IPL vs CMP Technology

The best effect of pulsed light is subject to certain conditions. To achieve permanent hair removal, the light targets the hair’s melanin; this pigment converts the light’s high energy into heat. The best heat absorption is attained by a light spectrum ranging between 530 and 980 nm.

Permanent hair reduction can be generally defined as "the complete destruction of a treated hair follicle’s ability to generate new hair’’ To denature the hair follicle you need to heat it to 70-72 C celsius for more than 1 millisecond ms.

Only pigmented hair can be targeted. The follicle itself has no colour and is not perceptible by lasers or IPL devices if no pigmented hair is connected.

The pigmentation of the shaved hair reacts with the light and is transformed into heat. Absorbed heat is then passed from the hair bulb to the follicle. Once the hair follicle is destroyed it is no longer able to produce hair. Hair that has been successfully targeted will shed up to 14 days after the treatment. This timeframe is dependant on the diameter of the hair follicle.
The anagen or active growth stage is the most effective time to treat the hair as it is still in contact with the dermal papilla (food source) and there is the most melanin present during this phase which makes it easier to heat to the required temperature.

Facial hair goes through the anagen stage every 4-6 weeks whereas body hair is 6-8 weeks; therefore treatment intervals are based on these time frames. During these breaks sleeping follicles will be activated, less hair grows and regrowth becomes lighter in colour and finer in texture during the course of treatments.

The  amounts of each type of hair and hair growth – cycles vary from person to person, therefore, it is difficult to compare results between yourself and others. Even on the same body part the hair is not all in the anagen stage at the same time, therefore, a series of treatments is required (snowball effect).
Many follicles do not produce a hair, even though they have the potential to do so, ie. Active verses dormant follicles. Only active follicles can be destroyed by the optical light energy as the hair needs to be in the follicle to be treated. This is why you cannot use electrolysis, wax, thread or pluck for 4 – 6 weeks before your first treatment or during the course of treatments.

Dormant follicles can be activated by hormonal changes (like puberty, pregnancy, aging, etc.) or by other chemicals or medical conditions. That’s why even after permanent hair reduction treatments, totally new hairs may grow.

This is why it is called permanent hair reduction and not permanent hair removal. With different hair types, hair growth cycles and active/dormant hair follicles it is impossible to give a 100% guarantee. This is why a series of treatments is required.

What does it feel like?
Like a rubber band flick

What type of results should I expect?
Hair reduction – you will see a reduction from treatments 1 anything from 5% to 15% (depending on hair colour & skin type & hair growth stage).
Photo rejuvenation – This will stimulate collagen, elastin & fibroblast causing skin tone to improve, pigmentation & capillaries to reduce.

How much does it cost?
The cost does depend on the size of the area being treated, but in comparison to surgical procures IPK treatments are one of the most cost effective treatments on the market – definitely when you use SMARTPULS because it works.

How safe is it (in comparison to Laser)?
As it uses more wavelengths & divergent light rather than a targeted strong beam (as for laser), IPLS is safer & the technology has advanced significantly to reduce to the risk of operator error causing damage to the client.

Are there any side effects?
No, providing the customer answers all questions in the consultation process honestly 7 correctly, and that the IPL operator is fully trained, then there are usually no side effects.
Also, as it does not use UVA/UVB light, there is no chance of skin cancer resulting from IPL treatments.