Laser Hair Reduction

ight source, with a general spectral range of 515 to 1200 nm. Various cutoff filters are commonly used to filter out lower frequencies and narrow this spectrum to target specific structures and chromophores. Because of the broad spectrum of the IPL light source they are unique, as opposed to lasers, in the ability to filter the light spectrum to target various chromophores in the skin. Definition
Intense pulsed light describes the use of intense pulses of non-coherent light distributed over a range of wavelengths from 500 nm to 1200 nm, for removal of hair and other purposes.[2] A related but distinct technique is laser hair removal; the primary difference is that laser treatment uses laser-generated coherent and monochromatic light. The hair growth cycle
The focused, broad-spectrum light is applied to the surface of the skin by way of either a hand-held wand or an articulated arm. This light travels through the skin until it strikes the hair shafts or the bulb (root) of the hair. The bulb is usually where the highest concentration of melanin is located, as opposed to the rest of the hair shaft. As the light is converted to heat energy, the bulb and most of the hair shaft are instantly heated
The intense heat radiated by the hair also destroys the hair-producing papilla. It is also claimed that direct light-heat conversion occurs directly in the darker colored capillaries that bring nourishing blood vessels to the follicle. Contrary to what is often claimed, photoepilation is not a permanent hair removal method but a permanent hair reduction method. This means that although IPL treatments with these devices will permanently reduce the total number of body hairs, they will not result in a permanent removal of all hair.[15] The argument of permanent hair removal against permanent hair reductions is only of relevance in the USA because of the wording on the FDA certificate. At any one time, not all hair follicles are 'active', and only active hair follicles can be affected by the treatment. 'Inactive' hair follicles can be treated as they become 'active' over time. For IPL treatments an average of 8–10 treatments are required to remove most visible hair. Contra-indications
Certain skin conditions, health irregularities, and medications can impact whether it is safe for a person to receive a light based hair removal treatment. This list applies to both IPL and conventional laser treatments
Recent use of depilatory creams or sprays
Recent waxing, tweezing, or sugaring
Contagious skin diseases: not always contraindicated but requires special preparation
Herpes I and II in the area to be treated: not always contraindicated but requires special preparation
Skin trauma, lesions, sores or open wounds
Keloid or hypertrophic scarring
Moles or skin cancer: treatment can blanch skin marks, making melanoma difficult to detect
Sunburn
Suntan, real or fake: hyper stimulates melanin in skin which provides a confusing target for light
Epilepsy or other seizures potentially caused by flashing light
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS): condition needs to be normalized with medication before treatment
Hyperthyroidism: condition needs to be normalised with medication before treatment
Breastfeeding and pregnancy: increased hormone levels greatly decrease treatment efficacy
Hirsutism: not contraindicated but will require a greater number of treatments]
Tattoos or permanent makeup in area to be treated
Photo-sensitising topical creams or medication: Tetracycline, Minomycin, Doxycycline, St John's Wort, any citrus essential oils
Black garments: can singe or combust if struck directly by the light flash
Pain during treatment: if a person feels more than mild] discomfort during treatment, the machine settings are wrong
According to Re*****on, manufacturer of an IPL hair remover, all IPL and laser devices should only be used on light to medium skin tones, and work best on darker hair.[
Other uses
IPL technology is employed in the treatment of medical disorders of the skin including:
Sun damage induced dyspigmentation and vascular changes
Poikiloderma of Civatte
Acne Rosacea
Broken capillaries/telangiectases
Vascular Lesions (small blood vessels)
Pigmented Lesions (freckles, liver spots, birth marks )