What Is Intense Pulsed Light Treatment?

Certain treatments retard growth of unwanted hair for a longer time and hence are preferred by those who need to maintain this state for a longer period of time. In this article we will take about intense pulsed light (IPL).

IPL works on the principle that when heat is applied to hair, the growth is retarded either for a longer period of time or permanently. This treatment is expensive. Multiple sittings are needed to get complete advantage of this treatment. Apart from hair removal, the technique is useful in many skin problems such as stretch marks, birth marks, unwanted dark hair on skin and blemishes.

It must be perfomed only by an expert professional. When performed by an expert the treatment is a safe option but may cause some discoloration of the skin if not handled well. The person who gets this treatment done must avoid tanning for few days after this treatment. Also one must not use tanning products on the area on which this treatment has been performed.

Mechanism of Action

The treatment is great for full face, hands, legs and chest. The machine is chosen as per the type of skin and the penetration needed. The hand piece of the IPL machine is placed on the skin and a source of light of wavelength ranging from 515 nm to 1200 nm (approximately) is transmitted through it. Different wavelength is chosen for different purpose. The light is absorbed by either blood or the melanin while treating for lesions.

IPL Machines

The machines used in this therapy are classified on their penetration capacity. These include PhotoDerm VL, PhotoDerm PL and EpiLight and PhotoDerm HR.

Advantages

IPL has several advantages. It has least amount of side effects. A temporary redness and slight bleeding more occur. Technique covers a large length of area in short time and provides long-term hair reduction benefits.

One of the best features of this technique is that the operating machine can be prepared based on the type of pigmentation and hair of the person. There is absolutely no pain during IPL and it takes maximum of 45 minutes for the entire process.