IPL is NOT a Laser - The Important Differences

We are often asked by people what the difference is between IPL and diode laser hair removal. It is a common misconception that they are essentially the same thing, but this is simply not the case. This is not helped by some practitioners telling their clients that they use a laser, when it is in fact IPL!

Although IPL has been used for years and is great for treatments such as facial rejuvenation, its use in permanent hair reduction has become somewhat outdated given the advances in laser hair removal technology.

The technical differences are simplified as follows:

1. During the hair removal process, the melanin of the hair absorbs the energy from light that is transmitted by the hair removal device (laser or IPL) and transforms it into heat in order to eliminate the cells responsible for hair growth.
2. Diode laser only emits one pure red light that is absorbed by the melanin of the hair. This pure red colour results in the optimum energy absorption by the melanin in order to transform it into heat to eliminate the hair growth cells efficiently and safely.
3. IPL, which is not a laser, emits a spectrum of lights combining different colours. Only the red light in this spectrum is absorbed by the melanin, meaning all the other energy is wasted and unnecessarily absorbed by the skin.

Essentially, the “scatter gun” approach of IPL is more inefficient and results in the need for significantly more sessions (usually over double). In addition, many hair growth cells fail to be completely destroyed, meaning a lot of hair will eventually grow back. There can also be more risks and pain associated with IPL treatments as the skin unnecessarily absorbs energy.

So protect your skin and save yourself money in the long run by choosing a clinic that offers high quality laser hair removal technology.

Unwanted facial hair

Women are incredibly distressed when they discover hair growth in places they have not experienced before. The facial area is the most common area for this issue. Facial hair in women is usually hormonally driven and can be caused by factors such as genetics, body changes such as menopause and certain drugs. Drugs that can cause unwanted facial hair include insulin, birth control pills and chemotherapy. 

Women of all ages, from teenagers through to seventy year olds, experience this. Many of our clients think they are the only woman getting treatment for facial hair, however it is one of our most common treatments!

Facial hair can really affect a woman’s confidence, and they often feel that it is a constant battle that needs to be fought with bleaching, plucking, waxing, electrolysis, shaving and threading.

However help is at hand.

Laser hair removal is being chosen by more and more women as an alternative to the skin irritation, scarring, messiness, re-growth, and inconvenience associated with older methods of hair removal. As laser technology has become more advanced, it has also become more available and more affordable. It can leave your skin feeling smoother, and the results last for much longer than other alternatives, with many people achieving permanent results.

Laser hair removal has also been shown to help women who have genuine anxiety, depression, or just plain frustration about their hair.

Tighten your skin post baby or weight loss without surgery

Do you have excess or loose skin as a result of pregnancy or weight loss?

Have you been hiding this skin under clothing, thinking there is no solution?

Well help is at hand and you do not need surgery. 

Radiofrequency is a safe technology that is used to treat skin laxity by tightening. A handpiece is rotated over the target area transmitting radio waves through the upper layers of the skin to the dermis, heating the dermis to between 39-43 degrees Celsius without burning the skin surface. Over a series of treatments, your skin will lift and tighten, and will continue to improve its appearance 3-6 months post treatments as new collagen production is stimulated.

The benefits of radiofrequency are:

1. Tissue Retraction:

The generated heat causes local contraction of the collagen fibres, to immediately tighten the skin.

2. New collagen formation:

By heating the dermis, new collagen production is stimulated.

3. Improved circulation:

RF will also improve the blood and lymphatic flow. This helps with a better oxygen supply and greater toxin clearance to further reduce the effects of ageing and loose skin.

The treatment is not painful, is non-invasive and has no downtime. Most people will need around 8 treatments for optimal results, although this can vary depending on individuals. Treatments are usually done weekly.

Most people are safe to have the treatments and a trained therapist will be able to assess your suitability.

Radiofrequency is also used on facial and neck areas to reduce wrinkles and lift and tighten skin.

Our clients have been so happy with the results - here are some great results we have seen in our clients on the tummy area:

Post Laser Hair Removal Tips

So you have made the great move to have beautiful, smooth, hair free skin. After your treatment, your experienced therapist should give you some aftercare instructions, which are simple to follow and will ensure you get the best out of your treatments. These include:

1.       No plucking, tweezing or waxing between treatments

This disrupts the hair growth cycle and will mean that the follicles remaining will not be in an ideal state for the next treatment (meaning you will probably need more treatments). The targeted hair will naturally dislodge from the follicle in 2-3 weeks after treatment. Shaving and cutting the hair is acceptable.

