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Is IPL Home Device for Hair Removal Safe for the Skin?


Doctor Answers (1)

IT depends on the wavelength and chromophore.


This is difficult to explain without delving into the technical details. But perhaps an analogy may help to explain.

Light is composed of different "colors" of light that each have a specific wavelength.

Lights of certain wavelengths are attracted to certain colored targets called chromophores. Therefore it is essential to know the wavelength of the light. This will tell us if the target is water, blood, melanin, etc.

For example, if sound hits a certain frequency it will shatter a glass. However not all sound shatters glass; it has to be at a precise frequency.

Light in the ultraviolet (UV) wavelength has potential to cause DNA damage and cause mutations but it won't do anything for hair removal. i.e., the hair follicle is not the target or chromophore.

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
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