How does Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatment work?
Permanent hair reduction using Intense Pulsed Light works on the principle of exposing the area where hair reduction is desired to a series of very short pulses of concentrated light. The energy is converted to heat in the hair and base of the hair follicle, which stops the process of hair growth.
Preparation for IPL treatment
The first step is a health interview where a trained practitioner will ensure that there is no reason you should not be able to have a safe course of treatment.
The area to be treated is then shaved if the hair is not at the optimal hair length (1-2mm) for the treatment. It is then cleaned and a special ‘conducting’ gel applied to the area which will be exposed to the light pulses.
Intense Pulsed Light treatment
Very short bursts of broad spectrum light are applied to the treatment area and passes through the skin. The energy of the light is absorbed by areas where melanin is concentrated, in hair and the bulb at the root of the hair shaft. The light energy converts into heat energy. This heat damages the hair-producing capability of the hair follicle.
The very short, high-intensity bursts of light used in Intense Pulsed Light treatment mean that the effect on the skin surrounding the hair is minimised. Most of our customers evaluate the discomfort level of the treatment as being significantly less than other hair removal methods such as waxing or plucking.
Why is it selective?
Intense Pulsed Light is a permanent hair reduction technique based on light and the principle of selective photothermolysis. The hair absorbs the light, which is then converted into heat. The light energy heats the hair follicle and inhibits its growth mechanisms. The hair follicle has more melanin than other tissues, and therefore the light is absorbed by its pigment, but not by surrounding tissues. This is why this technique is called "selective" photothermolysis.