Understanding IPL laser hair removal

IPL (intense pulsed light) technology is technically not a laser treatment. It uses a broad spectrum of light with many wavelengths, meaning it leads to unfocused energy around the hair and skin area. As a result, there is much wastage of energy and less selective absorption in the follicle resulting in less effective destruction of the hair. Using broadband light also increases the potential for side effects such as burns or pigmentation, particularly if integrated cooling is not used. IPLs are typically only suitable for lighter skin types (1-3 on the Fitzpatrick scale) for the most part.Unlike laser treatments, which emit a specific wavelength, IPL works like a flash-lamp, sending out scattered wavelengths of light, making IPL very targeted. That also means it affects the pigment in your skin too, so IPL only really works for those with fair skin and dark hair. “It’s now generally accepted that IPL is a good workhorse for treating blood vessels, but not a very good one for hair removal. The truth is, it’s limited and quite uncomfortable,” says Dr Patrick Bowler, laser expert and director of Courthouse Clinics.“The great thing about Laser is that you can specifically set them up, adapting the nanometre of the wavelengths to target an exact pigment. For example, we know that brown hair is zapped at 800 nanometres.” A spokesperson at SK:N clinic explains, “IPL is far less effective than laser hair removal. The energy is produced by a lamp, a little like a light bulb and produces a variety of light waves, meaning that it is more diffused and less powerful and usually limited to use on fairer skin types.”Sincerely, Kanwal Sohail

So why do some spas use IPL machines?

Many Spas use IPL machines as they are less expensive than Diode Laser Devices and they can use a single device to do multiple skin treatments.At Imaan’s laser hair clinic in London, we did extensive research and evaluation of various Diode lasers before selecting the Vectus Laser Hair Removal using the latest technology. The Vectus is the fastest (under 30 minutes full legs) and safest Laser (using Skintel Melanin tester) on the market and is used by medical professionals in their practice.There is no need to spend hours and suffering through painful treatments while getting Laser done using an older technology. The Vectus Diode laser has contact cooling and the largest spot size to speed up the laser treatment and provide exceptional results.Your questions answered.