Unwanted hair removal
has now become so time consuming and there are many
different methods available to remove unsightly hair such as
shaving, waxing, plucking, electrolysis, etc.
Unfortunately with all
of these methods the hair grows back and the process needs
to be repeated. The use of Intense Pulsed Light at Natural
Define ensures that you are treated with a clinically
proven, safe and effective long term method of unwanted hair
removal.
How does the
Intense Pulsed Light system work?
The IPL operator
guides the light from the flash lamp to the treatment area.
The unique IPL system carefully filters this light in two
ways to ensure that only light with the correct
characteristics is allowed to reach the skin. Hair contains
pigment (melanin) that absorbs light from the applicator on
the machine; this light is converted into heat. The heat is
transmitted through the hair down into the hair follicle,
which is destroyed and unable to produce any new hair.
To ensure that the
light source affects the hair follicle only a gel is applied
to skin, this assists in maximum light transmission and
avoids any injury to the skin itself. The treatment only
affects the growing hairs therefore more than one treatment
is necessary to treat the hairs that are in the resting
phase.
Can all hairs
be treated?
As the treatment
relies on absorption of light in the hair pigment (melanin),
the most efficient treatment is seen in dark hair. The
lighter the skin, the more pronounced the distinction
between hair and skin colour, making treatment easier.
However, the system has pre-programmed settings for
different hair and skin colours to adjust the energy output
to your needs.
How many hair
removal treatments are required?
Hair growth is
cyclical, as hair follicles go through resting and growing
phases. Only follicles in the growth phase contain hair and
are destroyed by the heat. Resting hair follicles need to
enter the growth phase before they can be effectively
destroyed by the IPL treatment. That is why it is necessary
to repeat the treatment at intervals until all hair
follicles have been through the growth phase. The length and
timing of the growth cycles are affected by numerous factors
such as body site, hair density, thickness, ethnic origin,
hormonal status and age. Clinical studies have confirmed
that at least 3 to 6 treatments are needed, and at intervals
between treatments are typically 1 to 3 months.
How long will
the hair removal treatment take?
Treatments times vary
according to the size of the area to be treated, small areas
such as the under arms may only take 15 minutes per session
whereas the legs possibly up to two hours.
Is the hair
removal treatment painful?
There is no need to
use any method of pain control; the sensation is similar to
that of an elastic band snapping onto the skin.
