Comparing and Contrasting Laser Treatments and IPL

In cosmetic dermatology, there are two similar, but different light-based treatments to choose from: lasers and IPL. New Jersey’s South Jersey Skin Care & Laser Center team knows that there can be a lot of confusion when it comes to understanding the difference between the two light-based options.

Put simply, laser treatments use a concentrated beam of light to accomplish changes in the skin, while IPL treatments make use of a broad spectrum of visible light.

Similarities

Both “laser” and “IPL” are initials that stand for longer phrases. “Laser” is an acronym, collapsing “light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation” into a single word. “IPL” stands for “intense pulsed light.” Spelling out the full meaning emphasizes that these are powerful sources of energy.

Lasers and IPL work on the same principle: Light enters the skin, moving through the surface to impact a target, such as a lesion. The light energy is absorbed most readily by areas that feature more significant levels of pigment. Spots are typically darker than the surrounding tissue, as are hair follicles.

When cells absorb light, the energy becomes heat. The heat generated quickly becomes sufficient enough to damage the pigmented cells. When it comes to lesions, the damaged cells ultimately flake away to reveal skin with a more even tone. Unwanted follicles are rendered unable to properly grow hairs.

Light energy can also stimulate collagen production in the skin, leading to a smoother, fuller look.

Because of their intensity, lasers and IPL can create the sensation of a pinch or snap on the skin when they are deployed. While patient typically tolerate the treatment sessions well, they should be made aware of the sensation—as well as the likelihood that their skin will be red and sensitive for a brief time after the session.

Light-based treatments—whether laser or IPL—take time to work, with results appearing gradually in days and weeks following a session. Patients may require multiple sessions in order to achieve desired levels of results, allowing for down time between each scheduled visit.

Differences

Lasers are narrow beams that target problem areas with precision. IPL, on the other hand, shines a broad spectrum of high-intensity light in a range of wavelengths. The word “broad” in relation to IPL is a key descriptor, as it hints at the treatment’s more general application. IPL’s powerful pulses are quite useful for impacting spots and similar signs of sun damage in areas of the skin. Its breadth also means it travels to varying depths in the skin, being absorbed wherever darker areas are present.

Lasers generally have a greater ability to focus in on specific marks and smaller areas. The light is essentially more “concentrated” and able to penetrate more deeply. Lasers are frequently used in hair removal, as well as skin tightening and resurfacing. Lasers can be “ablative,” which means they remove layers of skin to expose the younger cells beneath and encourage natural healing processes. They can also be “non-ablative,” which means they leave the surface intact, working to stimulate renewed growth of collagen and more from the inside.

Healing, length of treatment session, the number of applications necessary, the length of time until results are visible, and the number of treatment required vary.

There is no “right answer” when it comes to choosing a light-based skin care treatment. An experienced dermatologist will be able to work with each patient individually by assessing the condition to be treated, taking skin tone and pigmentation into account, and factoring in a range of other considerations, including the patient’s goals, budget, available down time, and more. In this way, each person can find the treatment that will work best.

Contact New Jersey’s South Jersey Skin Care & Laser Center to find out more about the similarities and differences between laser and IPL treatments, as well as which cosmetic conditions the various options can treat. Visit sjskincare.com or call (856) 810-9888.