One of the longest methods used by aesthetic providers to remove body hair is Intense Pulsed Light (IPL). This procedure has been around since the 90s and its effectiveness in being able to remove hair permanently has gained a lot of women’s following over the years.
Despite the emergence of new technologies, IPL hair removal remains popular in Singapore https://www.supersmooth.com.sg/ipl-vs-laser-hair-removal-has-ipl-been-rendered-obsolete/. Find out in this article about why IPL is still the go-to choice for hair removal for many people.
What is the IPL?
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is an aesthetic procedure that is used for various purposes such as:
- Combating signs of aging
- Lightening skin pigmentation
- Reducing the appearance of scars
- Removing unwanted body hairs
This treatment works like a laser procedure, but the difference is in the wavelength of the light energy produced by each device. IPL generates multiple light energy wavelengths, while a laser device emits a single one.
How does IPL work in removing unwanted body hair?
Intense pulsed light uses a hand held device that produces multiple wavelengths of light energy that penetrates through the skin and targets the pigment of the hair follicle and shaft. This concentrated beam of light heats the follicle as the pigment absorbs it, which then leads to the breakdown of the hair’s root. With repeated treatment, the hair gets eliminated permanently.
What are the advantages of IPL?
These are the benefits of undergoing an IPL treatment to remove your unwanted hairs:
1 IPL is cheaper – If you are looking for a budget friendly way to get rid of unsightly body hairs, then you should consider getting IPL as this method is a lot cheaper compared to laser treatments.
2 IPL reduces ingrown hairs – Ingrown hairs are a common occurrence when you remove body hair through shaving, tweezing, or waxing. When the strand of hair is only cut and the follicle remains, there is a high risk that the growing hair curls back towards the root, enters the skin and becomes trapped. hairs can cause skin discoloration, itching, irritation, and pain. Individuals who have coarse or curly hair should consider getting IPL to remove unwanted hairs as they are more prone to ingrown hairs.
3 IPL is done quickly – The device used for IPL treatment can quickly cover a large area of the body as compared to lasers. A whole leg, for example, may only take 10 to 15 mins to treat.
4 IPL results are permanent – After several sessions of IPL, your results should see a permanent reduction in hair growth.
5 IPL causes lighter hair growth – For some individuals, hair regrowth may be experienced, but the hair should be finer and lighter and less noticeable to the naked eye.
What are the disadvantages of IPL hair removal?
Like any other treatments, IPL also has its disadvantages.
1 IPL may cause burns and blisters on skin – Because the skin is exposed to energy-charged light, there is a possibility that it can be damaged and lead to burns and blisters as well as scarring when the treatment is not done the right way.
2 IPL injuries may cause infection – The skin after an IPL procedure is very tender and sensitive, making it vulnerable to infection when not taken care of.
3 IPL is not suitable for some hair color – An important information to take note in an IPL procedure is how the treatment works to permanently remove hair. As mentioned earlier, the intense pulse light targets the hair follicles and the pigment in the follicle should be able to absorb the heat energy from the light beam so that it would be destroyed. Hence, an IPL treatment works best on individuals that have dark hair colours, such as black, brown, and dark blonde.
4 IPL can cause skin pigmentation for dark skin – Since IPL targets the melanin, this procedure will not benefit individuals who have dark skin as the heat energy from the IPL device can cause the target area’s skin to become even darker when treated.
5 IPL may need more sessions to achieve effective results – While IPL is indeed more affordable than laser, you may need around 10 to 15 sessions for permanent hair removal results done using a laser procedure.
6 IPL is less painful than lasers – IPL is the best alternative for people with low pain tolerance who would like to get hair permanently removed from certain parts of the body.
Who are the best candidates for an IPL procedure?
We have mentioned earlier that IPL is not suitable for folks that have lighter hair and dark skin as the light energy transmitted from the IPL device targets pigments. Aside from these, the use of IPL is discouraged under the following conditions:
- Breastfeeding or pregnancy – Women who are breastfeeding or pregnant should not undergo IPL.
- Moles – IPL should not be used to remove hair from moles.
- Skin conditions – Healthy skin is important when getting an IPL treatment. It should be free from any skin conditions, such as psoriasis, eczema, or wounds. Even with clear skin, always let your doctor know if you have been diagnosed or are being treated for any skin disorder that may be chronic. Also inform your doctor if your skin is photosensitive.
- Sunburned or tanned skin – The risk of injuring the skin is high when IPL is used on sunburned or tanned skin, including fake tans. It is recommended that the tanning has completely vanished before getting IPL.
- Tattoos – IPL should not be used on skin with tattoos.
How do you prepare for a session of the IPL?
It is imperative that you are aware of the pros and cons of IPL, so consult with a dermatologist before booking a procedure.
To prep for your IPL treatment, avoid these at least 2 weeks prior:
- Chemical peels
- Collagen injections
- Excessive sun exposure (e.g. sunbathing, tanning beds)
- Tweezing or waxing
A few days before and on the day of the procedure:
- Do not use deodorant or fragrances on the target area
- Do not take medicines that can increase your risk of bleeding, such as anti-inflammatory drugs, aspirin, or herbal supplements.
Conclusion
IPL still possesses a lot of advantages when it comes to having hair permanently removed, so even though there are numerous treatments that are now available to remove hair, IPL still remains in the game. To know more about how IPL can make you hair-free, visit Supersmooth.
Supersmooth
Far East Square
32 Perkin Street #03-01
S(048762) Lift Lobby C,
Metal Gate
Robinson Road
144 Robinson Road, #02-01
Robinson Square
S(068908)
Orchard Road
Orchard Centrepoint
Level 5 Main Atrium
