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years and is great for treatments such as facial rejuvenation, its use in permanent hair reduction has become somewhat outdated given the advances in laser hair removal technology.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