Hair Removal: Laser Treatments Vs Intense Pulse Light Procedures

Posted on 19 Mar, 2011

For complete and permanent hair removal, laser and intense pulse light procedures have proven to be effective methods of getting rid of undesirable hair from the body. In certain countries such as United States of America, these procedures require the approval of government bodies to qualify its effectiveness. The United States Food and Administration has been given the right to decide whether a particular laser hair removal product can bring about “permanent removal” or “permanent reduction” of hair.

Similarities

In both treatments, light is applied as an energy source to tear down the hair follicle. In this process, a pigment that is known as melanin takes in the heat from the laser or intense pulse light instrument to increase the temperature within the hair follicle up to 70 degrees centigrade. This destroys the hair follicle and puts an end to further hair growth. The dangers involved in these procedures are smarting on the skin that is caused from the absorption of the heat particles by melanin.

Differences

Laser hair removal diverges from intense pulsed light systems in various ways such as the treatment zone, the number of visitations and the quickness of the healing. Most IPL (intense pulse light) devices have a larger head than its laser counterpart, therefore enabling a swifter completion of the hair removal procedure. The intense pulse light method has the force of a set of lasers which produces concentrated light for a limited period of time. Thus, the IPL hair removal procedure can be undergone in a single sitting, making it a better option.

These procedures are undertaken with proper consideration because of the hazards to one’s skin. For instance, laser hair removal treatment clinics that are based in London and other parts of the United Kingdom are needed to enlist with the Health Care Commission prior to offering laser and IPL treatments.