IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light - it is not a laser.

A laser only emits one wavelength of light, whereas IPL uses intense light pulses with a broad range of wavelengths. Thus, IPL can be adjusted, tailoring the wavelengths of light to the treated condition and your natural skin tone.

Here at Beauty Essence, we use the Ellipse IPL system. Ellipse is a safe, effective and proven system that directs short, safe bursts of light from a handheld device onto the skin. It uses a patented ‘dual-mode filtering’ system, which removes all unnecessary and potentially harmful wavelengths of light.

IPL is an effective and safe treatment for:

• permanent hair removal

• rejuvenating the skin

• removing vascular lesions (spider/thread veins, rosacea)

Hair Removal

The Ellipse IPL system can successfully achieve permanent hair removal. After the first treatment, you will notice a reduction in hair density and finer and lighter regrowth. You’ll also love the fact that IPL doesn’t cause ingrown hairs.

Each treatment can take anywhere from 15 minutes (upper lip) to two hours (full leg), depending on the size of the area. We recommend repeated treatments at 3-6-week intervals (usually 6-12 treatments in total). For more information about IPL hair removal, read our IPL blog article.

Skin Rejuvenation

IPL skin rejuvenation is a skincare procedure that improves the appearance of your skin, including areas of sun damage. The intense light pulses can destroy compounds that cause hyperpigmentation (including age spots, sunspots and melasma) and can even out skin tone.

IPL also stimulates collagen production in the skin (in cells called fibroblasts). Collagen tightens and smooths the skin, helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and minimise superficial acne scar tissue.

In addition, fibroblasts contribute to the production of hyaluronic acid, a substance that keeps the skin moisturised and contributes to a youthful appearance.

Although many clients experience visible improvements after just one treatment, we typically recommend 2–10 IPL sessions (spaced four weeks apart) for general skin rejuvenation. If treating severe skin damage or discolouration, you may need more.

Thread Vein Removal

IPL targets a compound found in the blood called oxyhaemoglobin. When the intense pulsed light raises the temperature of oxyhaemoglobin, it destroys the dilated capillaries close to the skin’s surface. Thus, reducing the appearance and redness in rosacea and removing thread veins. We recommend 2-10 treatments spaced 4 weeks apart.

Things to consider - Before, During and After Treatment

Before:

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• You must avoid sun exposure for 30 days before and during the treatment programme. A tan can increase light absorption in untreated skin, increasing the chance of pain and burns. If you have a suntan (or have used fake tan recently), it is best to wait until the colour reduces to achieve the best results. 

• Don’t wax or get a chemical peel or collagen shots in the treatment area for 2 weeks before.

• Wear perfume, makeup, deodorant, or any skin irritants.

• Don’t take aspirin or other blood-thinning medications before treatment.

• Don’t take any medication that will make you more sensitive to the sun, for example, the antibiotic doxycycline.

During:

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Ellipse IPL system is completely safe.

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At the start of your treatment session, our beauty therapist will give you eye protection glasses to wear. and will rub gel on your clean skin. The handheld IPL device will go right on your body.

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The treatment sensation depends on the area of the body and varies from person to person. Some clients describe it as an elastic band flicking against the skin and sometimes a sense of heat, which only lasts for a short moment.
 

After:

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Immediately after treatment, your skin will be susceptible to UV light. Therefore, you must use a good sunscreen of at least SPF 30 for 30 days after the treatment.

You are in safe hands

Therapists at our beauty salon in Central London are experienced professionals. Our priority is that you feel relaxed and comfortable during your treatment session. We are happy to talk you through the procedure and answer questions that arise at any time.

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If you have questions about any of our treatments, please call us at the salon, and we will be only too happy to help. If you are new to some treatments (e.g. facials, waxing and IPL) or have sensitive skin, why not book a consultation and patch test. This will help us advise you on the best treatment options for your skin and hair type.