Posts Tagged ‘hair reduction’

One of the common questions and misconceptions associated with laser hair removal is the difference between laser and IPL (Intense Light Therapy). Many people are unaware that there is a difference, few understand how each works and the dangers associated.

IPL was originally created as flash lamps to treat other skin conditions (such as skin rejuvenation and thread vein treatment) and doctors and patients observed hair loss as a result. Therapeutic lasers were specifically developed to deliver premium hair reduction results.

SPL is another recently released hair removal technique and stands for Square Pulsed Light – it’s from the same family of devices as IPL or Intense Pulsed Light, but an SPL pulse lasts a fraction of a second longer. The light wavelength isn’t as intense, meaning it does the same job but your skin is less likely to be overheated and results may take longer.

In theory, laser hair removal , IPL and SPL all work in very much the same way. Both emit light to target the melanin (or colour) within the hair and kill the follicle. What characterizes laser and IPL is the light source and how it is distributed.

Lasers are single wavelength devices, meaning that the light source is focused and can target individual hairs. IPL on the other hand, emits a spectrum of various wavelengths meaning that the light source is scattered and not as targeted. Unlike authentic lasers, IPL is unable to use what is known as ‘selective photothermolysis’ (precise rapid heating of a select structure and surrounding areas ).

So, what does this mean for you? The spectrum of wavelengths emitted by IPL & SPL means many clients are needlessly exposed to unnecessary and or/ineffective radiation compared with the single wavelength from laser hair removal.

IPL hair reduction, unlike laser hair removal may cause skin damage of burning and scarring if not handled by a professional who knows what they are doing. As IPL nor SPL are not pin point accurate, the margin for error is much higher. Many also see inferior results and higher levels of regrowth from IPL as compared to laser hair removal.

The levels of pain experienced when undergoing laser hair removal, IPL or SPL are all very similar. The feeling is described as similar to being flicked by a hot rubber band. However, Candela lasers (used in most reputable clinics) features a dynamic cooling device in each machine to maximise client safety and comfort.

As laser hair removal IPL and SPL all target the hairs melanin, none are effective at treating grey, red or blonde hair. In the past, only IPL was successful at treating a range of skin types. This is no longer the case; laser hair removal now uses a range of lasers to treat the full spectrum of skin types.

Including:

 
Alexandrite lasers – Used to treat fair to mid toned skin with medium to course hair
Nd Yag – Used to treat darker types with course dark hair
Diode – Used to treat fair to mid toned skin and can also treat dark fine hair

If you’re looking for a permanent hair reduction solution, chose a reputable organization who use only medical grade lasers, these are specially designed for therapeutic use. Ensure all staff are fully trained to use the machines and the highest hygiene practices are up held.

While it’s acceptable for men to sprout hair all over the place, women are obliged to devote a large part of their lives diligently removing it. Whether it’s plucking, shaving, threading, waxing or trimming, no matter what we do to remove the stuff, it insists on growing back again. Fortunately, there is another more permanent method which enables you to remove unwanted hair forever. It’s called the Boots Smooth Skin laser hair removal system and you can use it in the privacy of your own home.

What is the Boots Smooth Skin hair remover?

The Boots Smooth Skin hair removal system is a small laser machine which is designed for home use. It uses iPulse Hair Reduction Technology and is a mini version of the machines which are used in salons. The machine consists of a base unit and hand held laser which must be connected to mains electricity. It’s only 24cm tall by 18cm wide in size and comes complete with a smart cream colored storage vanity case.

What is IPL?

Intense Pulse Light Therapy (IPL) is an advanced form of light-based beauty therapy which can be used to permanently remove hair. By generating a short, intense pulse of filtered light into the skin, the colored pigments around the hair absorb the light, which disables the hair follicle, preventing further re-growth.

Who can use it?

Unfortunately, the system isn’t suitable for everyone. Because the light pulses work best on dark hair follicles growing from a fair skinned person, this makes it unsuitable for those with very fair, red, grey or white hair. It also rules out those who are dark skinned or with a suntan. However, if you are a light skinned person with blond hair, but have darker hair in places you’d rather not, you could use this system.

Where on the body can it be used?

You can use the iPulse system to remove hair from any part of the body where there is hair growth. However, you are strongly recommended not to use it on areas such as the head or eyebrows, as hair will not grow back! Ideally, it’s best used on the legs, underarms, bikini line and darker facial hair.

How do you use it?

It’s very easy to use. First you must trim or shave any hair you wish to remove, then cover the skin with the special activator gel, which is best stored in the fridge so it’s nice and cold. You should also cover any moles or freckles with something such as a white eye pencil to block the light. After setting it to your skin type, you must wait for the indicator light to let you know it’s

While it’s acceptable for men to sprout hair all over the place, women are obliged to devote a large part of their lives diligently removing it. Whether it’s plucking, shaving, threading, waxing or trimming, no matter what we do to remove the stuff, it insists on growing back again. Fortunately, there is another more permanent method which enables you to remove unwanted hair forever. It’s called the Boots Smooth Skin laser hair removal system and you can use it in the privacy of your own home.

What is the Boots Smooth Skin hair remover?

The Boots Smooth Skin hair removal system is a small laser machine which is designed for home use. It uses iPulse Hair Reduction Technology and is a mini version of the machines which are used in salons. The machine consists of a base unit and hand held laser which must be connected to mains electricity. It’s only 24cm tall by 18cm wide in size and comes complete with a smart cream colored storage vanity case.

