Light is powerful! Not only can light from the sun cause damage to our skin, but light-based treatments—carefully applied by skilled providers, like the team at Dermalogic Laser Center—can target that damage and prompt healing. When it comes to effective light treatments, there are two primary options: lasers and IPL. Our New Jersey-based team regularly works with both, and can explain to patients (and you) how they are similar and how they differ. Read on to learn more.
Lasers
To understand lasers, it is first important to know that light is made up of a spectrum of wavelengths, including both visible and invisible waves. Laser treatments focus a single wavelength, emitting a beam of red or blue light—for example—to accomplish a range of benefits.
This light is very powerful and quickly generates heat in the target area. Since it is so focused, it can be applied with precision to bulk heat problematic areas, such as areas with pigmentation, unwanted hair follicles, lines, wrinkles, and texture issues.
Laser light can be ablative, which means it removes layers of skin as part of the treatment process, or non-ablative, which keeps the surface intact while heating cells beneath. There are also treatments that combine both strategies into one.
Because of their focus and intensity, laser treatments are especially good for hair removal, clearing and preventing acne breakouts, reducing visible veins, minimizing scars, and more.
IPL
Unlike focused lasers, IPL treatments involve pulses of multiple wavelengths. This is sometimes referred to as a “broadband” treatment.
Because the light is made up of more than one wavelength, IPL treatments are effective for addressing larger areas, often with diffuse redness or sun damage.
The light from an IPL session typically passes through the surface and is absorbed by darker-pigmented cells below. These collections of hyperpigmentation—often the result of sun exposure years prior—are essentially pulled upward to the surface so that they can flake away in a matter of weeks.
This light can also heat the red-pigmented hemoglobin in visible blood vessels, causing the veins to seal off from the rest of the circulatory system and gradually be reabsorbed to give the surface a clearer, more even look.
Which of these two light treatments would be best for you? That depends on many factors! Happily, you do not have to determine this for yourself. Schedule a visit at Dermalogic Laser Center for a thorough and personalized consultation. You can contact us online or call 609.561.0033.