All hail glorious summer, the time to load up on some vitamin sea! Dream a little dream as you may, every goddess endeavors to bask in adulations of “there she glows!”. Meanwhile, a little conscience sits vigil, reminding thee of unsightly spots, ruddiness, and angry creases. We say the successful warrior is the average woman with a laser-like focus. IPL and laser treatments? Discover how these saviors can expunge your sunny transgressions.
IPL vs Lasers: The Eternal Debate
He says, she says. The age-old confusion of how these two stack up against each other often revolves around marketing claims.
The Parallel Universe
And let there be light! Both lasers and IPL delivers light energy to the pigments, red hemoglobin, and water in your skin. It converts to heat energy which vaporizes target areas to improve sunspots, scarlet skin, and broken capillaries. The presence of water molecules induces micro-injuries that repair fine lines with the production of collagen.
The Stark Difference
Despite good zapping intentions, both treatments operate with different strategies. Kind of like a sniper, lasers emit one wavelength that only penetrates at a specific depth. Meanwhile, resembling a carpet bomb, IPL delivers many wavelengths in comparison.
Because IPL targets multiple components of the skin, it doesn’t channel enough energy to vanquish any one problem. On the flip side, its multi-functionality hails it a must-have device for all dermatology practices and medspas. A one size fits all the one-size-fits-all light helps to lighten spots and reduces redness, rosacea, stretch marks, scars, and hair growth.
Which Do I Pick?
Unfortunately, this is not exactly a po-tay-toh or po-tah-toh situation. The devices do work differently to favor different skin types.
Going with Laser:
- Costly.
- More potent.
- Greater control.
- More suitable for darker-skinned and melasma-prone patients.
- Clear + Brilliant Permea and Picosecond lasers recommended by experts.
- Fraxel laser destroys precancerous cells & produce collagen in sun-damaged skin.
Going with IPL:
- More cost-effective.
- Less downtime.
- Less specific.
- Promotes rejuvenation.
- Mostly recommended for younger patients.
Option #3?
Still, befuddled? Dermatologist, Dr. Estee Williams is an advocate of neither. She believes rather, in the magic of chemical peels, especially for individuals with light and heat-sensitive skin. Some experts might also recommend high-powered lasers in tandem to achieve the best results.
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