Intensed Pulsed Light (IPL)
IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light also known as flash lamp. IPL uses light flashes to get rid of unwanted hair permanently. This method of hair removal is comparable to laser treatments. The difference lies in the wavelength. Where a laser treatment is suitable for only a few hair and skin colors, IPL is suitable for multiple hair and skin colors. When "flashed" the skin absorbs the light. The absorbed light is converted back into heat which leads to damage in the hair follicles.
For whom is IPL hair removal suitable?
IPL is suitable for a number of hair colors: black, dark brown, brown and light brown. It is not suitable for the other hair colors such as: light blonde, red, white and gray. It can also be used for all skin tones except the darkest skin tone.
Is the hair removal permanent?
Usually ten treatments are necessary for the desired result. This is often followed by three monthly treatments. The hair follicles destroyed during the treatment will never come back.
Exceptions are dormant hair follicles. These hair follicles are not yet active so can not be affected. These hair follicles may become active later in life. Certain factors can influence this, for example: hormone change, medication or friction. Often a single treatment is enough to get rid of these hairs as well.
How do we know that IPL hair removal works?
There have been several studies over the years on the operation and effectiveness of IPL. The first study started in 1996 and more followed in 1997. In 1998, a very large study that lasted 2 years was published. This study mainly looked at how permanent the results were. Today, there are hundreds of studies on the efficacy, permanence, safety and side effects.