Things to Know About IPL Hair Removal
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is one of the hair removal techniques that causes an almost permanent reduction in unwanted hair growth. It is often comparable with laser hair removal, and there are quite a few similarities between the two. It helps to reduce hair growth so that smooth and hair-free skin can be retained for longer periods of time. However, people are often skeptical about its effectiveness. IPL hair removal is actually a very safe and successful procedure that has been used for quite a few years to achieve long-term hair removal results.
The Difference Between IPL and Laser Hair Removal
The key difference between laser and IPL hair removal treatment is the use of a broadband pulsed light source. Laser therapy utilizes a coherent light source. Both of the methods are used to target the melanin present in the hair follicle. Almost permanent results of hair removal can be expected from both methods. Although there are many effective home laser hair removal appliances available on the market, the salon-grade ones are more powerful. The high energy beams will focus on the hair follicles to destroy them without affecting the surrounding areas, so the professional level treatment is more effective at getting better and faster results. The procedure is also effective on darker skin with dark hair, whereas most other light-based procedures are effective only on light skin with dark hair. The light source, whether it’s intense pulsed flashlight or laser, plays a minor role in the efficacy of the treatment. The effectiveness largely depends on the frequency and energy of the light, as well as the color of the treated skin.
The Methods
Both the laser impulses and the IPL light reach the root of the hair via melanin. After a few treatment sessions, it has a damaging effect on the roots. This will inhibit the root from growing as fast as it used to grow, or it may stop the growth altogether. For the most effective results, dark hair on light skin is the perfect combination.
Which is better: at home or salon procedures?
The at-home devices are capable, no doubt, but they have to be done more regularly than the salon-grade treatments. This is because the salon-level devices are more powerful than at-home devices. They need someone with professional expertise to manage and control them, unlike the at-home ones. However, they will give faster results. In either case, users have attested that they provide similar results.
The Pre-Treatment Care
The area to be treated has to be cleanly shaven before the procedure starts. The area should not be waxed or plucked, or else the client will have to be rescheduled. The hair follicles must be present to give the light a target to focus on.
Sunburns and tanning must be avoided for at least a week before the treatment. Damaged skin is tough to treat for hair removal, and the use of IPL can further damage the skin.
Artificial tanning products and makeup must be removed before the procedure even starts. This is done so that there is no barrier, and the light beams can work more effectively. It is also advised to thoroughly clean and exfoliate the skin before the treatment.
Any other skin treatments, chemical peels, etc. must be avoided on the areas to be treated. The area must be left alone for at least a week before treatment.
If you are a skincare junkie and are used to a multi-step skincare routine, then you should take extra care to avoid all kinds of alpha hydroxy and beta hydroxyl products (AHA/BHA), Tazorac, retinol/retinoid, hydroquinone, and Differin for at least seven days before treatment.
IPL hair removal is growing in popularity because of how quickly it produces visible results. After a few sessions, the clients will start to see the desired results. It is due to this effectiveness that, despite its high cost, the process is growing in popularity each year.