THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN IPL AND DIODE LASER HAIR REMOVAL
UNDERSTANDING LASER HAIR REMOVAL TECHNOLOGIES
The key principle behind laser hair removal is matching specific wavelengths of light and pulse duration to a specific target, namely the melanin in a hair follicle whilst avoiding the surrounding tissue area. Melanin is the naturally occurring pigment in our skin and hair associated with color.
UNDERSTANDING DIODE LASER HAIR REMOVAL
The key to successful diode laser hair removal is the deliverance of high energy into the skin. The energy is selectively absorbed by the melanin surrounding the hair follicle whilst not impacting the surrounding tissue.
Diode lasers use a single wavelength of light that has a high abruption rate in melanin. As the melanin heats up it destroys the root and blood flow to the follicle disabling the hair growth permanently. High quality laser hair removal machines incorporate crystal freeze refrigeration contact cooling (+5ºC) to protect the surface of the skin, making the treatment a comfortable, pain-free experience for patients. Diode lasers deliver high frequency, low fluence pulses and can be safely used on all skin types
UNDERSTANDING IPL LASER HAIR REMOVAL
IPL (intense pulsed light) technology is technically not a laser treatment. It uses a broad spectrum of light with many wavelengths meaning it leads to unfocused energy around the hair and skin area. As a result there is much wastage of energy and less selective absorption in the follicle resulting in less effective destruction of the hair. Using broadband light also increases the potential for side effects such as burns or pigmentation, particularly if integrated cooling is not used. IPLs are typically only suitable for lighter skin types (1-3 on the Fitzpatrick scale) for the most part.
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DIODE LASER HAIR REMOVAL AND IPL?
The treatment methods outlined above mean that, typically, IPL technology will require more regular and long-term treatments for hair reduction. A diode laser will work more effectively with less patient discomfort (with integrated cooling) while treating more skin and hair types than the IPL.
