The Use of Intense Pulsed Light For Hair Removal

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) epilators, though technically not a laser, use xenon flash lamps that emit full spectrum light. According to laser hair removal rancho cucamonga specialists and practitioners, laser and light-based methods, sometimes called phototricholysis or photoepilation, are now collectively and more commonly referred to as "laser hair removal". The Intense Pulsed Light hair removal process has become very popular due to its cheaper and faster procedure compared to the use of lasers. The comparison of effectiveness between Intense Pulsed Light and Laser Epilation is debated by scientists, equipment manufacturers and practitioners, but results are generally accepted to be roughly equivalent.

Mechanics of the procedure

The focused, broad-spectrum light is applied to the surface of the skin by way of either a hand-held wand or an articulated arm. This light travels through the skin until it strikes the hair shafts or the bulb (root) of the hair. The bulb is usually where the highest concentration of melanin is located, as opposed to the rest of the hair shaft. As the light is converted to heat energy, the bulb and most of the hair shaft are instantly vaporized. According to laser hair removal rancho cucamonga practitioners, the intense heat radiated by the hair also destroys the hair-producing papilla or the entire hair follicle. It is also claimed that direct light-heat conversion occurs directly in the darker colored capillaries that bring nourishing blood to the follicle.

The pulses of light produced by IPL equipment are very short in duration, so discomfort and damage to non-target tissues is minor. Most people who undergo IPL epilation only experience slight irritation similar to that of a minor sunburn though under certain circumstances, blisters may occur. It has also been stated by professionals, including those from laser hair removal rancho cucamonga centers, that men undergoing the procedure experience greater discomfort as male body hair is generally thicker than women's. Depending on the instrument settings and intensity, treating sensitive areas such as the chest and face can result in pain comparable to waxing the same areas; however this pain dissipates immediately. The light that emanates from the IPL wand is filtered to remove any ultraviolet components, eliminating the possibility of UV skin damage.
Other use of IPL other than hair removal

IPL technology is also employed in the treatment of medical disorders of the skin including:

* Sun damage induced dyspigmentation and vascular changes
* Poikiloderma of Civatte
* Acne Rosacea
* Broken capillaries/telangiectases
* Vascular and pigmented birth marks