Laser and IPL hair removal both work on the same principle. That is that light energy is absorbed by areas of high pigment such as hairs, which are therefore heated up. The heat damages the follicle, slowing hair growth and even preventing it completely. The main difference between IPL and laser hair removal devices is the light source used. IPL uses broad-spectrum visible light whereas laser hair removal utilizes the properties of a laser.
How It Works: The Similarities Between Laser And IPL
IPL and laser are two popular types of permanent hair removal methods that use light to remove or reduce hair in specifics areas of the body. Laser hair removal devices produce a concentrated beam to penetrate deep into the skin and zap the melanin (the dark pigment of the hair) inside the hair follicle, meaning the hair growth cycle is inhibited, without impacting the surrounding skin. For this reason, darker skin tones are less suited to light-based hair elimination techniques.
IPL treatment sessions are similar to laser hair removal in that it also uses light to damage the hair follicle. IPL stands for intense pulsed light. It is a broad spectrum high-intensity light that emits multiple wavelengths to cover a wider area of skin.
What Are The Differences Between Laser And IPL?
Although both IPL and laser machines use light energy to keep follicles from forming new hairs, the key difference between laser and IPL is the light source. IPL devices work by emitting several intense pulsed wavelengths that get absorbed by colored hairs. These wavelengths don’t penetrate the skin as deeply as laser does, which means that they work best on people with darker or thicker hair. For people with darker skin tones, YAG lasers may be a suitable option.
Here are more differences between the two:
Laser
IPL
The following are the advantages of using laser hair removal over an IPL:
- Long term hair reduction result is more evident with the laser than the IPL.
- Different types of lasers available for different skin types. Ruby and Alexandrite lasers are recommended for pale skin tones. While Nd:Yag is recommended for darker skin tones.
- Safer option for darker-skinned individuals.
On the other hand, the following are the drawbacks of laser hair removal over an IPL:
- Slight discomfort a sensation like being flicked with an elastic band.
- May cause minor redness, itching, and swelling after the treatment.
- May also cause more serious complications, such as hyperpigmentation, scarring and changing the skin pigment color.
- More expensive especially when treating larger body parts.
There are several advantages of choosing IPL over laser. These include:
- Users who’ve used both report less pain associated with IPL treatments.
- Lower risk of skin damage or infection compared to laser (for lighter skinned individuals).
- Recommended and more efficient to treat larger areas such as chest and back.
- May be cost effective as there are now many FDA-cleared IPL devices available for home use.
These are certain drawbacks to using IPL hair removal, including the following:
- Generally, IPL doesn’t work on darker skin types.
- May leave tan patches or discoloration on the skin, since the process damages the melanocytes — the skin color pigmentation cells.
- It does not work on red or grey hair.