Intense Pulsed Light

Posted on 15 Nov, 2011

IPL is used for a variety of treatments, from laser hair removal to pigmentation or tattoo removal. But have you ever wondered how it actually works?

IPL uses a technology that can produce extremely high intensity light for very short periods of time (hence the name Intense Pulsed Light).

In the case of laser hair removal, the light travels through the skin’s surface when applied and is absorbed by the melanin contained within the hair. The highest concentration of melanin is found within the bulb of the hair, and as the light energy is converted to heat energy, much of the hair shaft and follicle is destroyed.

The advantage of this technology is that it can be applied to almost any area of the body that requires treatment. The pulses of light are so short in duration that the surrounding dermal tissue is undamaged.
Some discomfort may be experienced during the treatment, but this subsides quickly, and the procedure is non-invasive.

IPL is valued for its use in treating multiple conditions. As well as removing unwanted hair, IPL is also very effective at reducing the redness associated with rosacea, thread veins, superficial signs of ageing and pigmentation problems.