The hair is mainly composed of keratinocytes that synthesize keratin, and melanocytes which are responsible for the production of melanin. In photo-depilation, intense pulsed light is absorbed by the melanin (coloured pigment) contained in the hair. This is then channeled to the “root” (hair shaft, hair follicle, epithelium and matrix). When the light meets a chromophore, it is converted into heat; the thermal effect destroys the germ cells responsible for hair growth. These are located approximately 4-6mm under the skin.  Hair acts as a conductor of energy to these cells, therefore, the hair must be in the “anagen” phase (phase at which the bulb and the hair shaft are attached to the root). Dark skin contains a higher concentration of melanin. From the cornea layer, the skin can act as a competitive chromophore when targeting the melanin in the hair. The specific filtration for dark skin (phototype IV, V and the begining of VI) promotes the absorption of the pulsed light by melanin contained in a hair anchored in tissue, and thus leads to a high level of effiency of the treatments. A specific filtration is necessary up to 690 nanometres, and is limited in exposure using a range of wavelengths from 420 to 690nm which allows the destruction of the bulb, while preserving the skin.

The multipulsed mode is an important parameter that reflects the TRT (Thermal Relaxation Time) of the skin which is relative to the target chromophore which avoids the risk of burns caused by single flashes that are too long. To completely preserve dark skin during hair removal treatments it is necessary to increase the number of pulses, reduce the pulse duration and increase the interval between pulses

The accumulation of exposure to the sun, smoking, general pollution and aging are accompanied by age related distortion of the structural components of the skin. Fibroblasts, which are one of the main types of cells found in the connective tissue of the dermis, are responsible for the renewal of collagen and elastin. The natural production of collagen starts to decrease from the age of 25 and it further declines from the age of 40. It is important to stimulate cell renewal to prevent the skin from aging in order to take anti-aging action. Intense pulsed light emits the flash of pulsed light at a wavelength of 535nm allowing the stimulation of fibroblast cells. This thermal denaturation of collagen induces neo-collagenesis ; the inflammatory response that results from heating the skin creates a cascade of reactions leading to the synthesis of collagen.

Using IPL for skin rejuvenation stimulates the production of collagen and elastin. There is also an improvement in skin elasticity, reduced pore size and a reduction in fine lines. The skin is radiant and toned, the face is reshaped and the skin texture is improved. The results are visible from the first session.

Acne is a skin infection caused by the bacterium Propionibacterium acnes. Gram positive bacilli, which is anaerobic and purple, acts on the sebaceous follicle, which, when mixed with excess oil, releases cytokines. These molecules are responsible for inflammation. Using intense pulsed light to treat acne works by heating the porphyrins produced by the  “Propionibacterium acnes” bacteria, causing its destruction. Exposure of the porphyrin (chromophore) to the light activates its excited state, resulting in the formation of singlet oxygen, a condition in which the oxygen atom is very reactive in contrast to its ground state which is a triplet state. Singlet oxygen combines with cell membranes to destroy bacteria. The photo-thermal effect also allows for the aseptic treatment of the area. Light filtration between 420 - 1200nm corresponds to an optical penetration depth between 0.5mm and 2mm in order to act intensively on the sebaceous glands that lie on the surface. It filters out all wavelengths except the blue light. In addition, pulsed light works on acne scars by stimulating the production of collagen and elastin by the fibroblasts.

Intense pulsed light is generally indicated for retentional or inflammatory acne of either medium or minor severity. It is used as a substitute to long term antibiotics as drugs such as isotretinoin which are already banned in several countries. Medical treatment of acne using pulsed light is a real medical benefit to patients.

Eliminate your imperfections.

There are two types of pigmented lesions ; “solar lentigo”, which is associated with exposure to the sun, and “senile lentigo”, which is associated with the ageing of the skin, smoking, and general pollution. The two main factors responsible for pigmented lesions are exposure to the sun and the ageing of the skin as we get older. Pigmentation is a result of the multiplication of the number of melanocytes, whose volume and activity increases as a result of these factors. Using IPL at a wavelength of 550nm allows an optical penetration depth of 2mm. With this filtration, the chosen target is melanin on the skin surface, which then absorbs the light energy resulting in a build-up of heat causing its destruction. After the session, the destroyed particles are then removed by the “phagocytosis” principle, which is particle removal by intracellular digestion.

A short flash duration and a high power allows protection and comfort for the skin.

Pathological types of pigmented lesions such as nevus naevocellulires and Dubreuilh melanosis cannot be treated with intense pulsed light.

Vascular lesions (telangiectasia, erythrose, angiomas, rosacea, small varicosity, diffuse redness) are caused by blood vessels that become visible under the skin. The pulsed light is absorbed from a wavelength of 500nm by oxyhaemoglobin, the targeted chromophore in the treatment of vascular lesions. The light is converted into heat, which causes significant heating of the vessel walls and leads to their destruction by photocoagulation and thrombosis, without damaging the surrounding tissue. After treatment, the target vessel is then naturally removed from the body, leaving no trace.

Intense pulsed light is particularly effective on superficial vascular lesions like blotches, spider veins, redness, etc.