2.       No fake tan or solariums

Wait at least 1 week before applying fake tan and at least 2 weeks before using a solarium. This will allow the skin to settle and inflammation to disappear. Laser Aid needs to be used post treatment and you cannot apply fake tan over moisturiser.

3.       Apply Laser Aid and SPF 50+

Apply Laser Aid, which is a natural cortisone cream, for a minimum of twice a day for 3-5 days post treatment. This will ensure that the excess heat from the laser is drawn out from the skin and provides antibacterial support for the treated area. Also apply a broad spectrum SPF 50+ at least daily on any areas of exposed skin. No direct sun exposure to the treated area for 2 weeks as laser treatments can cause the skin to be more photosensitive and be more susceptible to sunburn.

4.       Wear loose clothing and no vigorous exercise, saunas or swimming for 48 hours

This will help minimise irritation to the skin. Hot showers should also be avoided for 24 hours. Non-irritating and non-occlusive make up may be worn – mineral make up is preferable.

Tips for pre-diode laser hair removal

Having smooth, beautiful, hair-free skin is something most women and many men long for. Laser hair removal is a great way to achieve this goal. In order to achieve optimal results, here are our top tips to prepare for your first session:

1.       Shave 12-24 hours before each treatment

·       Get rid of all hair that you wish to target, right down to the level of the skin. This will ensure that the hair follicle absorbs the laser energy down to the root, as well as protect the skin.

2.       Avoid sun exposure

·       Avoid sun exposure for at least 1 week prior to treatment. Even in winter months, make sure the areas you wish to treat are either covered from the sun or use SPF 50+ sunscreen.  The closer your skin is to its natural colour (i.e. without tanning), the better the result. Do not use solariums for at least 2 weeks prior to treatment.

3.       Avoid fake tan

·       Stop using fake tan 2 weeks prior to treatment.

4.       Stop plucking that hair

·       Laser hair removal works by targeting the cells responsible for hair growth, which are connected to the root in the hair – so stop waxing, plucking and tweezing a few weeks before treatment – as long as it takes for your hair to grow back.

5.       No skin or cosmetic treatments

·       No peels, skin treatments, dermal fillers or Botox 2 weeks prior to treatment (relevant only to the areas being lasered).

So there you have it – some simple tips to help you achieve the best results and be on your way to being hair free!

 

 

Get your Vitamin C on

Skins affected by excessive free radical damage display wrinkles, pigmentation, decreased elasticity and firmness. Some of the causes of free radical damage in the human body are sun damage, smoking, dietary choices, stress and pollution.

Whilst much of this damage cannot be avoided, it can be minimised. L-Ascorbic Acid, commonly referred to as Vitamin C, is a powerful antioxidant and is recognised for its ability to protect against free radical damage. It is essential for the synthesis of collagen which in turn significantly improves skin texture, fine lines, wrinkles, skin laxity and decrease sallowness. It is known to have anti-inflammatory properties by acting as an antihistamine thus can be used to treat a variety of inflammatory skin conditions. It is also useful in wound healing of all types. From cuts, burns and recovery from surgical wounds, Vitamin C helps the skin to heal better.

Vitamin C significantly improves skin clarity and has skin brightening properties and is used in the treatment and maintenance of several pigmentation disorders such as Melasma, post inflammatory hyper pigmentation and general prevention of unwanted discolouration.

Have look at what happens when you cut an apple in half and sprinkle one side with Vitamin C:

 

Vitamin C used singularly in a formulation often has its abilities questioned because of its reaction and degeneration with water. Ascorbic or L-Ascorbic Acid can fast turn into a pro-oxidant or free radical within 3-4 hours when mixed in a water based serum or solution causing the formulation to eventually turn brown. Instability of Vitamin C limits the forms in which it can be used to achieve effective results, thus Skinstitut’s L-Ascorbic Acid is in pure powder form and does not suffer from the above mentioned limitations, providing the most effective and stable form available on the market.

Just a rice grain amount of Skinstitut’s L-Ascorbic Acid mixed with your favourite serum, moisturiser or sunscreen will have you well on your way to achieving a healthy, radiant and youthful glow - so get your Vitamin C on!

Vitamin C 

• Protects against free radical damage
• Helps reduce UV damage
• Anti-inflammatory
• Assists with collagen production and skin firmness
• Improves skin colour, radiance and tone

 Source: Uniquelaser and Skinstitut