How Does IPL Hair Removal Work?

The key lies in understanding how Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) interacts with your skin and hair follicles. Let’s delve into the specific details below.

In simple terms, the principle of intense pulsed light hair removal is to use broad-spectrum light pulses to target melanin in hair follicles. The melanin absorbs the light energy, which then damages the hair follicles, thereby reducing hair growth in the long term. Multiple treatments are required to achieve optimal results.

What Is Intense Pulsed Light?

What is the technical principle of IPL hair removal?

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is a technology that uses broad-spectrum light pulses to target specific structures in the skin. These light pulses are not of a single wavelength but cover multiple bands from visible light to near-infrared light, typically with a wavelength range of 400-1200nm. When these broad-spectrum light pulses irradiate the skin, they can target specific target tissues in the skin based on the principle of selective photothermolysis. It is a non-invasive technology and can be used to treat a variety of skin concerns.

เลเซอร์ vs. IPL Hair Removal

IPL hair removal instruments use broad-spectrum light, which can act on multiple targets simultaneously in one treatment and have a certain effect on different types of hair and skin problems.

Laser hair removal uses light of a single wavelength, which can target melanin in hair follicles more precisely with more concentrated energy. Therefore, it may have a more significant hair removal effect on specific types of hair (such as dark hair) and higher hair removal accuracy.

However, precisely because of this difference, laser hair removal may be more suitable for situations where high accuracy in hair removal is required and the hair characteristics are relatively uniform. In contrast, professional IPL hair removal machines are more favored by people who want to remove hair while also improving the overall condition of the skin.

Key Components of an IPL Hair Removal Device

IPL hair removal equipment usually includes a handpiece, a light source, a cooling system, and a control panel.

• Handpiece: It is responsible for accurately delivering the light pulses generated by the device to the skin surface. Its design and material affect the light transmission efficiency and the comfort of the treatment.
• Light Source: It can generate intense pulsed light. The quality and stability of the light source directly determine the intensity, wavelength range, and energy distribution of the light pulses, which in turn affect the hair removal effect.
• ระบบระบายความร้อน : During the emission of light pulses, the skin heats up due to energy absorption. The cooling system can timely reduce the skin surface temperature, prevent skin damage caused by overheating, ensure the safety and comfort of the treatment, and prevent users from feeling excessive burning during hair removal.
• Control Panel: Operators can adjust various parameters through it, such as the energy density, pulse width, and frequency of the light pulses, to adapt to different users’ skin types, hair conditions, and treatment needs, and achieve personalized hair removal treatment.

Scientific Principle of IPL Hair Removal: Targeting Hair Follicles

How IPL Light Is Absorbed by Melanin in Hair

When IPL hair removal devices emit broad-spectrum light pulses, the light within a specific wavelength range (generally 500-1200nm) in these pulses is preferentially absorbed by the melanin in hair follicles. This is because the structural characteristics of melanin molecules allow them to interact with photons of these wavelengths, converting the energy of the photons into their own energy, thereby achieving the capture of light energy. Moreover, the darker the hair color, the higher the melanin content in it.

The Process of Damaging Hair Follicles to Inhibit Hair Growth

After the melanin in the hair follicles successfully absorbs the IPL light energy, it quickly converts the absorbed light energy into thermal energy. As the thermal energy continues to accumulate, the temperature inside the hair follicle rises sharply, and the structure and function of the hair follicle are severely damaged. The cellular tissues in the hair follicle cannot withstand such high temperatures, leading to protein denaturation and disruption of cellular metabolism and division. Hair can no longer obtain the necessary nutrients and growth signals from the hair follicle, so its growth rate slows down significantly or even stops completely, and new hair is difficult to regenerate. This achieves the purpose of hair removal and gradually makes the skin smooth and delicate.

Why Multiple IPL Hair Removal Treatments Are Needed for Optimal Results

Hair growth is mainly divided into three phases: anagen, catagen, and telogen. During the anagen phase, hair actively absorbs nutrients from the hair follicle and grows rapidly. At this stage, the melanin content in the hair follicle is relatively high, and the ability to absorb IPL light energy is the strongest, so the IPL hair removal system is most effective at this stage. In the catagen phase, the hair growth rate slows down gradually, and the hair follicle begins to shrink, resulting in a weakened ability to absorb IPL light. Hair in the telogen phase basically stops growing, and its connection with the hair follicle becomes loose. At this time, IPL light has a poor effect on it.

Since the proportion of hair in different growth phases varies in different parts of the body, and these phases are randomly distributed, one IPL equipment hair removal treatment can only target the hair in the anagen phase. To fully inhibit hair growth and achieve the best hair removal effect, multiple IPL device hair removal treatments are required, with an interval of usually 4-8 weeks between each treatment. This allows for precise targeting of hair that enters the anagen phase at different times, gradually reducing the number of hairs, making the hair removal effect more long-lasting and thorough, and ultimately achieving smooth skin.

What Happens During an Intense Pulsed Light Therapy Session?

