When used as hair-removal methods, both lasers and intense pulsed light (Ipl Hair Removal) use light to heat hair follicles and prevent regrowth. While similar-sounding, the technology used by each really isn’t, with the key difference being the light source used.
To help you identify which hair-removal method is right for you, Lucy Xu, skin specialist and founder of London Premier Laser and Skin Clinics, and Dr Salinda Johnston of Candela Medical, explain what you need to know about both treatments.
Unlike laser treatments, which emit a specific wavelength, IPL works like a flash-lamp, sending out scattered wavelengths of light, making IPL very targeted. It’s now generally accepted that IPL is a good workhorse for treating blood vessels, but not a very good one for hair removal.
How long does it take for IPL Photofacial treatments to work? You will see some improvement about a week out of each treatment. The maximum results will be visible 3-5 months out if you do a series of treatments about 1 month apart each.
For IPL to be effective, the hair needs to be present in the hair follicle. Shaving is the best method between sessions and is recommended immediately prior to treatment. However depilatory creams may be used, but you need to leave a week or two beforeand after an IPL treatment.