Benefits of IPL Hair Removal

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)

IPL hair removal is a long-term hair reduction method employed by many people to slow down or remove unwanted hair. IPL, which stands for intense pulsed light, inhibits the ability of hair re-grow by targeting melanin in the hair and damaging the hair follicle (small sacks in the skin where hair grows). Melanin is more concentrated at the base of the hair, which cause more light to be trapped there, and in the process generate heat energy which burns up the hair root. Following treatment, the hair falls out within one or two weeks. It is pertinent to understand the benefits of IPL hair removal before choosing to undergo the procedure.

Safe Procedure

There are a number of benefits to this procedure. First, the hair removal process is done on a device called a Palomar machine. The Palomar machine sends out a broad spectrum of intense light to the skin treatment area, in short bursts of measured intervals. The light is not concentrated at a point, rather it is scattered all across the treatment area, and thus there is no danger that it may burn or damage the skin. Because the application of light is non-invasive, the procedure is generally painless, requiring no incisions or stitches (thus no bleeding), and no anesthesia. It is also less time consuming and less risky than waxing or shaving the hair.

benefits of IPL hair removal

Negligible Side Effects

There are very few to negligible side effects associated with IPL treatment for hair removal. The worst sensation one may feel is a slight stinging or hot feeling. There are no bruising, swelling, irritation or scaling on the skin, which is quite common with other laser hair removal treatments. IPL hair removal emits light with wavelengths that have very low effects on the skin. This is suitable for the skin as it protects it and does not endanger any tissues surrounding the treatment area. Additionally, the treatment method leaves no unsightly regrowth of hair. Any hair that does regrow becomes fairer and lighter. Moreover, the procedure leaves no traces of ingrown hair witnessed with other hair removal methods such as waxing or shaving.

Effective Procedure

For such a non-invasive procedure, IPL treatment is unbelievably effective. This hair removal procedure can permanently eliminate hair growth in the area of treatment. Unlike other laser hair removal methods, IPL is much more effective on coarser and darker hair. The Palomar machine emits light which penetrates the skin just enough to target melanin but to leave the surrounding tissues untouched. When the light reaches the root of the hair, it burns up the root and shaft, and in the process, it destroys the hair follicle, which is responsible for hair growth. Because the spectrum of light is broader, IPL treatment can remove hair on a much wider area of the skin, which saves time, compared to other hair removal procedures.

Cost-Effective

Once IPL hair removal is done, there is no need for a person to spend more money on other expensive and regular hair removal treatments like waxing, razors and shaving machines, and depilatory creams among others. IPL treatments may be more costly upfront but in the long-term, an individual will save huge amounts of money since hair removal is permanent. They also save a lot of time that would have otherwise been spent on shopping for creams, waxing, and shaving.