IPL™ stands for “intense pulsed light”. It is a light therapy and not a traditional laser therapy. It is different to laser in that it uses a spectrum of multiple wavelengths of light energy and thus can target, heat destroy, and stimulate a number of different skin structures at the same time. Therefore, as long as the IPL™ has the necessary power output, the correct light filters, efficient surface skin cooling, and a wide pulse-width, it is able to permanently destroy hair follicles as well as treating skin pigmentation, regenerating collagen, and treating blood vessel destruction. Our goal is to ensure you receive the best technology available to date. We frequently evaluate what are the safest and most effective treatments available. IPL™ treatments can also result in improvement of fine wrinkles. The result is a smoother, youthful, vital and less blemished-looking skin.

IPL™ Hair removal

All areas of the face and body can be treated with IPL™. It is fantastic for both men and women. All skin types and hair colours can be treated using IPL™ but the lighter the skin colour and the darker the hair colour, the more permanent hair follicle destruction is possible. This is because IPL™ targets the increased concentration of melanin pigment deep down in the base of the hair follicle, more than just the hair shaft. The darker the hair root, the more melanin is there, meaning that more heat-thermal energy is delivered by the IPL™, resulting in permanent destruction. A darker skin colour means that there is more melanin in the superficial layers of the skin and this same melanin absorbs a lot of the energy of the IPL™, meaning that some of the energy going to heat destroy the hair is blocked by the skin. Lighter hair on darker skin can be treated but more sessions will be required.

How does the hair get removed by IPL™?

Via the flash light light pulses are guided to the hair follicles, via the pigment (melanine) in the hair. Because the light reaches a temperature of 70 degrees Celcius, with every flash hundreds of hair follicles are destroyed. Because these follicles do not recover, the hair is removed definitely. Every hair has growth and rest phases. Only hair in the growth phase can be destroyed. Sometimes the hair is in a rest phase, and that is why several treatments are necessary. A part of the hair shall in a next treatment be in a growth phase and can be destroyed. So the hair is definitely removed after a number of treatments.

There are three phases of hair growth, and it is during the active growing phase that there is enough melanin in the hair bulb to permanently destroy the hair follicle. Therefore, only about a third of the hair follicles are ever in the active growing phase at any one time and thus able to be targeted by IPL™. This is why multiple treatments are required. A minimum of three to five treatments are required. Darker skin colour and lighter coloured hair will require more treatments, as there is less melanin in the hair roots and the machine cannot be operated at full capacity. Having said that, long term hair reduction or removal is available for everyone.

We recommend:

to refrain from depilation of upper lip or chin prior to the treatment
to refrain from sunbathing (seaside or solarium) at least 2 weeks before and after the treatment
to shave the hair (not using epilator, cream or wax) at least 1 month prior to treatment and between the follow-ups