What is IPL?

Intense Pulse Light Therapy (IPL) is an advanced form of light-based beauty therapy which can be used to permanently remove hair. By generating a short, intense pulse of filtered light into the skin, the colored pigments around the hair absorb the light, which disables the hair follicle, preventing further re-growth.

Who can use it?

Unfortunately, the system isn’t suitable for everyone. Because the light pulses work best on dark hair follicles growing from a fair skinned person, this makes it unsuitable for those with very fair, red, grey or white hair. It also rules out those who are dark skinned or with a suntan. However, if you are a light skinned person with blond hair, but have darker hair in places you’d rather not, you could use this system.

Where on the body can it be used?

You can use the iPulse system to remove hair from any part of the body where there is hair growth. However, you are strongly recommended not to use it on areas such as the head or eyebrows, as hair will not grow back! Ideally, it’s best used on the legs, underarms, bikini line and darker facial hair.

How do you use it?

It’s very easy to use. First you must trim or shave any hair you wish to remove, then cover the skin with the special activator gel, which is best stored in the fridge so it’s nice and cold. You should also cover any moles or freckles with something such as a white eye pencil to block the light. After setting it to your skin type, you must wait for the indicator light to let you know it’s

While it’s acceptable for men to sprout hair all over the place, women are obliged to devote a large part of their lives diligently removing it. Whether it’s plucking, shaving, threading, waxing or trimming, no matter what we do to remove the stuff, it insists on growing back again. Fortunately, there is another more permanent method which enables you to remove unwanted hair forever. It’s called the Boots Smooth Skin laser hair removal system and you can use it in the privacy of your own home.

What is the Boots Smooth Skin hair remover?

The Boots Smooth Skin hair removal system is a small laser machine which is designed for home use. It uses iPulse Hair Reduction Technology and is a mini version of the machines which are used in salons. The machine consists of a base unit and hand held laser which must be connected to mains electricity. It’s only 24cm tall by 18cm wide in size and comes complete with a smart cream colored storage vanity case.

What is IPL?

Intense Pulse Light Therapy (IPL) is an advanced form of light-based beauty therapy which can be used to permanently remove hair. By generating a short, intense pulse of filtered light into the skin, the colored pigments around the hair absorb the light, which disables the hair follicle, preventing further re-growth.

Who can use it?

Unfortunately, the system isn’t suitable for everyone. Because the light pulses work best on dark hair follicles growing from a fair skinned person, this makes it unsuitable for those with very fair, red, grey or white hair. It also rules out those who are dark skinned or with a suntan. However, if you are a light skinned person with blond hair, but have darker hair in places you’d rather not, you could use this system.

Where on the body can it be used?

You can use the iPulse system to remove hair from any part of the body where there is hair growth. However, you are strongly recommended not to use it on areas such as the head or eyebrows, as hair will not grow back! Ideally, it’s best used on the legs, underarms, bikini line and darker facial hair.

How do you use it?

It’s very easy to use. First you must trim or shave any hair you wish to remove, then cover the skin with the special activator gel, which is best stored in the fridge so it’s nice and cold. You should also cover any moles or freckles with something such as a white eye pencil to block the light. After setting it to your skin type, you must wait for the indicator light to let you know it’s

Laser hair removal is a popular choice of treatment for permanent hair reduction. Before undergoing laser hair removal, it is important to have a thorough consultation and follow the recommendations for pre-treatment preparation and post-treatment care.

WHY IS A FULL CONSULTATION SO IMPORTANT?

An experienced, specialist laser therapist should give you a personalised insight into your laser treatment and should advise you of exactly what you can expect from your laser hair removal treatment. 

This is your opportunity to ask as many questions as you need to ensure that you are both informed and comfortable with your decision to undergo laser hair removal. Be very wary of a rushed consultation.  Consultations should take no less than 20 minutes to ensure a thorough discussion is had between yourself and your therapist.

During your consultation, your therapist will need to ask you questions too, as certain medical conditions and medications or just simple sun exposure could cause complications.  Therapists should take the time to discuss your skin type, hair texture, medical history and also talk about what you should expect from your Laser Hair Removal Treatment before you go ahead.  During this consultation the Therapist should also outline the cost of your treatments and how many treatments you will need for maximum results. 

You should not have to pay for this consultation.

PRE-TREATMENT RECOMMENDATIONS

It is important to ensure that you prepare for your laser hair removal treatment in the best possible way.  The following are some pre-treatment instructions to help you along the way to successful laser hair removal.

- Do not wax, tweeze or pluck within 4 weeks before commencing treatment or at anytime during treatment.

- Shave the area to be treated within 24 hours before your treatment, particularly for Brazilian Laser and where there are larger areas to be treated (such as full legs, back or chest) otherwise treatment may not be possible on the day or an additional charge may be applied should treatment be possible.

- NOTE: Hair removal Cream can be used outside of 24 hours before treatment.  Bleach should not be used prior to laser treatment.

- Treatment should not be provided to clients that are recently tanned or sun burnt, therefore please stay out of the sun and avoid the use of tanning beds and self-tanning creams for a minimum of 4 weeks prior to treatment.

- Do not use Retin-A products 2 weeks prior and 2 weeks