IPL Treatment

IPL, or Intense Pulsed Light, is a form of laser treatment, and is most commonly used for hair removal and to treat skin conditions such as scarring, thread veins, sun damage and wrinkles. An IPL Treatment consists of directing a beam of high intensity light at a target area for a short amount of time, to give the desired results for that area. With regards to hair removal, IPL Treatments have become more popular than the original Laser Hair Removal, and are often thought of as cheaper, more effective and therefore more cost effective.

The Intense Pulsed Light System

The Intense Pulsed Light system releases yellow, green and red light that is emitted in a series of short pulses. The yellow/green light destroys the bacteria that live in the skin and cause acne, while the red light directly targets the overactive sebaceous glands that cause outbreaks of pustules. A layer of chilled gel is applied to the desired area to cool the skin and guide the light.

The applicator (usually a wand or an articulated arm) is placed onto the skin and a short pulse of light is released. This process is repeated over the whole area of skin until the desired site has been treated. The gel is then removed and the area usually moisturised. Each pulse of light treats a large area of skin and so the duration of the treatment is very short.

IPL Hair Removal Courses

IPL hair removal works by destroying the hair at the root. The concentrated beam is converted to heat energy which damages the hair shaft and follicle and can inhibit regrowth in the same follicle. IPL Treatments for acne can be expected to consist of a course of around 6 treatments, whilst hair removal can take between 4 to 8 treatments.

Skin Rejuvenation with IPL

For skin rejuvenation treatments, the same process is carried out. The light stimulates the fibroblast cells in the skin that produce collagen and elastin (these cells are responsible for skin looking and feeling plumper, smoother and more youthful). The stimulated fibroblasts improve the tightness of the skin, and controls enlarged pores, improving complexion. Before this type of IPL treatment it is sometimes customary to have a light skin peel and cleansing treatment. A facial treatment usually takes around 45 minutes and a course of 6 is recommended for noticeable results.

Cheap IPL Thread Vein Removal

IPL Treatments can also be used for the removal of areas of dark pigment or freckles and thread veins. Here, the concentrated light damages the cell walls of the offending impurity, causing the structure to break down and be absorbed into the body. The external effect is that the blemish is gradually fading, although after the initial treatment(s) it can first become darker, more noticeable and may produce scabs. However, within 3 weeks the fading will be noticeable, and with a course of IPL Treatments the blemish will have disappeared up to 90% within a year.