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Laser Hair Removal vs IPL
Do you have unwanted hair? Are you tired of waxing? Are you looking for longer-lasting results? If you answered yes to any of those questions, you may know about IPL and Laser hair removal. The world of cosmetics ranges from creams and serums to hair removal and everything in between. In today’s world, hair in the wrong places isn’t exactly the most desirable thing. In an industry so full with propaganda, false claims, and abundant technology and techniques to choose from, how do you know which one to go with? IPL and laser hair removal essentially accomplish the same thing but use two very different methods to get there. So which one is better? Your trusted Vancouver Skin Care Centre brings you comparison of these two methods.
Laser hair removal
Laser hair removal was performed experimentally for approximately 20 years before becoming commercially available in the mid 1990’s. Laser hair removal is defined as the process of removing unwanted hair by exposing hair follicles to pulses of laser light. Laser machines produce a single wavelength of light, which has a very concentrated beam and specific target. The type and colour of you hair decides the tuning settings of the machine. Laser hair removal targets only the hair follicle instead of the pigment surrounding the follicle. Yaletown Laser Centre offers the most advanced laser hair removal in Vancouver, BC.
IPL hair removal
A common misperception is that IPL and lasers are the same. IPL is an Intense Pulse Light that treats the relevant area using a full spectrum of light with varied, scattered wavelengths. IPL can release light over a wide wavelength dissimilar to lasers, which can only deliver one specific wavelength. Wavelengths are important because they are absorbed by different colours and the colour of the hair follicle is the target. IPL works by sending intense light energy into the hair follicles. Once the light is absorbed in the hair follicle, the light is converted to heat and eliminates the follicle. IPL was originally designed to treat various skin conditions but hair loss was discovered as a side effect. Light skin and dark hair is the ideal target for IPL because it targets brown pigment. Patients with darker skin are much more at risk of possible skin damage such as burns, hyperpigmentation, etc.. Because of lack of pigment, IPL does not treat light hair well.
So which is better?
Simply put, laser hair removal is more effective than IPL and here is why:
- Laser technology achieves substantially better results than IPL. 90% of patients have permanent hair loss after 3-5 sessions with laser.
- Lasers are more precise and can selectively target dark, coarse hairs while leaving the surrounding skin undamaged.
- Far less risk of side effects such as skin damage compared to IPL
- Each laser pulse takes a fraction of a second and can be used to treat larger body areas
- Laser machines can be set to suit specific skin and hair colours
- Lasers are safe for all skin colours while IPL can be dangerous for darker skin tones
So which one do you choose?
It may simply come down to which one you can afford. If you are a suitable patient for IPL and you can’t afford laser treatment, then IPL would be a good choice for you. However, if you can afford laser, go for it and achieve the long lasting results and smooth skin you have always dreamed of!
Consultations Available Now
Take the first step. Get your questions answered and find out which treatment option is best for your personal situation by meeting with one of our knowledgeable medical staff at Yaletown Laser Centre for an in-person consultation.
Simply fill out the form on this page, and one of our experienced team members will reach out to you promptly to schedule your consultation.
