Read this before doing IPL or Laser treatments

I have wanted to laser hair removal for years. When it first became popular it was extremely expensive and not something that was available to me. When at home machines started to be produced, I looked into it again. Although the price points were reasonably less than professional treatments, I still had to wait till those price points came down. These days the pricing is available to most individuals. I did a ton of research to find the right machine and was surprised with some of the information I found. I share below the differences between IPL and laser treatments, the pros and cons of each, and the other benefits that are not advertised.

Difference between IPL and Laser treatments.

IPL is intense light therapy that uses a broad-spectrum pulse light source. Lasers use a monochromatic coherent light source. Both target the melanin in the hair follicle and deliver permanent results. IPL can be done at home and devices today have ergonomic designs and safety features. IPL treatments take longer than laser treatments but are considerably cheaper and have a quicker recovery period. Treatments can be done every 2 weeks. IPL rejuvenates skin. Machines cost between $50 to $400.

Laser treatments need to be done by a professional. Treatments take longer to recover from resulting in each treatment being between 4-6 weeks. Lasers remove the outer layer of skin essentially resurfacing the skin. Treatments can cost between $1400 to $3000. Faster results due to the precision of the laser.

Pros of IPL

Quick

Less painful

Can be used anywhere on body

Prevents ingrown hairs

Long-term solution

Softer skin

Cons of IPL

Redness and irritation

Skin discoloration

Risk of skin infection

Does not work on light colored hair (white, gray, light blonde)

Pros of laser

Quick results

Permanent solution

Prevents ingrown hairs

Can be used anywhere on body

Softer skin

Cons of laser

Can be painful

Needs to be done by a professional

Longer recovery time between treatments

More expensive

Where to not use

In or around eyes, ears, testicles, labia, genitals, nipples, and anus. These areas are extra sensitive and could result in irritation, burning, and infections.

Things to know

If on antibiotics or Accutone do not use until 6 months after finishing.

For hair removal it will only work when hair is in the “Anagen phase”. Only 20% of your hair is in this phase at any given time. Treat for at least 3 months or 5-6 treatments. Some will need up to 8 treatments to get full results. Both treatments can reduce or eliminate the appearance of spider veins by heating them and damaging the walls of the blood vessels. This process causes veins to collapse and disappear over time. Results for this procedure are faster with laser treatments taking 5-7 days to see results. With IPL treatments results can take 2-6 weeks. Both treatments can also treat acne scars, birthmarks, hyperpigmentation, melasma, stretch marks, and sun damage.

Other benefits

Rejuvenates skin – resulting in reduction in fine lines, spider veins, acne scars, sunspots, rosacea, and redness.

Kills bacteria – resulting in clearer skin. IPL removes the excess oil and dead skin cells that clog pores. Helps fight blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples.

Stimulates collagen production – resulting in better skin health and overall elasticity (aka younger looking skin).

Skin texture improvement – resulting in looking younger, improved skin health, and reduction in fine lines and wrinkles.

My choice

After all my research I went with the IPL treatments that I could do at home. I searched amazon to find a reasonably priced machine. I found one that was under $100 that had great reviews. It arrived the following week and I jumped right in. I shaved the areas I wanted to treat and got to town on the lowest setting to avoid burning and irritation. With each treatment I increased the intensity of the light pulses. The first area I wanted to treat was my armpits since I was having reactions from the natural deodorant, I was using causing pain. I also wanted to treat my bikini area and face. After seeing results in my armpits after a couple treatments I added in the bikini area and face.

Due to me being blonde there are certain areas that have extremely light hair that the treatments will not work for hair removal. But the benefit of not having to shave my pits or bikini area ever again were still worth the investment. The added benefits of reduced spider veins, rejuvenating skin, reduction in acne scarring, and minimization of wrinkles prompted me to use on my face.

My results

Started treatments at the end of August focusing on my armpits in the beginning. After 4 treatments I had significant results. I only had to shave once every 2 weeks making it right before each treatment. I then began working on my bikini area and the results were the same.

I am now 8 treatments in on my arm pits and rarely need to shave. There are a few stragglers that I spot treat when needed. I have completed 4 treatments on my bikini area, the hair growth is minimal and thinner. I began working on my face late November to break up the spider veins, rejuvenate skin, treat acne scars, and minimize wrinkles. Those results have blown me away. As someone who suffers from severe cystic acne and has a ton of scarring from it and aging skin, I could not be happier with the texture of my skin these days.

With the improved texture, minimization of fine lines, reduction in scarring, and elimination of spider veins, I feel so much better going places without any makeup on. My morning routine has been cut down leaving me more time for meditation, working out, reading, or sleeping in. The addition of getting my lashes done by a professional, makes throwing on a cute outfit and running out the door a breeze.

~ Tina