Have you always wanted silky smooth skin without the hassle of shaving or the pain of waxing? Never want to deal with unsightly ingrown hairs or shaving rash ever again? Have you always thought that Laser Hair Removal was too expensive? Have you been toying between the difference between laser and IPL? Have you ever wondered why some clinics masquerade IPL as Laser Hair Removal?
Laser Hair Removal has been clinically proven to be the most effective hair removal treatment for nearly all skin types, so we wanted to let you in on the difference between the two treatments and how you can best achieve that endless summery smooth skin – everywhere!
Laser Hair Removal and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) are both light-based hair removal treatments and are often mistaken for each other, but there is a definite difference between the two, and knowing the difference may just save you from irreparable skin damage.
The main difference between the two – and the most important difference to note when you are considering which treatment to undergo – is the light source used in each. IPL uses a broad spectrum of visible light wavelengths that works more like the beam from a torch, covering broader areas of the skin. Laser Hair Removal uses actual laser technology that targets specific, small, controlled areas of skin, significantly reducing the risk of skin damage.
Even though both are long-term procedures for the removal of unwanted hair, and they do work in similar ways, they are, in fact, two entirely separate technologies. Deciding which technology is best for you is no light decision.
The principle of both Laser Hair Removal and IPL is that light energy is absorbed by areas of high pigment, such as hairs, heating the follicles and causing them enough damage to slow down growth, and in some cases, prevent growth entirely. So if the principle is the same, why is there such a difference in the technologies? We’re so glad you asked! Not every light energy is created equal. They are not the same, and it is this difference that will make all the difference to you and your skin.
IPL
As we have said above, IPL uses a broad spectrum of visible light wavelengths. It is not a laser and cannot be focussed as a concentrated beam which means it cannot be concentrated on a specific area. This results in the light being absorbed at different depths of your skin. The varying wavelengths and broad light span mean there is less control in application.
This specifically affects particular skin types, including all darker skin types. Olive skin through to darker shades are advised to avoid IPL. The general rule is that the darker the skin, the more unsafe IPL is. If you think about it, dark colours naturally absorb more light.
Due to the way that IPL works, it can lead to burns or other negative side effects for darker skin tones. So, in effect, IPL only works relatively safely for lighter colour skin types.
Laser Hair Removal
The laser machines utilised in Laser Hair Removal use concentrated light beams that emit targeted and controlled bursts of light that penetrate small areas, damaging the hair follicles and causing hair growth to slow significantly or, in many cases, stop altogether. These lasers target the follicles precisely causing less damage to surrounding skin and tissue. Also, laser machines use different light colours to target different types of skin and hairs. This means that darker skin tones can be safely treated with a certain laser type.
Laser Hair Removal treatments are more concentrated so long-term results are more effective than IPL. The laser can focus light deeper into the pores of the skin, getting closer to treat the follicle and reduce hair growth. The specific nature also means that darker skin tones can be treated safely as less skin is exposed to the light energy, reducing the risk of damage. Given the power of laser, fewer treatments may be required, making laser hair removal more cost effective in the long term.
The laser technology we use at The Cornwall Skin Clinic is industry-leading and our technicians are highly trained professionals who have gone through rigorous instruction to ensure all our clients are treated with the utmost safety and comfort. Every laser technician on our team holds an NVQ level 4 laser certificate from a Registered Training Organisation and has been through a practical assessment. We only use medical-grade lasers. We adhere to strict laser training and protocols to provide maximum benefits and safety to our clients.
Our treatments are fast, effective, and affordable.
We use only the best and latest laser technology which means we can treat almost all skin types and hair colours (with the exception of white, grey, pale red and blonde) plus all areas of your face and body to help reduce unwanted hair.
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book your Laser Hair Removal treatments at The Cornwall Skin Clinic. Book Today!
