IPL stands for Intense Pulse Light. IPL treatments are often referred to as photo rejuvenation, Photofacial or IPL Photofacial due to its use of "selective photothermolysis" during treatment. Photothermolysis is the process by which IPL lasers convert light energy to heat energy and treat unwanted hair and skin pigments. IPL Lasers can use photothermolysis to remove unwanted hair, or to correct skin hyper pigmentation, rosacea, age spots and the appearance of sun damage.

Unlike other types of hair removal lasers that use a single light wavelength concentration, such as the Alexandrite Laser or the Diode Laser, IPL Lasers use a full spectrum of light wavelengths. IPL Lasers can alter the intensity of its pulsed light beams with various filters, but it can't be refined to a single wavelength. Some patients and professionals claim that the IPL's greater wavelength spectrum equals less precision and less control, which could mean an increased risk of burns and hair removal side effects with misuse.

IPL Lasers are sometimes available with combined radio frequency, or RF, benefits, like with the popular Aurora laser series. The addition of radio frequencies is alleged to help improve skin texture and clear up troubled complexions. Radio frequencies attempt to heat up and energize skin tissue, which can increase collagen production and create firmer skin tissue. IPL Lasers with RF energy will be more beneficial when used for anti-aging skin care treatments, rather than for laser hair removal.

One of the biggest reasons why IPL lasers are so popular in the hair removal industry is the lower cost. On average, IPL treatments are cheaper than the standard cost of laser hair removal. Additionally, they can treat larger skin portions at a time, so areas like the legs and back can be treated in a friction of the time required with standard lasers.

IPL Lasers are more often recommended for skin treatments than for hair removal procedures. This is because greater precision is required to focus light energy on individual hair follicles as opposed to problem skin areas. This isn't to say that IPL lasers can't successfully remove hair on the face and body. It just means that before undergoing IPL hair removal treatments, you should take extra care to confirm

Be aware of hair removal systems that use traditional light for treatment. Intense Pulse Light machines or IPL's are not true hair removal lasers. These devices use a concentrated beam of traditional incoherent light, often in conjunction with a cream or gel, to burn the hair shaft.

A serious flaw with IPL's is that they lack the lasers ability to produce a selective bandwidth of light that will only affect the hair shaft (selective phytothermolysis). These devices produce a wide bandwidth of light that can heat up all of the surrounding tissue as well as the hair follicle itself.

IPL's are generally cheaper devices and are used for various skin procedures first and foremost, with hair removal as more of an afterthought. Judging from consumer feedback, true lasers usually have better and faster results for hair removal purposes. Most clinics do not use a true laser for hair removal, and try to claim that IPL is an equal substitute. Be sure the treatment you choose is with a laser and not an IPL.

• Laser Hair Removal in New York
• Best Laser Hair Removal Centers
• Laser Hair Removal Prices