What type of light does an IPL machine produce?

An IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) machine produces broadband light, which is composed of various wavelengths of light rather than a single wavelength. This characteristic makes IPL versatile, as it can target a wider range of skin types and hair colors in hair removal treatments and other dermatological applications. The broadband light emitted by an IPL device typically spans from approximately 500 to 1200 nanometers. This range includes visible light and can also penetrate varying depths into the skin, allowing for effective treatments by targeting different chromophores, such as melanin in hair and hemoglobin in blood vessels, depending on the specific application. The ability to use multiple wavelengths is what distinguishes IPL from technologies that use a narrowband approach, focusing on specific wavelengths for a more targeted effect.