Understanding How Different Wavelengths Interact With the Skin
Laser and light-based treatments work by interacting with specific targets within the skin using controlled wavelengths of light. Different wavelengths penetrate to different depths and are absorbed by different structures inside the skin. This process is known as selective photothermolysis.
Depending on the wavelength being used, laser and IPL technology can target excess pigment (melanin), redness and visible vessels (haemoglobin), acne-causing bacteria, inflammation, water within the skin, and even stimulate collagen remodelling.
Rather than treating every skin concern the same way, different wavelengths and handpieces allow treatments to be customised based on what is actually happening inside the skin biologically. This is why laser treatments are often used very differently depending on whether someone is experiencing pigmentation, inflammatory acne, redness, flushing, or vascular concerns.
One of the biggest misconceptions surrounding laser treatments is that IPL and laser are the same thing. While they are both forms of light-based technology, they behave differently within the skin.
IPL, or Intense Pulsed Light, uses a broad spectrum of light that can be adapted depending on the filter being used. Think of IPL like controlled scattered light that can be adjusted to target different concerns within the skin. IPL is commonly used for pigmentation, diffused redness, acne support, skin rejuvenation, and sun damage.
Laser treatments, on the other hand, use a single concentrated wavelength of light designed to target a very specific structure within the skin. Because of this, laser treatments are often more precise and targeted. Laser technology is commonly used for visible capillaries, vascular lesions, flushing, deeper redness, certain pigment lesions, and skin remodelling.
At Lafont, we use the Etherea MX platform to perform a range of customised laser and IPL treatments depending on the skin concern being treated.
Our IPL & Laser treatments are;
Melano Clear
Pigment Correction & Sun Damage Treatment
Melano Clear is our pigmentation-focused IPL treatment performed using the Etherea MX platform. This treatment targets excess melanin within the skin that contributes to sun damage, freckling, uneven skin tone, post-inflammatory pigmentation, diffused pigmentation, and certain superficial pigment lesions.
The light energy is absorbed by excess pigment within the skin. This breaks down and fragment unwanted pigment so the body can clear it naturally. Following treatment, pigment often temporarily darkens before gradually shedding and fading.
Pigmentation is rarely just “surface level.” Different types of pigmentation behave differently depending on depth, inflammation, vascular involvement, hormones, and sun exposure history. Because of this, treatment plans are often approached progressively rather than aggressively.
Dermal Balance
Inflammatory Acne & Skin Stabilisation
Dermal Balance is our acne-focused laser and IPL treatment designed to support inflammatory and reactive acne conditions.
Inflammatory acne is not simply surface congestion or “dirty skin.” It involves bacterial activity, immune response, oil gland activity, inflammation within the follicle, and impaired healing processes occurring deeper within the skin.
Using selected wavelengths and filters, Dermal Balance works by reducing the acne-causing bacterial activity, calm inflammation, reduce redness associated with breakouts, support recovery within the skin, and help stabilise recurring inflammatory activity.
Different wavelengths may be used depending on the presentation of the acne. Some wavelengths interact with compounds produced by acne-causing bacteria, while others target inflammation and vascular activity surrounding lesions.
Rather than aggressively stripping the skin, treatments are focused on helping create a more stable environment within the skin over time. This is particularly important for clients experiencing persistent inflammatory breakouts, redness, sensitivity, or impaired healing.
Vascu Clear
Redness, Flushing & Visible Vessel Reduction
Vascular Clear is our vascular laser treatment performed using the Etherea MX long-pulse Nd:YAG handpiece.
This treatment targets vascular structures within the skin using a wavelength attracted to haemoglobin, the pigment found within blood vessels. Vascular Clear may be used to support concerns such as visible facial capillaries, diffused redness, persistent flushing, telangiectasia, reactive vascular activity, and certain superficial vascular lesions.
When the laser energy is absorbed by the vessel, controlled heat is generated within it. This heat causes damage to the vessel wall while aiming to preserve surrounding tissue. After the treatment the body naturally clears the treated vessel.
A More Considered Approach to Laser Treatments
Laser technology is not about aggressively damaging the skin or chasing overnight results. Modern laser and IPL treatments are designed to work with biological processes occurring within the skin itself.
Different wavelengths interact with different targets, which is why proper skin assessment matters. Two people may both present with redness, for example, but the underlying cause may be completely different biologically.
The goal is not simply to treat what is visible on the surface, but to support healthier skin function and long-term stability over time.
