The Difference Between IPL and Laser Hair Removal

Most people actually do not know that IPL and laser hair removal are not the same thing. One of the most common questions asked by men and women a like is “What’s The Difference Between IPL and Laser Hair Removal?” Though the answer is quite simple – everything! People do want to understand why the systems are different and which technology is more suitable for their specific needs. The difference between IPL and laser hair removal, is not only a financial question, because they cost different, but it is also a matter of safety aspects worth understanding.

‘Laser hair removal’ is a general name for using Laser Beam light developed specifically for hair removal. IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light, this is a newer technology than laser, which was developed at the mid 90′s. Originally IPL was used to treat  skin disease conditions, but when people who were treated saw patches of hair loss, over their skin, IPL hair removal was officially discovered.

There Is No Difference Between IPL And Laser Principles

Before we dive into technological differences between IPL and Laser (for dummies), it is important to understand that basically IPL and Laser do the use the SAME physic reactions to succeed the hair removal process.

Both of the technologies emit high energy light to the skin, when the light is absorbed by any dark matter it is turned into heat. When the light gets to a dark hair follicle, it turns into heat and destroys it. This is how both technology are designed to accomplish the elimination of the hair.

Both IPL and Laser are not permanent hair removal methods. There is a difference between ‘permanent hair removal’ to ‘permanent hair reduction’. Only electrolysis is a permanent hair removal method, because each hair root is destroyed by a thin needle emitting an electric current.

IPL and laser can achieve only permanent reduction. Some hair may grow again even after several treatments. This happens because a long lasting effect  can occur only if the hair was attached to the root, (at the Anagen -hair growth stage) and the heat which destroys the hair, gets to the root too.

In any given moment only 15-20 percent of the hairs are at their growing stage (connected to the root) so the light treatments need to be done over and over again periodically to cover new hair growth cycles. In some cases the heat was not intense enough to destroy the root, so new hair can still grow again.

10 Differences Between IPL and Laser Technology

The main difference between Intense Pulsed Light and Laser, is the amount of light energy levels per square Centimeter and the spectrum of the wavelength. Here are some of the differences between IPL and Laser:

  1. Laser uses a single light spectrum beam, while IPL uses xenon flash lamps, that spread light.
  2. There are different lasers systems which use different wavelength (selective photothermolysis), while IPL uses the same wide spectrum of light.
  3. Laser can penetrate deeper into the skin layers (epidermis) while IPL is more superficial.
  4. IPL flash light has very fast repetition rate, while laser emit their beam with longer intervals.
  5. IPL is usually precived as less painful, because the light energy is less intense than laser.
  6. IPL has a wider lamp window (0.5 square inch) while laser has a pinpoint beam coverage. So laser can be more delicate when doing hair removal around tattoos.
  7. IPL can be more dangerous for dark skin, because it is less precise and large skin surface absorb the light emitted.
  8. nd:YAG laser can treat darker skin tones, which can not be treated safely by IPL.
  9. IPL manages to ‘beat’ the hair thermal relaxation time (the fast flashes heat hair before it cools down), laser to slow to succeed this.
  10. Lasers need epidermal cooling because they use higher energy Joule count, IPL does not require active skin cooling devices.

IPL and Laser Comparison

Each of the methods is effective for different people and skin types. For some the quick sessions is the most important parameter, since they do not have the time or the patience for never ending sessions, and IPL would be best for them. For those with darker skin, IPL would be too dangerous, and long wavelength nd:YAG laser might be the best solution.

The difference between IPL and laser should be the reason to pick one of them upon the other. Meet your local professional practitioner and get their opinion on which type f technology would be most suitable for your needs.

Difference Between IPL and Laser Home Systems

Today there are some very powerful and effective home systems to pick from. The same technology used at the professional clinics was compacted into small stylish devices, which can do more or less the same, at a fraction of the cost. Here are some of the leading devices you can choose from.

Tria Laser Hair Removal System – This is the first ever FDA approved laser system for home use. With 5 energy levels, a cordless device, and several safety functions, (like skin tone sensor) this is a very effective and safe hair removal laser for home use.

DM5000 Laser - This is a semi professional system, with high energy level powers, which is sold for small cosmetic centers and for home use too. It has better specs than the Tria, but with less safety sensors because it was designed for skin center usage by a trained practitioner.

Me my Elos – Currently the best IPL home system you can find. Me my Elos has a unique combination of IPL + RF hair removal technologies (see more about the Me my Elos). Me Elos users enjoy faster sessions than any another system, and it is less painful compared other IPL devices too.

The main difference between home IPL and laser systems, is the hassle before and during the session. Because laser has a pinpoint coverage spot of light, the sessions are very long and very tiring (1 leg = 1 hour). Some people who have natural high tempo, will not be able to repeat these sessions 6-8 times for each body area. IPL sessions are shorter than laser. Me my Elos users will do it even faster! (1 leg = 10 minutes).

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