Laser Hair Removal Through the Years
Phototherapy treatments such as LASER and IPL hair removal use light to permanently remove hair. Like other great contributions to science, the idea of phototherapy began over 100 years ago with the study of light. Scientists were curious about light- what was it?
In the early 1900’s Albert Einstein believed that light was made up of tiny particles that could be collected and released. Later he developed this theory to include stimulated emission– this concept is the foundation of phototherapy. Stimulated emission postulates that when a light particle hits something it creates another light particle. This light particle creates another and so on, creating a chain reaction. This chain reaction lets light multiply into a powerful beam- the essence of phototherapy treatments such as IPL and LASER hair removal.
The First Laser
The first laser was created in the 60’s- not for the purpose of removing hair- this came about 20 years later. Initially, lasers were invented to test Einstein’s theory of light. Could light actually be collected, released and multiplied? Over the years they learned many things about light, including how it travels in waves, how it can be absorbed, reflected, or passed through. Scientists also developed selective photothermolysis– a technique where light is used to heat and destroy only a specific target, without harming the surrounding areas.
Science Meets Beauty
Once selective photothermolysis was developed in the 80’s, scientists expanded the use of lasers to beauty treatments. Selective photothermolysis made it possible to destroy hair follicles without damaging surrounding tissue. Laser hair removal became a practical treatment in the 90’s, with the first successful procedures performed in the mid-90’s and commercial devices released shortly after.
At the same time, IPL technology was emerging. Invented in the early 90’s, IPL used a broad spectrum of light instead of a single laser wavelength. They were approved for cosmetic use, and clinics began adopting them for hair reduction and skin treatments. Unlike lasers, IPL systems are more versatile, allowing practitioners to treat multiple conditions using adjustable filters.
In Canada, regulations started in the late 90’s with devices having to be approved individually. To this date devices are approved individually with ongoing updates to safety rules.
Then vs Now
Phototherapy treatments have come a long way. Early devices were basic and often caused irritation or skin damage. By the 90’s, technology improved, and major advances made treatments much safer, with features like cooling systems to protect the skin and reduce discomfort.
Modern devices are also far more precise. Another key change is that treatments now work on a wider range of skin tones and hair types, making them more inclusive. In addition, settings can be customized for each client, improving results and safety. Today, phototherapy is not just used for hair removal but also for treating acne, pigmentation, rosacea, and signs of aging.
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Dérmica MedEsthetics
(780) 885 7108
dermica.ca