Intense Pulse Light (IPL)

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is a popular non-invasive treatment used for various skin concerns. The principles of light therapy, each colour has a specific wavelength, temperature, density and energy level and targets a different area of the skin. This could be hair, acne, pigmentation, skin rejuvenation or vascularity.

Visible light is seen from 380nm to 750nm while other wavelengths are not visible such as near-infrared, gamma rays and microwaves.

It's important to understand that IPL is non-inozing radiation which means it cannot mutate or cause structure changes to cells. 

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Light and Skin Interaction

Important facts to understand about light and skin 

1. Reflection -  Reflects off the skin, more common in fair or dry skin

2. Scatters - IPL scatters light which can pick up surrounding freckles

3. Absorption - By the target or chromophore being treated​

Light is converted to heat via conduction, heat is transferred to the target. 

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Heat targets specific chromophores

• P Acne Bacteria (Acne)

• Melanin (Sun Damage)

• Melanin in Hair Follicle (Hair Removal)

• Water for Rejuvenation

• Blood for Vascular 

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