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Introduction to IPL
What is IPL
Simply put, IPL or Intense Pulsed Light is the process by which specific wavelengths
of light are used to treat and remove, amongst others, unwanted hair, pigmented
lesions and broken capillaries. The wavelengths of light convert to heat within the
chromophore (light absorbing target) causing the structure to break down. Each
wavelength of light can target a specific structure thus preventing any damage to
adjacent tissues and structures.
The primary principle behind IPL is Selective Photothermolysis. This is the process by
which light energy is converted to heat within a specific target to break down the
structure.
During IPL a specific wavelength or ‘colour’ of light targets a structure or tissue e.g.,
melanin in hair, this light energy is absorbed by the target structure and turns into heat
energy. When sufficient heat has built up in the structure the protein will breakdown
destroying the target; in this case the hair.
Brief overview - IPL for hair removal
In order to remove hair effectively the
hair needs to be in the active phase of
growth, called the anagen phase.
Hairs in this phase of growth contain the
most melanin and are still attached to
the dermal papilla which provides a food
source for the production of new hair.
Light absorbed by the melanin in the hair
follicle is heated until the proteins break
down and the dermal papilla is destroyed
preventing the hair from growing back.
Only about 30% of hairs are in the anagen
phase at any one time, therefore a course
of treatments are required to see a permanent reduction in hair.
Light wavelength
Hair shaft
Hair follicle
Hair bulb
Dermal papilla
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