do these devices work?
Intense pulsed light (IPL) treatment is a technology in which a light source broadcasts broad-spectrum visible light to eliminate pigmentation. It is used for three primary purposes: the removal of excess hair (hirsutism), the treatment of blood vessels, and the treatment of acne. The energy emitted from an IPL laser machine targets structures (e.g., pores, blood vessels, hair follicles) containing melanin, a protein that absorbs electromagnetic radiation. Absorption of this light by the melanin allows for selective photothermolysis and thus destroys targeted structures.
Laser hair removal machine uses lasers to treat unwanted hair. Lasers can be extremely controlled, allowing them to be focused into a small area and travel a large distance, therefore increasing their chance of hitting the hair follicle and destroying it. Lasers can also produce beams that only contain one color of light, which makes it easier for laser hair removal to eliminate multiple types of hair without turning other parts of the body green or red, which would be the result if different lasers were used on different parts of the body.
Benefits of IPL Hair Removal:
Light emitted from broad-spectrum sources spreads out over a wider area than laser light. This characteristic of broad-spectrum light means that larger areas can be treated at once with an IPL hair removal machine than with laser hair removal. Treatment times may therefore generally be faster with an IPL machine, but your total treatment costs may be higher because you may need to have more sessions in order to remove your unwanted hair.
IPL laser machines use a broad spectrum of light, which means they can be used to treat a variety of different skin conditions. IPL is very successful in treating a variety of skin and hair problems. Variations of IPL, such as variable pulse light (VPL), have been developed because the IPL machine suppliers recognize that different skin tones require different treatment as well as that thick hair on your arms requires different treatment than finer hair on your bikini line.
Benefits Of Laser Hair Removal:
Laser hair removal devices can be used in a manner that allows them to focus light down into the pores of the skin and thereby target the follicle of a hair at its root. Laser hair removal machine can achieve this more quickly than IPL, which means you may require fewer treatments to achieve the same results.
Laser hair removal is more suitable for persons with darker skin because the focused light of a laser can be strongly absorbed by darker hairs, which is less likely to happen with paler hairs. IPL is generally less effective on people with very dark skin, but some IPL devices are still able to treat people with darker skin effectively.
When deciding between intense pulsed light (IPL) and laser hair removal, it is important to consider your skin tone, hair color, and body type. The duration of each treatment, the cost of each procedure, and the length of time you need to wait before being treated again can also affect your decision. What works well for one person might not be the best choice for another.
Using IPL and Laser For The Face:
Both lasers and intense pulsed light are painless hair removal devices that can be used on the face. However, neither should be used on the scalp or eyebrows. They are safe to use below the cheek line for example on the upper lip or chin, but should not be used in proximity to the eyes as the glare of the light may damage your sight.
For this reason, it is important to use sufficient eye protection whenever you are using IPL or laser hair removal, even if you are not treating your face. It is also important that you do not look directly into the light source.
IPL and Laser Hair Removal Results:
If you are considering an IPL or laser hair removal treatment, you will need to understand the time commitment involved. During one session you may not see much difference in the hair that has been targeted due to the way these treatments work. Most people require several sessions, perhaps as many as six before they see noticeable results.
Because laser and IPL machines reduce hairs at their roots, the results are longer-lasting, more effective hair regrowth inhibition. That's because most people only need to undergo from 1 to 15 sessions to achieve permanent reduction in hair growth after treatment, with an average of 3 to 7 sessions for adequate results. Most people notice that their hair regrows at a slower rate, that it grows back thinner and less coarse than before, and that it may grow more pale. Additionally, their skin may appear smoother and softer.
Both IPL and laser hair removal machines have the same side effects. A small percentage of people experience some skin irritation, which may be in the form of redness, swelling, itchiness or feeling tender. This irritation should not last more than a day, and can be treated like sunburn by moisturizing the skin.
After treatment, both laser and IPL make the skin more sensitive to sunlight. It is important to use adequate sun protection, avoid injury to the skin, and keep it clean.
