IPL and Laser: The Similarities and Differences
Laser and IPL are two treatments commonly used in the beauty industry. Sometimes the names are used interchangeably for permanent hair removal; however, the technology is not exactly the same. Both treatments are most well known for their hair removal and skin-enhancing capabilities… So which would best benefit you?
Getting back to basics, both laser and IPL are forms of light treatment that target pigment – whether that be hair or on the skin or hyperpigmentation. “Laser and intense pulsed light (IPL) treatments for hair removal depend on the presence of melanin in the hair shaft.” – Laser and IPL Technology in Dermatology and Aesthetic Medicine. For those tossing between the two treatment types, GC Skin Boutique provides a detailed explanation of both laser hair removal methods and weighs up the benefits of each.
IPL Explained
The full name ‘Intense pulsed light’ gives an explanation of how the treatment works. The device produces scattered light in pulses with varying wavelengths to target pigment. IPL extends its uses beyond hair removal as it is broadly used to treat conditions such as;
Age spots,
Birthmarks,
Sun damage,
Freckles,
Varicose veins,
Broken blood vessels; and,
Rosacea
IPL was first conducted in a study in 1997, where a side effect of the treatment was found to be hair loss. More technically, “IPL penetrates down to the second layer of your skin (dermis) without harming the top layer (epidermis), so it causes less damage to your skin.” – Stephanie Watson and Cynthia Cobb, Healthline. In the sense of hair removal, light skin and dark hair are optimal for this form of light therapy.
The way that IPL works is also the way in which it differentiates from laser hair removal. Unlike laser, IPL emits light at multiple wavelengths (between 500 and 1,200 nanometres) that scatter within the skin. Laser, as you can guess, emits light at only one wavelength. When light is emitted from the device, it is absorbed by dark pigments (any dark pigment within the skin) and reflected by light pigments (skin). As laser specialist and owner of GC Skin Boutique, Gabrielle explains, “laser works the same way that wearing a black t-shirt would attract and absorb heat from the sun, whereas a white t-shirt would reflect it. The light from the laser gets absorbed easier by darker pigment in hair which then turns to heat and stops the growth of the hair”.
“It works in the same way black clothing absorbs heat on a hot day, versus white clothing which reflects it. The light is absorbed by the pigment in the hair. It quickly turns to heat which then kills the growing cells that make the hair.”
While IPL and laser work to greatly reduce hair growth permanently, there’ll always be some stray hairs left over. This is because IPL and laser are only effective on living hair. You know when you pull a strand out and it has that jelly bulb around the end of it? That’s a living hair. Hairs that don’t contain this are dead hairs – these can stay in your skin for up to three weeks. This is why, for best results, most specialists recommend 12 treatments to permanently reduce as much hair growth as possible. This catches the maximum amount of hairs in their living cycle.
Why IPL Hair Removal Would Benefit You
When it comes to hair removal, IPL is the less effective method, compared to laser treatments. This is because the light emitted is more diffused and less powerful. This light is produced by a lamp that resembles a little light bulb, and this lamp produces a variety of light waves. Overall, fairer skin types with dark hair will see the best results from IPL – and due to its range of light waves, IPL is extremely targeted on the right skin type.
Another consideration is pain tolerance. As laser emits light at one specific wavelength to target dark pigment, it is considerably less painful. In fact, most people describe the sensation as being “flicked with a hot rubber band” – it’s a mild discomfort that is easily tolerated. On the other hand, as IPL sends hundreds of wavelengths in each pulse of lights, this can cause more discomfort. Also, these might only serve to heat up the skin without having any effect on inhibiting hair growth.
Overall, IPL is a powerhouse technology for a range of other skin conditions; however, hair removal is not its most effective use. In the end, it’s your decision whether you choose this permanent hair removal solution or laser. Often, IPL can be more affordable than laser hair removal, so your budget also comes into the equation. If you are considering IPL for hair removal, take these precautions before and after your treatment.
Before Your Treatment
Trim or shave before and in between treatments to prep skin for treatment. Do not wax or pluck hair. Generally, hairs need to be surface length to effectively heat and disrupt the follicle.
Avoid tanning – including self-tanning – before a treatment. After self-tanning or sun exposure, you should avoid laser or IPL treatments for four weeks or else you might risk burns and scarring.
Avoid treatment if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Both IPL and laser are generally not advisable during this time.
