There are many types of hair removal, and it can be challenging to understand the differences, disadvantages, and advantages of each treatment. Laser hair removal is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures and one of the largest beauty markets in the world. Lasers and light-based devices can reduce and stop hair growth, but efficacy can vary widely depending on the technology used. This article will explore the different hair removal methods and help you determine the best option for you.
First, it’s helpful to know some terminology. The key principle behind laser hair removal is to match a specific wavelength of light and pulse duration to a specific target, melanin in the hair follicle (melanin is the natural color-related pigment in our skin and hair), while avoiding surrounding tissue areas. The key to the success of laser hair removal is the delivery of high energy into the skin for selective absorption by the melanin surrounding the hair follicle while protecting the surrounding tissue. Diode lasers use a single wavelength of light that has high absorption in melanin. At the same time, it incorporates skin cooling to protect the skin surface. As melanin heats up, it damages the hair roots and blood flow to the follicles and permanently disables the hair. Diode lasers capable of delivering high-frequency, low-energy pulses are safe for use on all skin types
One might argue that “laser hair removal” is an industry term coined for marketing purposes. However, according to the FDA, laser treatments produce “permanent hair loss,” but not complete and permanent removal. The difference is in how these lasers work. Essentially, the laser targets the hair shaft during the anagen phase of periodic hair growth, or when the hair is actively growing. When the laser applies energy to the hair shaft, the energy causes thermal damage to the underlying hair follicle, reducing its ability to produce hair in the future. Hair may grow less frequently, be less dense, and the hair shafts produced by the follicles may be thinner or even lighter in color. These aspects make laser hair removal more accurately known as permanent hair removal.
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) technology is not technically laser therapy. It uses a broad spectrum of light with multiple wavelengths, visible spectrum light is about 400-700nm, and infrared is 700-1400nm. IPL devices typically emit indiscriminate light energy from 400-1200nm, and most devices will have additional filters that limit light energy a little more than these parameters. Shorter wavelengths (400-550nm) are more effective for red and light hair colors, while longer wavelengths (550nm+) target darker skin and hair colors.
This results in a lack of energy concentration around the hair and skin area. As a result, a large amount of energy is wasted in the hair follicle, and less energy is selectively absorbed resulting in less effective damage to the hair. Using broadband light also increases potential side effects, especially if integrated cooling is not used.
Users have long believed that broad-spectrum IPL therapy has multiple uses, depending on the procedure. However, this same versatility is why IPL treatments are often underrepresented. IPL treatment has a much greater effect on the skin due to special hemoglobin and melanin absorption. IPL lasers may be effective for grayer hair types, but are therefore ineffective or unsafe to use when treating darker skin types. Practitioners should not recommend treatment with IPL in patients with darker skin. Therefore, these IPL is far less widely used than diode laser devices.
Typically, IPL techniques will require more regular and long-term hair loss treatment, while diode lasers may be more effective, have less discomfort (integrated cooling), and will treat more skin and hair types. IPL is best for people with light skin and dark hair. Although different methods offer different benefits and advantages, diode laser hair removal is the proven method to provide the safest, fastest and most effective hair removal method for patients of any skin tone/hair color combination.
Post time: Feb-17-2022