Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) uses powerful broad-spectrum light rays to treat various dermatological conditions, such as hair removal.
The treatment works by emitting a beam of light that passes deep into the skin without harming the surface. The light targets the pigment melanin in the hair follicles. As it absorbs the light and heats up, the thermal energy damages the follicle preventing regrowth.
This therapy works best on lighter skin tones. Since the light targets melanin-rich cells, it may cause burns and hyperpigmentation on darker skin tones. IPL can rapidly treat areas such as the face, hands, neck, chest, and legs.
Compared to laser hair removal treatments, IPL devices are less powerful. They disperse light waves through multiple wavelengths, requiring more sessions than lasers. The number of sessions needed depends on the size of the treatment area and the hair type of each patient. Each session is quick, requires little recovery time, and can be done 3-4 weeks apart. Multiple treatments are needed before hair growth is noticeably reduced.