Avoid treatment if you have red, blonde, white, or grey hair. Unfortunately, it's a myth that laser technology can target this hair.
Avoid treatment if you are on certain medications that can make skin more sensitive to light exposure. Certain antibiotics and antidepressants will cause hypersensitive skin that burns more readily.
After Your Treatment
Use an Aloe Vera lotion or gel to soothe red, irritated skin.
Avoid using make up, scented lotions or creams, and exfoliants on treated skin until irritation subsides.
Avoid excessive sweating or going into swimming pools or spas while skin is healing within the first five days – this is to limit exposure to bacteria.
Avoid sun exposure for the first few days (and generally between treatments). Always wear SPF 30+ sunscreen on the treated areas.
Other Treatments Using IPL
While hair removal might be an accidental result of IPL, this treatment is, however, very effective in treating a range of skin conditions such as rosacea, thread veins, hyperpigmentation, acne, and sun damage. Due to the broad scope of the light, IPL works to target overall blood vessels and pigmentation in the skin.
Laser Explained
Laser is a single, focused, beam of light that penetrates the skin for more direct and effective hair removal. The sessions themselves can be longer due to the smaller sections targeted by the device.
Unlike IPL hair removal, laser is a long wavelength. Explained in the Laser and IPL Technology in Dermatology and Aesthetic Medicine book, “Longer wavelengths are safer for darker-skinned individuals”. This is due to the longer laser beam surpassing the pigment present in the skin, focusing more on the colour of the follicle that runs deeper.
During a laser hair removal session, the specialist sets the machine at the precise wavelength (measured in nanometres) needed to target the hair follicle. For example, for clients with brown hair, the laser is set to around 800 nanometres, as we know this wavelength zaps brown hair.
Much like IPL, for maximum results you should book in for 12 treatments, with most treatments spread out over 4-8 weeks.
Why Laser Hair Removal Would Benefit You
If your goal is permanently reduced hair growth then laser hair removal is the best treatment for you (unless, unfortunately, your hair type is not suitable). Laser treatments can better target hair follicles and are less painful than IPL treatments. Further, depending on the area treated (and its size), laser can be quite affordable.
At GC Skin Boutique, we use a ‘Diode Laser’ which is valued because it is suitable on all pigmented hair and skin types, even on darker complexions. Our clients have even revealed that when deciding on which clinic to go to, having a Diode Laser available at the GC Skin Boutique was a huge selling point for them. The Diode laser we have uses premium technology that reduces the risk of hyperpigmentation and includes a sapphire touch cooling system to make the treatment more comfortable.
Before and After Treatments
The prep and aftercare involved in laser hair removal are much like that for IPL treatments. Generally, avoid sun exposure and treat skin with a cooling and soothing Aloe lotion. Following the treatment (after approximately 2-3 weeks), you will see dead hair shedding from the treated areas. For skin that is prone to ingrown hairs, it is recommended that you assist this process with exfoliation – an exfoliation mit works best.
Differences between the two?
IPL is generally a milder treatment that covers a larger area of skin. Laser is more intense and targets areas for specific results.
IPL takes longer to achieve the same results and cannot be performed on darker skin tones; laser, however, gives faster results and can be used to some degree on darker skin. The risk of burning and other side effects is less when using laser on darker skin, meaning it is a more flexible option than IPL for darker skin.
IPL provides more variety in treatments that can be used for conditions and uses other than hair removal.
IPL is a cheaper option in comparison to laser in regards to hair removal, however, less effective.
Other Laser Treatments
Due to its ability to target dark pigment, laser technology has been effectively used for tattoo removal and pigmentation correction. On top of that, as lasers are highly adjustable, they can be used generally to enhance the skin with skin rejuvenation. Overall, there are many ways we reap the rewards of laser.
Ultimately, it is your decision what you choose; however, if you do opt for laser hair removal, trust GC Skin Boutique’s expert team to help you reach your silky, smooth skin goals. If it is IPL treatments to treat discolouration or a range of other skin conditions, give us a call! A GC Skin Boutique specialist can evaluate your skin prior to treatment. Contact us to make an appointment today on (07) 5599 1528.
GC Skin Boutique is Coolangatta’s top skin, laser, and beauty clinic. Providing a range of services, from dermal filler to laser rejuvenation, GC Skin Boutique aims to improve the overall health of the skin to help you look your best. Book an appointment today or contact us for more information.