IPL vs LASER
Since the deregulation of Laser and the increase of Laser clinics, I feel that we need to clear a few things up regarding the difference between Laser and IPL.
Firstly, Laser is not new, guys. It’s actually very dated technology. It’s just ‘new’ to WA. There has been so much more technology that has superseded Laser for say, ohhhh, 30 years! I know right!
Don’t fall victim to the hype. Because it’s just that — hype. A fad, even.
Let’s get technical for a sec. IPL being poly chromatic means your Skin Technician has the ability to change wavelengths (filters/settings) to accommodate for various skin and hair colours, as well as being able to treat finer, lighter hair - which Laser struggles with. Most hair removal lasers operate at 755nm into the skin, which is good for most skin types and thick, strong pigmented hair. Once the client has had approx. 5 sessions, the treatment is no longer as effective because the hair is finer.
Because with IPL you can choose your setting, tailoring the treatment to each individual client rather than a one-size-fits-all mentality, the client will have more permanent hair loss.
The fact that IPL settings range from 640/690/750nm in depth and emit a broader light, means that there is heat to the surrounding tissue. Most Laser operators will say that this is unnecessary heating of the surrounding tissue and it’s ‘bad’ or unwanted ‘scattered light’.
Gurrrrrrl. How is that a bad thing?
It's not, in actual fact. It's good - by heating the surrounding tissue, we get fibroblast stimulation and let’s face it - who doesn't want more collagen and elastin? Name someone, I’ll wait…
This is why skin generally feels much softer and smoother when treated with IPL vs Laser. It's actually a bonus!
But Laser is so cheap! Yeah, I know. That’s because there is no ongoing consumable, apart from servicing and maintenance. With IPL and SHR, the flash lamp or hand piece needs to be changed.
Additionally, with these large chains, they are often on a very tight time schedule. Hence, they usually will not test patch or go through a thorough consultation and consent. Without test patching, how do they know if they are treating effectively or on the flip side of the coin - how do they know if the settings are too low? They don’t.
So, typically, they will use a very low setting and are instructed not to ever increase the settings. Hence, more treatments are required and the client ends up paying more in the long run. Soz.
Experience is priceless and important in this industry. I mean... Would you trust your most intimate areas with just anyone? Actually, don’t answer that 😂 All jokes aside, in the wrong hands, IPL and/or Laser is a weapon. Trust me, we see burns from other clinics regularly! Some just leave me shook!
Our time in the industry really speaks for itself. 💅🏻