A lot of people don’t understand the difference between an Intense Pulse Light and a Laser hair removal treatment. Both options were introduced in the mid 90’s, and it seems that they’ve gained a lot of popularity lately. These treatments entail the production of light energy that is absorbed into the hair’s dark pigment to destroy the hair follicle. This way, hair growth is diminished without affecting the surrounding area and tissue.
IPL vs. Laser
Some people say that IPL hair removal is the most efficient alternative, whereas others state loud and clear that laser hair removal is the only option that can bring permanent results. Anyway, you should know that most people agree that laser technology is way more successful and provides considerably better results than the other systems that are available on the market.
On the other hand, IPL is cheaper than laser technology. But the problem is that it is also a less efficient option. Apparently, lasers are more accurate and target hairs without affecting the surrounding skin. Furthermore, a laser pulse takes only a fraction of a second and is able to treat multiple follicles simultaneously. Plus, laser hair removal is more suitable when it comes to larger body areas. Laser settings will be tailored to your hair color and skin tone, which means that you have better chances to get the result you’re interested in. Besides, lasers can be used for all skin colors, while IPL might provoke burns if you have a darker skin tone.
However, the main difference between these two hair reduction systems lies in the technology used to produce the light, and in the characteristics of the light.
A better understanding of IPL
First of all, you have to understand that IPL’s aren’t lasers. The devices generate a wide spectrum of wavelengths, which means that there is no concentrated beam. Due to the fact that an array of different wavelengths are scattered to multiple depths, only some of them will lead to hair reduction.
Because of the shallow penetration, deeper, thicker hairs remain untreated. What’s more, some of the light might also infiltrate into the surrounding tissue, affecting the pigment in the skin. And that’s why darker skin types are more exposed to burns than the lighter ones.
Laser devices generate more heat that is directed right at the hair follicle, and this allows them to obtain a better outcome. Since the heat is absorbed only by the follicle and not by the surrounding skin, the patient experiences a lower risk of burning. Therefore, laser hair removal is safer than IPL, mainly when it comes to darker skinned people. Even though laser treatments are more expensive than other hair removal alternatives, they lead to more prominent results.
Anyway, keep in mind that IPL is an effective option for those who need to treat their skin. The Intense Pulsed Light systems can be successful when you’re dealing with skins problems like fine blood vessels and superficial pigmentations.
Laser hair removal or IPL – what should you choose?
Lasers can help you get rid of unwanted hair from the leg, underarm, face, arm, bikini line and several other areas. Laser hair removal features numerous advantages such as:
- Precision: Lasers are able to selectively target hairs without harming the surrounding skin.
- Rapidity: Every pulse of the laser takes less than a second and is able to treat multiple hairs simultaneously. Tiny surfaces like the upper lip will be treated in about a minute or even less, and big surfaces, like the legs or back, will probably take about an hour.
- Certainty: 90% of patients enjoyed permanent hair loss after about 3 to 5 sessions.
As far as which method is better, laser or IPL, it usually depends on the person you’re inquiring. Practitioners who make use of laser for hair removal will surely praise their device and the other way round. Initially developed to deal with beauty imperfections like broken capillaries and age spots, IPL has managed to gain just as much popularity. An IPL hair removal machine can be effective way of removing hair in the comfort of your own home. Prior to getting started make sure that you get yourself informed. Get to know all procedures, ask a practitioner for more details, and afterwards you’ll be at liberty to choose.