Mary’s Skin Care in Launceston offers professional treatments for  (Intense Pulsed Light) IPL  hair removal.

IPL is similar to laser hair removal, but has a different beam of light. Think of a laser with a direct beam and IPL more like a torch with fragmented beams of light.  It is most effective for fair skinned people with dark hair.  All treatments are performed by Mary who has over 11 years experience using Intense Pulsed Light equipment.  Some skin types are unable to be treated as the light may be attracted to the skin rather than the hair follicle.

The following are some of the areas we specialise in removing hair from:

  • Brazilian or bikini line, legs and arms.
  • Underarms
  • Upper lip & chin
  • Men’s back and chest

 Is it permanent hair removal?

Although permanent hair removal can never be guaranteed by any method, IPL hair removal does bring about permanent hair reduction – in most cases if the hair is dark.  The majority of the hair will not return after a short series of treatments.

Contraindications to treatment.

Recent sun exposure, light sensitive medications and active cold sores are all contra-indications for treatment.  Recent sun exposure or being on light sensitive medications can increase your risk of an adverse effect such as a burn or blister. The light can trigger cold sores to spread so I will not do any treatments if you have one present. No fake tan, deodorant or make up to be applied to the area being treated.

How many treatments will I need?

The course of treatment varies from person to person, but will usually be about 8-10 regular sessions. The degree of hair loss and the time taken to get results will vary from person to person as there are many factors that can influence hair growth. For maximum results you need to follow the initial course and you may then only need a maintenance treatment once or twice a year.  You will see me weekly to 4 weekly depending on the type of hair I am treating, what area it is and how many treatments you have had.

How does it work?

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is attracted to melanin, the pigment (colour) found in the hair and skin. Hair needs to have colour for hair reduction to be effective. Some skins may be too dark for safe treatments as the light can be attracted to the melanin in the skin and cause hyper or hypo pigmentation (increase or loss of colour in the skin).  It will not work effectively on grey or blonde hair even though some people market that they can treat these hairs.  If there is no colour what is the light attracted to?

What do I need to do before treatment?

  • You must avoid sun exposure for 6 weeks prior to treatment.
  • Always use a 30+ sunblock, but not on the day the area is being treated.  The titanium dioxide or zinc will block the light.  After treatment yes you may apply sunscreen and make up.
  • Solariums, spray tans and instant tan products must also be avoided in the area to be treated.
  • Remove all makeup from the face if it is being treated.
  • Discontinue waxing, plucking and depilatory creams on the area to be treated one month before your appointment.
  • Shave or clip the hair off, as best results are achieved with minimal hair growth.   If they are too long the hair will burn on the surface and the light will not travel down to the hair follicle which is needed to destroy the hair when it is in the anagen growth stage. the hair follicle may be up to 3mm below the surface of the skin. Preferably shave 1 to 2 days prior to treatment.  Some people get to the stage of shaving a week or longer prior to treatments.
  • Do not apply sunscreen to the area being treated and no deodorant if you are having underarm treatments as some of the ingredients can block the light.  Have you ever put on deodorant and then a dark coloured top and then seen white stripes on the outside of your top from your deodorant?  Yes that’s the white powder that blocks my light.

What happens during the treatment?

Your initial consultation will take around 30 minutes. During this Mary will perform some test shots to enable her to get the best settings for your skin and let you know what it feels like.

Your eyes will be covered with pads and goggles or glasses if I am treating your face, otherwise you will wear special glasses.  A cool gel is applied to the area, and a flash triggered. Some people liken it to a hot pinch.  The new technology that I am now using with multiple pulses is much more comfortable than the old settings.

The treatment itself can be started two to five days after your initial consultation, depending on your Fitzpatrick skin type. (Colour)

What happens after the treatment?

Most people will have no discomfort after treatment, but in rare cases there may be some redness or a slight sunburn sensation in the treated area, which should ease within a couple of hours (usually within 15 minutes).

  • Do not go swimming until the redness has settled or cause any friction to the treated area i.e, riding an exercise bike after a brazilian treatment.
  • It can take anywhere from 2 days to 2 weeks for the hairs to shed.
  • Do not pluck any hairs!
  • Makeup can be applied after treatment.
  • Exfoliate and shave the area one week after treatment.  Keep your skin moisturised.  It can take 1 to 2 weeks for the hairs to shed, but remember only the hair follicle that is in the Anagen growth phase will be be affected.

Please contact Mary from Mary’s Skin Care in Launceston if you have any concerns about your treatment on 0438311297. Apart from IPL treatments for unwanted dark hair, diffused redness acne and pigmentation, we do customised facials, Collagen Induction Therapy, skin consultations and analysis, SCENAR treatments for pain management and the latest skin clear treatments to remove telangiectasia, (Superficial capillaries on the face or legs), skin tags, warts, cholesterol deposits and solar keratosis.   We have a doctor visit monthly to perform anti wrinkle treatments and skin checks. Mary’s Skin Care in Launceston also provides anti-wrinkle treatments. 

She is also a stockist of Dermaviduals products, and the first practising corneotherapist in Tasmania. Click here to find out more about  dermaviduals