Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) vs. Clinical-grade Lasers: What's the Diffe

If you have been searching for the best hair removal solution, you may have already come across Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and clinical-grade lasers. However, what exactly are these, and which one is the best at-home hair removal solution? Let’s explore all that in this article.

The Difference Between IPL and Clinical-grade Laser

Both IPL and clinical-grade lasers use light to heat hair follicles and prevent them from growing again. Although these hair removal solutions sound similar, they use different technologies.

The main difference between IPL and clinical-grade lasers is the type of light used by the devices. IPL uses a broad spectrum of light in multiple wavelengths. Meanwhile, clinical-grade lasers use a monochromatic coherent light source, allowing it to be more focused and stronger than most IPL devices.

Other than that, most clinical-grade laser devices require operators to undergo extensive professional training. This is why they are exclusively offered in clinics by doctors and other equivalent professionals.

Why is IPL the Better At-home Option?

There are plenty of at-home hair removal solutions out there, but IPL is easily the best option. Here are some of the reasons why IPL is the better choice for at-home application:

IPL Devices Are More Affordable

At-home IPL devices are slightly more expensive upfront than other traditional home hair removal solutions. Its price can range from $100 and above, depending on the brand and features. For example, Evenskyn's Pulsar handset, which is a reputable product, is around $280.

However, IPL handsets are more affordable in the long run when you factor in how often you need to use traditional hair removal solutions such as waxing. Do it at home waxing kits generally cost around $25 to $100. You have to use this every 2 to 3 weeks, so that can amount to $400 in one year.

Moreover, clinical-grade laser costs can start around $3000. Higher tier models can be as expensive as $60,000. This is also something that you cannot simply buy for personal use at home because you need a particular level of expertise and knowledge to operate it safely.

Effective Results

The result you get from IPL at-home treatment is better than traditional at-home hair removal solutions. It does not stress out your skin or cause blisters, unlike waxing and shaving.

Also, at-home IPL devices are proven to lessen hair painlessly. After your first session, you will notice that the hair around your targeted area will look frazzled. After 10 to 18 days, these will fall out, and you have to do another session to lessen hair regrowth. You can notice the best results after 3 to 5 months of treatment.

More Convenient Application

At-home IPL treatments can be done in under 20 minutes, depending on your target area. You don't have to prepare many things; all you have to do is turn on the handset device and apply it to your target area according to its instructions, and you are good to go. You also don't have to clean up any mess afterward.

Takeaway

Overall, clinical-grade lasers are superior to IPL in terms of how fast results are achieved. However, when it comes to at-home applications, IPL is the better choice because it's more affordable, convenient, and the results are simply excellent.

Author: April Ann Q.

Resource links:

https://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&as_sdt=0%2C5&q=home+ipl+hair+removal+cost&btnG=

https://link.springer.com/article/10.2165/00128071-200203020-00004

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0738081X07000983

https://www.karger.com/Article/Abstract/315499