In this episode, Lisa and Mike delve into the topic of skin cooling, particularly concerning laser and IPL treatments. Lisa and Mike discuss the science behind skin temperature, pain receptors, and the importance of cooling the skin before and after procedures to minimise discomfort and prevent thermal damage. Mike explains how cooling can significantly reduce pain perception and protect collagen, while also addressing common misconceptions about skin cooling methods.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Skin cooling is essential during laser and IPL treatments to reduce pain and protect the skin from thermal damage. Cooling the skin before and during treatments helps lower the temperature of pain receptors, making the procedure more comfortable for clients.
The skin's temperature typically sits around 35-36 degrees Celsius. Pain receptors (nociceptors) activate at 45 degrees Celsius, meaning a small increase in temperature can lead to pain.
Ice packs are preferred for skin cooling because they provide efficient and deep cooling compared to air or cryogenic methods. Ice packs can lower the temperature of nociceptors significantly, allowing for safer and more effective laser treatments.
Pre-cooling with ice packs not only reduces pain but also minimizes the risk of thermal damage, blistering, and pigmentation issues.
There are misconceptions that cooling the skin can numb pain receptors to the point where clients cannot feel burning. However, cooling does not eliminate the ability to feel pain; it simply raises the temperature threshold needed to trigger pain sensations, ensuring safety during treatments.
BEST MOMENTS
"If you fire in laser energy or IPL energy then you can easily generate much, much greater temperatures, even over 100 degrees Celsius, which then leads to potential boiling and ablation."
"I asked one of my dermatologist pals, Dr. Sidra, and she said, no, you're completely right. You won't burn the skin if it's cooled down fat enough."
"The more you cool, the lower the temperature goes in the skin. Which makes sense."
"If you cool the skin sufficiently, then it gives you a bigger margin to play with in terms of fluence."
ABOUT THE HOSTS
Mike began his career in medical lasers in 1986 with a physics degree and a post-grad in bioengineering. He helped develop the scar-free removal of tattoos using a Q-Switched Ruby Laser in Glasgow, and the world's first IPL system. Known well in the industry for his hard truths, no BS attitude and logical answers. As the author of three books, articles for medical journals, a well read blog, a Laser Protection Advisor and contributor to the BMLA, Mike is the Laser Guru.
Lisa's claim to laser fame is being Mike's daughter. Growing up with lasers and never avoiding a physics lesson from her Dad, it was natural to enter the industry. Leaving a corporate career with a baby to jump into self employed life came with challenges. Despite that Lisa has been well recognised for her teaching style, practical tips, bringing the compassion to the science, and laser mentoring.
Instagram: @dermalase_lasertraining
https://mikemurphyblog.com
https://www.dermalasetraining.com
This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/