IPL is a light based therapy that works by targeting structures within the skin such as melanin, blood, and water in collagen with wavelengths of light to breakdown the structure and improve the appearance of the skin. The light pulses also stimulate collagen production which floods to the area plumping the skin and reducing wrinkles, resulting in a more youthful appearance.

Choosing an Intense Pulsed Light Treatment system for your business

We understand that there are lots of different companies out there telling you they have exactly what you need and that their Intense Pulsed Light Treatment machine is right for you. There are a number of features of an IPL machine that will determine its effectiveness, here we explain some of the terminology to help you make the right decision for your business.

Wavelengths

Wavelengths are important because it affects the machines ability to target the different chromophores. The chromophores are the targets within the skin that IPL is used for. For example, the melanin in the hair during hair removal and the melanin in the skin during photo rejuvenation treatment.

The SkinBase™ IPL system can use wavelengths of between 500-1000nm. Each of the chromophores (IPL targets) will absorb different wavelengths of light. For example, the chromophore in hair removal, the melanin in the hair, absorbs red light and so all the other colours are filtered out to ensure that only the red light is used during hair removal.

Energy Density (Power)

Energy density is measured in joules per cm2, this is essentially the amount of energy delivered by the machine in each IPL pulse. SkinBase™ IPL has a capacity to deliver 110 joules/cm2 however, it is not always necessary for the machine to use its full power, in fact many treatments will require a lot less depending on hair colour, skin type etc. This is where the pulse width comes in.

Pulse Width or duration

This is simply how long the pulse lasts for, the pulse width in IPL is very different to that of a Q-switched laser machine. IPL machines operate with a long pulse duration of 1-50 milliseconds which might not seem very long but is enough to penetrate deep within the skin and produce the thermal heating required in the chromophore to cause a permanent change; removal of hair, pigmentation, or vascular lesions, for example.

Energy density + pulse width = a powerful combination

Changing the pulse width and energy density allows the machine to create the most accurate levels for each client. Using the client’s skin type and the chromophore target as a guide, the machine will work out the most effective settings for each client and each treatment to get the best possible results.

Pulse repetition

This is how long it takes for the machine to be able to fire off another pulse, in the SkinBase™ system this is 3 seconds. The length of time it takes to recharge will affect how long it takes to perform a treatment. During treatment with SkinBase™ IPL you will alternate use with the cooling cryo-handset which means 3 seconds is the perfect length of time between shots and will not slow down your treatment time.

Spot size

This is the area on the handset that delivers the pulse, this varies from machine to machine. SkinBase™ has one of the largest spot sizes at 35mm x 45mm and this enables you to cover larger areas quickly. The smaller the spot size, the more flashes required and treatment times will be increased as it will take longer to cover large areas.

The SkinBase™ IPL also features a reducer head for those times when a smaller spot size might be required e.g. patch testing. One thing to watch out for with a large spot size is that the machine has the energy density (power) to handle the large spot size. An underpowered machine with a large spot size can result in ineffective treatments.

Cryo-Handset or cooling head

The SkinBase™ IPL system has two handsets, one to deliver the IPL pulses and one to cool the skin for treatment. Cooling the skin allows higher power levels to be used whilst still maintaining your client’s comfort. In some treatments the level of cooling required can be different. For example, treating vascular lesions, too much cooling will cause the blood vessels to constrict and reduce the effectiveness of the treatment. With SkinBase™ IPL the cooling handset can be adjusted to different temperatures to maximise the results for your client. Not all machines have this feature and some machines use cooling gels and ice packs instead.

Ease of use

SkinBase™ IPL has a full colour touch screen that guides you through setting the correct treatment for your client. You won’t need to refer to a chart or diagram, simply enter your client’s details and the machine will work out the most accurate and effective levels for you.