The Difference Between IPL & Laser Hair Removal

People who have learned about hair removal machine may have heard of IPL and laser hair removal.Laser Hair Removal and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) are both light-based hair removal treatments and they are often mistaken for each other, but there is a definite difference between the two.

The Key Difference Between IPL and Laser Hair Removal Treatment:

The main difference between the two – and the most important difference to note when you are considering which treatment to undergo – is the light source used in each. IPL uses a broad spectrum of visible light wavelengths that works more like the beam from a torch, covering broader areas of the skin. Laser Hair Removal uses actual laser technology that targets specific, small, controlled areas of skin, significantly reducing the risk of skin damage.

IPL（Intense Pulsed Light）

IPL uses a broad spectrum of visible light wavelengths. It is not a laser and cannot be focused as a concentrated beam – meaning, it cannot be focused on a concentrated area. Because of this, the light is absorbed in different depths of your skin. The varying wavelengths and broad light span mean less control in application.

This specifically affects particular skin types, including all darker skin types. Olive skin through to darker shades is advised to avoid IPL. The general rule is that the darker the skin is, the more unsafe IPL is. If you think about it, dark colors naturally absorb more light. Because of the way IPL works, this can lead to burns or other negative side effects for darker skin tones. So, in effect, IPL really only works relatively safely for lighter color skin types.

Laser Hair Removal

The laser machines utilized in Laser Hair Removal use concentrated light beams that emit targeted and controlled bursts of light that penetrate small areas, damaging the hair follicles and causing hair growth to slow significantly or, in many cases, stop altogether. These lasers target the follicles precisely causing less damage to surrounding skin and tissue. Also, laser machines use different light colors to target different types of skin and hair. This means that darker skin tones can be safely treated with a certain laser type.

Laser Hair Removal treatments are more concentrated so long-term results are more effective than IPL. The nature of the laser is that they can focus light deeper into the pores of the skin, getting closer to treating the follicle and preventing hair growth. The specific nature also means that darker skin tones can be treated safely as less skin is exposed to light energy, reducing the risk of damage. Because of the power of the laser, fewer treatments may be required, making Laser Hair Removal more cost-effective in the long term.

Summary

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. If you have an interest in an IPL removal machine or laser hair removal machine, maybe you can think about products from our Newangie group, we guarantee to provide you with services that satisfy you.