The key difference between laser and IPL is the type of light used. IPL is a broadband pulsed light source, whereas laser is a monochromatic coherent light source. Both methods target the melanin in the hair follicle and deliver permanent results. Professional laser treatment is a more selective process and therefore the very high energy will focus on the hair follicle rather than surrounding skin. Because of this, professional laser treatments will lead to fast results as well as being suitable to darker skin tones. Energy, frequency and hair color are all determining factors in the efficacy of the treatment, while the light source, whether it is a laser or an intense pulsed flash light plays a minor role.
IPL uses a broad spectrum of light. This targets the hair’s melanin pigment and heats the hair up, causing damage to the follicles.
Laser hair removal heats up the hair and damages the hair follicles with light energy. The laser focuses on a smaller area and often travels further into the pore. The light used with lasers is concentrated more finely on an area where the hair is being removed, increasing its effectiveness and decreasing the potential for side effects
Laser hair removal is definitely a more aggressive treatment. It penetrates deeper into the pores giving you better results. This means you may require fewer treatments to get your desired outcome.
IPL on the other hand doesn’t solely focus on hair so you may require more treatments to stop your hairs from growing back.
IPL can be a very slow and tedious treatment because it’s performed in pulses, whereas laser is very quick because it’s performed in motion.
Treatment Area | IPL treatment time | Laser treatment time |
Legs | 60 minutes | 20 minutes |
Under Arms | 15 minutes | 5 minutes |
Back | 45 minutes | 15 minutes |
Brazilian | 30 minutes | 10 minutes |
The average woman spends 72 entire days of her life or 1,728 hours, just shaving her legs alone!
The time savings and improved quality of life are substantial with the treatment of permanent hair reduction with either IPL treatments or Laser treatments.
IPL typically has higher amounts of discomfort, whereas laser hair removal is virtually pain-free.
We’ve pulled out the most common treatment areas and the average treatment pain rating on a scale of 0 (no pain) – 10 (worst pain you’ve ever had) below with lighter skin colour and dark hair.
Treatment Area | IPL treatment pain rating | Laser treatment pain rating |
Legs | 6 | 2 |
Under Arms | 5 | 1 |
Back | 7 | 2 |
Brazilian | 7 | 2 |
Conclusion: Laser technology is simply much more effective and achieves substantially better results than IPL with most clients achieving optimal results of permanent hair removal of 80% or greater after four to eight treatments.
We use certified skincare products at Riverstone Laser. Our top-rated products range from leading skincare brands to help target specific skin concerns and revitalize your look.
We use high quality state-of-the art Alma Soprano laser in our beauty Clinic. Our Clinical team put you at ease and ensure your comfort throughout the procedure. We offer a variety of treatments tailored for each person in clean and Safe environment.
We provide services to women only.
Mon: 09:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Tue: Closed
Wed: 09:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thr: 09:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Fri: 09:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sat: 09:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sun: 09:00 AM – 8:00 PM
© 2022 River Stone Laser and Skin Care Inc.
Phone: 604-621-8311
Email: info@riverstonelaser.com
Address: 2961 Townline Road, Abbotsford, BC, V2T 5J8