Before Intense Pulsed Light Treatment

การทำความสะอาด

Before the treatment, the skin must be thoroughly cleaned with a mild cleanser to remove dirt, oil, and cosmetic residues from the skin surface. This is because these impurities may block the penetration of IPL light, affecting the efficiency of light energy reaching the hair follicles, and also reducing the risk of skin infection.

Shaving

The hair in the treatment area must be shaved before the treatment. Because the IPL hair removal machine acts on the melanin in the hair follicles, if the hair is too long, the light energy will be absorbed by the melanin on the hair surface and cannot be effectively transmitted to the depth of the hair follicle. This will not only reduce the hair removal effect but also may cause skin burns due to the heated and curled hair.

During Intense Pulsed Light Treatments

How to Use an IPL Hair Removal Device?

During the treatment, the operator holds the handpiece of the IPL hair removal device, gently attaches it to the skin surface, and then emits a series of light pulses. During the operation, the handpiece of the intense pulsed light machine moves at a uniform speed over the treatment area to ensure that every inch of the skin receives the effect of the light pulses.

Sensations During IPL Treatment

At the moment the light pulses are emitted, most people will feel a warm “tapping sensation,” similar to a rubber band being gently snapped against the skin. Some sensitive areas may have a slight tingling sensation, which is usually tolerable. This sensation is caused by the conversion of light energy into thermal energy when acting on the hair follicles, and it is also a sign that the treatment is working. Generally, the discomfort during the treatment will gradually subside as the treatment progresses.

After IPL Hair Removal Treatment

What to Expect After an IPL Photofacial

After the treatment, the skin will immediately appear slightly red, similar to mild sunburn. Some areas may have a slight swelling sensation, and the skin may feel slightly warm when touched. This reaction is a normal inflammatory response of the skin after being stimulated by photothermal energy, and it usually subsides within a few hours to a day.

Post-Treatment Care for Intense Pulsed Light Hair Removal

After the treatment, it is necessary to immediately replenish moisture to the skin. Use medical-grade moisturizing masks or moisturizing lotions to help the skin recover. At the same time, strict sun protection measures must be taken. When going out, apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, wear a sun hat, and use a sun umbrella to avoid skin damage from ultraviolet rays. This is because the skin is in a sensitive state at this time, and ultraviolet rays can easily cause pigmentation.

Within one week after the treatment, avoid using irritating skincare products, such as those containing alcohol or acid ingredients. Do not engage in activities that may cause the skin to sweat a lot, such as saunas or strenuous exercise.

สรุป

IPL hair removal provides us with a non-invasive hair removal option based on the principle of using broad-spectrum light pulses to target melanin in hair follicles. From the technical principle to the device composition, from the entire treatment process to the control of safety and effectiveness, its core is to use selective photothermolysis to achieve long-term inhibition of hair growth. However, to achieve the desired effect, it is necessary to understand the law of hair growth cycles, adhere to multiple treatments, and pay attention to the detailed care before and after the treatment.

คำถามที่พบบ่อย

Is IPL Hair Removal Safe for All Skin Types?

Intense pulsed light is generally safe, but it is not suitable for all skin types. It is most suitable for people with light-colored skin (such as Caucasian skin) and dark-colored hair. This is because people with this combination have less melanin in their skin, so the light energy is mainly absorbed by the melanin in the hair follicles, and it is not easy to damage the skin.

For people with dark-colored skin (such as Black people or yellow people with dark brown skin), due to the high melanin content in their skin, the light energy is easily absorbed by the skin melanin, which increases the risk of skin burns, hyperpigmentation (skin darkening), or hypopigmentation (skin lightening). Therefore, people with dark skin must consult a professional doctor before choosing IPL hair removal, and decide whether to undergo the treatment after evaluating the risks.

Possible IPL Hair Removal Side Effects and Relief Methods

There are various possible side effects of IPL hair removal.

• If mild redness or swelling occurs, it can be relieved by cold compresses (apply a cold towel or ice pack to the treatment area for 10-15 minutes each time, 2-3 times a day).
• If blisters appear, do not pop them by yourself. Seek medical attention promptly and let the doctor handle them professionally to avoid infection.
• If pigment changes occur, strict sun protection is required. At the same time, you can use some medical skincare products with whitening or repairing effects under the guidance of a doctor to improve the situation.

To reduce the risk of IPL laser hair removal side effects, you must truthfully inform the operator of your skin condition, allergy history, etc., before the treatment. The operator will also adjust the treatment parameters according to your situation.

The Importance of Following the Manufacturer’s Instructions

Following the manufacturer’s operating instructions is crucial for the safety and effectiveness of intense pulsed light laser treatment. When you choose เดลย่า’s intense pulsed light machine และ services, you not only get compliant and reliable products but also enjoy professional one-on-one guidance. From skin type assessment to parameter setting, we provide full support throughout the process. For more information or to get exclusive guidance, please click to ติดต่อเรา, and let us provide professional support for your hair removal journey.