What is Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)?

An Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) system uses a special computer – controlled xenon light to create a high intensity broad spectrum light. Essentially doing the same job as a laser but with much more versatility. By changing the filter we can treat a range of skin conditions and hair problems while reducing the side effects.

A single system with a set of filters can be used to treat all eligible conditions, for example the treatment of small spider veins, redness facial flushing, pigmentation, age spots, fine wrinkles and hair reduction (just to name a few).

IPL Hair Removal

We use IPL as a treatment for hair removal – IPL is a safe, effective and non-invasive method which gently removes undesired hair from all parts of the body.

The intense pulsed light is absorbed by hair follicles heating them up, as a result the hair follicles are damaged and the damage results in epilation.

The number of treatments required depends on the area being treated, skin type and hair colour. In addition, the intense pulsed light only works on hair follicles which are actively growing at the time of the treatment. Further courses of treatment may be needed before the area is fully cleared of hair. If hormonal changes cause hair re-growth, or if hair follicles which lay dormant at the time of the course of treatment become active they may grow new hair.

IPL Skin Treatments

Photo-Rejuvenation

Photo-rejuvenation is a new procedure is and is regarded as one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in Europe and the US.  The key reason for this is that IPL does not burn off the top layer of the skin (as opposed to laser), which means no or little downtime as well as lower risk of side effects and complications. IPL is the treatment of choice as it offers a safe, non-invasive solution that can be tailored to an individual’s condition and skin type.

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) technology is tailored to correct a variety of benign skin conditions:

Age spots

Freckles and flat pigmented birth marks

Sun damaged skin

Fine wrinkles

Pigmentation

Small spider veins

Redness
Facial flushing

Rosacea

Angiomas (vascular birth marks)

Acne Treatment

Acne is a common skin condition that affects hair follicles and the sebaceous glands in the skin. These glands make an oily substance called sebum that keeps the skin smooth and supple. Acne is caused when the sebaceous glands are overactive and secrete excessive amounts of oil.

Although there is no existing cure for acne, there are a range of treatments that can help tackle the problem.  IPL is widely recognised as a treatment that can prevent new spots forming, improve those already present and result in the prevention of scarring.  This revolutionary treatment presents an easy, quick and effective suppression of acne without the problems associated with daily medical therapies.

Frequently asked questions

What is Intense Pulse Light?

This incredible new therapy is based on emitting high intensity pulses of light to penetrate the skin to perform such treatments as Hair Removal and Photo Rejuvenation.

How does IPL remove hair?

The Intense Light penetrates the skin and is absorbed by the Melanin in the hair.  This absorption treats the hair with the heat being transported to the nourishment structure of the hair (follicle).  This is heated to 70 centigrade for a millisecond thus destroying the follicle.  Hundreds of follicles are destroyed by each flash and the hairs then fall out in 1-2 weeks.

Can all types of hair be treated?

The result is better with darker hair this is due to the richer melanin content.  White and red hairs can not be removed using this method.

How does Pulsed Light act in Photo Rejuvenation?

IPL penetrates the skin and is then attracted by one of the chromospheres and coloured particles. Light absorption causes the temperature to rise to such a degree that it will stimulate, destroy the target or adjacent tissue.

Blemishes are removed or attenuated, the skin once more having a younger and more toned aspect, with lines and wrinkles being softened or virtually disappearing.

Can all skins be treated with Photo-Rejuvenation?

Since all skins contain melanin, it is important that the skin is not too dark.

Is IPL treatment painful?

The sensation of pain is extremely variable from one individual to another. It depends on the concentration of melanin in the skin, hair size and hair density. This is why darker the skin, the greater the sensation. It should be noted that a sensation of pricking may persist for 1-2 weeks after a session.

Are there any secondary effects?

In certain cases there may be redness in the treated area, local oedema or perifollicular papullae (goose bumps).  These effects will disappear several hours after the treatment, however in the majority of cases; there are no visible secondary effects.

How do we know if sufficient treatment has been given?

Hair Removal: in the majority of cases, there is no immediate visible effect.  It is possible, immediately after treatment to pull a hair using tweezers.  If it can be removed without pulling on the skin this is proof of a good result.  Also if per-follicular papullae or redness appears around the hair follicle, this also indicated the treatment has been successful.

 

Skin Rejuvenation: in certain cases, results are immediately visible; in others results will only begin to appear after a few hours and will only really become visible after approximately 10 days.  Sometimes results are only visible after multiple sessions (3 or 4), but the client can tell that their skin texture and tone have improved.

How many sessions are necessary?

Hair Removal: it is estimated that around 20% of hairs are in their growth phase at any one time.  Normally 6 sessions should be recommended however this may alter.  (21 days apart)

 

Skin Rejuvenation: the number of sessions depends on the nature of the lesions and their size.  However it is generally accepted that an average of 6 sessions gives a good result.