IPL is a light-based therapy that works by targeting structures within the skin such as melanin, blood, and water in collagen with wavelengths of light to break down the structure and improve the appearance of the skin. The light pulses also stimulate collagen production which floods the area, plumping the skin, reducing wrinkles, and resulting in a more youthful appearance.
How to Choose the Best Intense Pulsed Light Treatment System for Your Business
We understand that choosing the right IPL machine for your business is a big decision. With numerous companies that claim their machine is the best and varying price points, it can be difficult to determine which machine will give you the most optimal results and the most cost-effective solution.
That’s why we’ve put together the important points to look for in an IPL machine to help you make the right decision for your salon or spa.
Why Wavelength Matters
Wavelength is important in IPL because it affects the machines ability to target the different chromophores. The chromophores are the targets within the skin that IPL is used for. For example, the melanin in the hair during hair removal and the melanin in the skin during photo rejuvenation treatment.
Each of the chromophores (IPL targets) will absorb different wavelengths of light. For example, the chromophore in hair removal, the melanin in the hair, absorbs red light and so all the other colours are filtered out to ensure that only the red light is used during hair removal.
The SkinBase™ IPL system can use wavelengths between 500-1000nm giving you the ability to treat a wide range of skin conditions and hair removal needs.
Energy Density to Power Your Treatments
Energy density is measured in joules per cm2, this is essentially the amount of energy delivered by the machine in each IPL pulse. SkinBase™ IPL has the capacity to deliver 110 joules/cm2.
However, it is not always necessary for the machine to use its full power. In fact, many treatments will require a lot less power depending on hair color, skin type and other factors.
This is where the pulse width comes in.
Pulse Width or Duration for Penetration
Pulse width or duration is simply how long the pulse lasts.
Our IPL machines operate using long pulse duration of 1-50 milliseconds, which while it might not seem very long, is enough to penetrate deep within the skin and produce the thermal heating required in the chromophore to cause a permanent change.
This can be used for the removal of hair, smoothing of pigmentation, reduction of vascular lesions, and more.
Energy density + pulse width = a powerful combination
Changing the pulse width and energy density allows the machine to create the most accurate levels for each client.
Based on your client’s skin type and the chromophore target as a guide, the machine will work out the most effective settings for each client and each treatment, allowing you to achieve the best possible results – for a satisfied client.
Pulse Repetition for Reduced Treatment Time
Pulse repetition is how long it takes for the machine to be able to fire off another pulse. The length of time it takes to recharge will affect how long it takes to perform a treatment, meaning that the less time you have to wait, the more efficient your treatments.
In the SkinBase™ system, this is just 3 seconds. During treatment with SkinBase™ IPL you will alternate use with the cooling cryo-handset which means those 3 seconds are the perfect length of time between shots and will not slow down your treatment time.
This means treatments take less time so that you can do more each day and you’re clients are happier.
Spot Size for Even Faster Treatments
Spot size is the area on the handset that delivers the pulse and varies from machine to machine. The smaller the spot size, the more flashes required and treatment times will be increased as it will take longer to cover large areas.
SkinBase™ has one of the largest spot sizes at 35mm x 45mm, enabling you to cover larger areas quickly.
The SkinBase™ IPL also features a reducer head for those times when a smaller spot size might be required e.g. patch testing.
One thing to watch out for with a large spot size is that the machine has the energy density (power) to handle the large spot size. An underpowered machine with a large spot size can result in ineffective treatments. The SkinBase™ IPL has both the spot size and the power to improve your treatment times.
Cryo-Handset for Quick and Easy Cooling
The SkinBase™ IPL system has two handsets, one to deliver the IPL pulses and one to cool the skin for treatment.
Cooling the skin allows higher power levels to be used whilst still maintaining your client’s comfort. In some treatments, the level of cooling required can be different. For example, when treating vascular lesions, too much cooling will cause the blood vessels to constrict and reduce the effectiveness of the treatment.
With SkinBase™ IPL the cooling handset can be adjusted to different temperatures to maximize the results for your client. Not all machines have this feature and some machines use cooling gels and ice packs instead, requiring additional time and money.
Pre-Programmed for Ease of Use
SkinBase™ IPL has a full color touchscreen that guides you through setting the correct treatment for your client. You won’t need to refer to a chart or diagram.
Simply enter your client’s details and the machine will work out the most accurate and effective levels for you.
What Can Intense Pulsed Light Be Used For?
Permanent Hair Reduction
SkinBase™ IPL emits beams of visible pulsed light onto the skin. This light is absorbed by melanin in the hair and turns into heat energy. Providing there is sufficient melanin in the hair this heat disables the hair follicle stopping hair growth.
Permanent hair reduction is only possible if the hair is in the anagen growth phase. Only approximately 30% of hairs are in this growth phase at any one time which is why for permanent hair reduction, most areas of the body will need between 6-10 treatments. This can vary from client to client.
Which areas can be treated?
Unwanted hair can be removed from most parts of the body including legs, upper lip & chin, bikini line, underarm, and back.
A slight warm tingling sensation best describes the feeling experienced during a SkinBase™ IPL treatment. This sensation is minimized by the specially developed cryo-handset on the SkinBase™ IPL, making it infinitely more comfortable than most conventional methods like waxing, laser and electrolysis and many other IPL or laser systems.
Medical Therapies
Each IPL therapy available with SkinBase™ uses a particular wavelength to target the problem areas. Beautiful results can be achieved for skin conditions including; rosacea, pigmentation, acne, broken blood vessels, red and blue facial veins, fine lines and wrinkles.
Acne
Scarring caused by acne is very different from any other scar because it results from a deficit of collagen in the particular area. After the acne has subsided, the skin needs collagen to heal. However, if collagen is lacking, ‘ice pick scars’ can result.
The SkinBase™ IPL medical treatment for acne not only targets current acne, it works to prevent future outbreaks, while flooding the area with collagen in order to allow the skin to properly heal. This helps prevent scarring and reduces the appearance of existing scars.
We recommend a course of 3-4 treatments at 2-3 week intervals for best results. The treatment is pain free.
Photorejuvenation Treatment
Photorejuvenation is a broad term used to describe the treatment of photo ageing including wrinkles, pigmentation and age spots. Damage photorejuvenation addresses can be due to over exposure to the sun, hormonal changes, chemicals in soaps and shampoos and genetic predispositions.
The SkinBase™ IPL treatment will help to:
For photorejuvenation treatments, a course of 3-6 treatments, 2-3 weeks apart is recommended.
Wrinkles
As we age, the connective tissue and collagen in our face becomes less supportive and we start to lose the ‘plumpness’ or elasticity we once had.
Our skin begins to age at 25, although most people will not see any noticeable changes until into their 30s. The SkinBase™ IPL treatment helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles by flooding the area with collagen, plumping the skin and smoothing existing wrinkles. This extra collagen also helps skin regain its youthful glow.
Vascular Lesions (including thread veins)
Thread veins are often seen on the face, cheeks and nose. They can be caused by excessive exposure to UV rays, although some people are simply more susceptible to them and they can even be present from childhood.
IPL therapy treats thread veins by emitting wavelengths of light that are filtered to target the hemoglobin in the thread veins or broken capillaries. The treatment causes the vein to break down over a number of days so that it can be reabsorbed by the body.
For this treatment, as little as 1-3 sessions are usually needed with a 2-3 week interval.
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SkinBase™ is one of the world’s leading providers of professional beauty machines trusted by over 2,200 accredited salons and spas and more than 4,000 estheticians!
Find out more about how a partnership with SkinBase™ can increase the profitability of your salon or medspa today.
