DepiLite is a trade name. The DepiLite Mk 1 intense pulsed light (IPL) machine that we use is manufactured by Lynton Lasers, a recognised centre of excellence in lasers and IPL systems, which grew from The Laser Centre at Manchester University.

DepiLite is the trade name for Lynton Laser’s Lumina IPL system which is considered the most advanced IPL system available providing the highest standards of performance and safety. Being fully up-gradeable the system is able to keep up with advances in technology.

This DepiLite Mk 1 medical flashlamp system is a high powered, water cooled machine with variable pulse and inter-pulse delay control, which, along with three interchangeable light guide sizes, makes it stand out from the crowd. The different sized light guides allow for flexibility in treating different body sites with the largest one covering an area of 5cm2. Treatment of large areas such as legs and backs is, therefore, relatively quick.

How Effective is Light Assisted Hair Removal?

Long term hair removal flashlamp systems have minimal side effects whilst achieving excellent results. The efficacy of IPL technology for removal of unwanted hair is without question. Between 6 – 10 treatments correctly spaced, at four to six week intervals, to target hair in the active growing phase each time, can achieve 80-100% hair reduction.

In the UK we speak of “long-term hair removal” or “permanent hair reduction” as we do not consider that the technology has been around long enough to have earned the right to be called “permanent”. In the USA, however, the FDA allows any treatment that stops hair re-growth for one year, or two hair cycles, to be deemed permanent. IPL machines in use in North America, therefore, are able to use the word “permanent”. Long-term studies are still being carried out to confirm this in the UK.

When Can I Start Treatment?

Every client wishing to be considered for IPL must attend a free consultation when the treatment will be fully explained and expectations discussed. A medical history will be taken and medication listed – please bring with you the names of any drugs you may be taking. Following a satisfactory consultation, and provided that you have not been sunbathing in the last month, if you wish to go ahead with the treatment then an obligatory patch test is necessary to determine skin reaction. Following no adverse reaction treatment may commence after three to five days.

How Does IPL Work?

IPL uses the principle of selective photothermolysis, using broad spectrum light in such a way as to inhibit re-growth for as long as possible. IPL relies on the absorption of light by the melanin contained in the hair in preference to absorption by melanin in the skin. It is essential, therefore, that the hair is darker than the skin for preferential absorption to occur. For this reason very dark skins, such as Afro-Caribbean, can not be treated with IPL. The best results will normally be seen for clients with dark hair and fair skin.

IPL works by the light energy being attracted to, and absorbed by, melanin, the pigment which is present in most hair except that which is blonde, white or grey. The amount of melanin present will determine the success of the treatment. Melanin is most concentrated during the active growth phase. Evidence has shown that whilst most actively growing hairs will be destroyed some hair treated will grow back slowly and appear much finer in texture. These hairs will need further treatment. Hairs not in the active growing phase will not be affected and will need treatment in the future when they enter their active growing stage. Hence the need for a course of treatments over a period of time.

When pigment in hair absorbs IPL energy it is converted to heat energy and heats up the hair follicle to a temperature high enough to cause irreversible damage to the growing capacity of the follicle without causing significant damage to the surrounding skin structure. Because the light is pulsed the skin, which is in contact with the air, is able to cool down sufficiently between pulses to reduce heat damage to the skin, whereas inside the hair follicle, where the heat is retained for longer, the temperature increases during the pulse sequence. The treatment is effective when the hair follicle reaches a temperature high enough to destroy the follicle.

Is DepiLite Safe?

DepiLite uses light wavelenghs found in the visible spectrum only, and all harmful wavelenghs (such as ultra violet) are filtered out. The trained operator varies the energy, pulse and delay to suit the skin and hair type of the client within pre-set boundaries to maximise client safety. It has been used successfully on all parts of the body with people of all ages, most hair colours and almost all skin types. IPL technology has been used successfully for over eight years, originally in hospitals and now in clinics and salons. It has proved the most effective solution to unwanted hair ever to be devised. It has transformed the lives of thousands, but most important of all, it can change life for the individual – in a flash!



DepiLite Pre and Post Treatment Advice

Now that you are considering a course of Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatment you must not pluck, wax, epilate or bleach the treatment area between treatments.

You must avoid sun exposure to the proposed treatment area for 28 days before or after a treatment. This may mean that you must avoid sun exposure throughout the course of treatments, or use a high sun protection factor (SPF 30) to avoid sun damage.

Shave the treatment area a day or two before treatment session. Use of a depilatory cream is not as ideal as shaving but if you must use one it should be used not less than a week before your treatment session. This is because the hairs in the treatment area need to be level with the surface of the skin or just protruding for a treatment session to be effective.

Following treatment you may experience some redness and a tingling sensation; this is completely normal. Redness will usually subside within a few hours.

An aloe vera moisturiser or aftersun cream will be applied to the treated area to help protect the skin following treatment. If there is any discomfort treat the area in the same way one would treat sunburn until the skin has settled.

If the treated area should blister following treatment, the blistered area should be left alone to heal naturally, with E45 cream applied regularly to keep the area moist. Do not burst any blisters that appear, but should they burst themselves then a dry dressing may be applied. Do not scratch or pick any scab or blister as this could result in scarring.

Avoid hot baths and showers for 12 hours after which time you may wash and bathe as normal. Avoid swimming, saunas, and heat treatments for 24 hours. Make-up may be used, but could cause an irritation if the skin is sensitive after treatment. Fake tan can be applied afterwards, but skins with fake tan require lower DepiLite settings, which may affect the speed of results.

Hair re-growth should be expected approximately four to eight weeks following treatment and so re-treatments are advised to achieve satisfactory results. If, a few days before your re-treatment, you feel that there is no re-growth please phone the clinic to re-arrange your appointment for a later date.

It is possible that the occasional “Maintenance Treatment” will be necessary to keep the treated area hair free over the very long term.