Editing Intense pulsed light (section)

=== Protocol ===
Broad-[[light spectrum|spectrum]] [[light]] is applied to the surface of the [[skin]], targeting melanin. This light travels through the skin until it strikes the [[hair]] shafts or [[hair follicle]].<ref name=":2">{{Cite journal|last1=Husain|first1=Zain|last2=Alster|first2=Tina S|date=2016-02-04|title=The role of lasers and intense pulsed light technology in dermatology|journal=Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology|volume=9|pages=29–40|doi=10.2147/CCID.S69106|issn=1178-7015|pmc=4745852|pmid=26893574 |doi-access=free }}</ref> The follicle is usually where the highest concentration of [[melanin]] is located.<ref name=":0" /> As the light is absorbed, the bulb and most of the hair shaft are heated, destroying the hair-producing [[Papillary dermis|papilla]].<ref name=":2" /> It is also claimed that heat conversion occurs directly in the darker capillaries that bring blood to the follicle.<ref name="Lahiri 55">{{Cite book|last=Lahiri|first=Koushik|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-HKJDAAAQBAJ&q=The%20area%20to%20be%20treated%20should%20be%20clean%20shaven%20and%20free%20of%20sunburn.%20IPL&pg=PA55|title=Textbook of Lasers in Dermatology|date=2016-07-30|publisher=JP Medical Ltd|isbn=978-93-85999-62-8|pages=55|language=en}}</ref>

At any one time, not all hair follicles are 'active', and only active hair follicles can be affected by the treatment.<ref name=":1" /> 'Inactive' hair follicles can be treated as they become 'active' over time.{{Citation needed|date=March 2020}} For IPL treatments, an average of 8–10 treatments, 4–6 weeks apart, are required to remove most visible hair.<ref name="Lahiri 55"/>

There is no common treatment protocol, as it depends on the equipment used and patient skin type. The area to be treated should be clean shaven and free of sunburn.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Lahiri|first=Koushik|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-HKJDAAAQBAJ&q=The%20area%20to%20be%20treated%20should%20be%20clean%20shaven%20and%20free%20of%20sunburn.%20IPL&pg=PA55|title=Textbook of Lasers in Dermatology|date=2016-07-30|publisher=JP Medical Ltd|isbn=978-93-85999-62-8|language=en}}</ref>

Although IPL treatments will permanently reduce the total number of body hairs, they will not result in a permanent removal of all hair.<ref name=":3">{{cite journal|last=Klein|first=A.|author2=Steinert, S. |title=Photoepilation with a diode laser vs. intense pulsed light (IPL): a randomized, intra-patient left-to-right trial|journal=British Journal of Dermatology|volume=168|issue=6|date=1 December 2012| pages=1287–93| doi=10.1111/bjd.12182|pmid=23278132|last3=Baeumler| first3=W. |last4=Landthaler|first4=M.|last5=Babilas|first5=P.|s2cid=8889666}}</ref>

Certain skin conditions, health irregularities, and medications can impact whether it is safe for a person to receive a light-based hair removal treatment.{{Citation needed|date=March 2020}} Photo-sensitizing medications, or damage to the skin are contraindications to treatment. According to [[Remington Products|Remington]], manufacturer of an IPL device, all IPL and laser devices should only be used on light to medium skin tones, and work best on darker hair.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.remington-europe.com/microsites/ilight-pro/dr-kubicka-i-light-ask-the-expert/|title=Trends & Tips - Remington|website=uk.remington-europe.com}}</ref>