Photoepilation with a diode laser vs. intense pulsed light: a randomized, intrapatient left-to-right trial

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Aesthetic Medicine
• Medical Devices

Background:

• Unwanted hair removal is a common concern, with laser and intense pulsed light (IPL) being popular methods.
• Limited randomized controlled trials (RCTs) exist comparing laser and IPL, especially those with long-term efficacy data.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the safety and long-term efficacy of diode lasers (DL) versus IPL for axillary hair removal.
• To evaluate patient-rated outcomes, pain, adverse effects, and treatment duration.

Main Methods:

• An intrapatient, assessor-blinded, controlled trial involving 30 participants (skin types II-III) with unwanted axillary hair.
• Six treatment sessions with DL and IPL at 4-week intervals, with final assessment 12 months post-treatment.
• Hair counts via close-up photographs were the primary endpoint; patient-rated efficacy, pain, adverse events, and duration were secondary endpoints.

Main Results:

• Both DL and IPL significantly reduced hair growth at 3 and 12 months post-treatment.
• DL achieved greater mean hair reduction (69.2% at 12 months) compared to IPL (52.7%).
• DL treatment caused more pain (3.7 vs. 1.6 VAS) but was faster (33.1s vs. 40.1s) than IPL; no severe adverse effects were reported.

Conclusions:

• Diode laser (DL) and intense pulsed light (IPL) are safe, effective, and provide long-lasting hair removal.
• DL demonstrates superior efficacy in long-term hair reduction compared to IPL.
• DL treatment is more painful but more time-efficient than IPL therapy.