What is the IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) technology?
IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light and is a light-based method for permanent hair removal. Short light pulses are directed along the hairs to the hair root. There the light generates heat, so that the hair root is deserted.
In this way, further hair growth is initially slowed down and, with proper IPL treatment, permanently stopped. But can the IPL method be applied to everyone? When is it successful? What must be paid attention to?… Answers to your questions can be found here.
What results can be expected?
A permanent hair reduction is to be expected until the hair is completely free. However, this can only be achieved if the treatment is always carried out strictly in intervals of two to six weeks. Several sessions are therefore necessary.
In addition, a smooth skin is to be expected, as the hair root is deserted and destroyed during the IPL treatment. In long-term results the IPL technology performs worse than the more expensive laser treatment for permanent hair removal. Hair growth may resume after years – mainly due to hormonal changes.
When does an IPL treatment not work?
A big disadvantage of the IPL method is that it is not suitable for every hair type. This also applies to all other light based alternatives of IPL. People with light, blonde, grey, red hair or very dark skin cannot benefit from the treatment.
In general, the lighter the skin and the darker the hair, the greater the success. This can be justified on the basis of the way it works. The light impulses of IPL are based on the hair pigments – i.e. melanin, which is responsible for dark hair colour.
If the hair has little pigmentation, hardly any light energy is converted. If the skin is too dark, the light cannot orientate itself on the hair and is transferred to the skin. In the worst case, this can even cause a pigmentation disorder.
Before carrying out an IPL treatment you should therefore urgently find out whether you are suitable for this technology. Many practices or cosmetic studies offer free consultations for this. An alternative method for permanent hair removal of lighter hair is the SHR (Super Hair Removal) technology.
Risks of IPL treatment
The IPL treatment is a low-risk method. There are no serious side effects to be feared. During the treatment redness may occur at the treated area, but this should disappear by itself.
In extremely rare cases, burns to the skin may occur. A feared risk of the IPL treatment is a renewed growth of the hair after a few years, although one had actually invested a lot of time and money for a permanent hair freedom through IPL. The renewed hair growth is usually based on a hormonal change, such as during pregnancy or when taking the pill for the first time.
Before carrying out the treatment, you should therefore be aware that the hair can return after years. Nevertheless, a significant hair reduction should be visible. The long-term prospects are somewhat better with the alternative “laser treatment for permanent hair removal”, as this method allows for even more targeted and individualized work.
If you have a tan, you should not start or continue any IPL treatment. Because the light waves of the IPL device are absorbed more strongly by your skin in this state. This can then lead to temporary to permanent pigmentation disorders on the skin.
The IPL treatment itself does not lead to skin cancer. However, it can increase the risk of skin cancer. This is the case when already damaged skin areas are additionally irritated by the light waves of the IPL device and malignant cells can be activated in greater numbers. A further danger is the increased exposure to sunlight, which in any case – whether with or without IPL treatment – damages the skin through the UV rays. Adequate sun protection is therefore strongly recommended.
