When treating skin with lasers/IPLs we are often told that darker skin tones must be treated with lower fluences. This is wrong! Our skin tones come from the concentration of melanin in the epidermis – mostly in the basal layer in lighter tones. In darker skins, the melanosomes may be found throughout the epidermis, not… Continue reading Why we must use HIGHER fluences on darker skins…
Category: Interesting stuff
How far does light scatter in the skin?
When light enters the skin, it immediatley begins to scatter. This is the process where photons are absorbed by atoms (making electrons ‘excited’), and new photons are emitted shortly after (when those electrons ‘de-excite’). Inevitably, they leave the atom in a different direction to their original direction. This is called ‘scattering’. Consequently, the light spreads… Continue reading How far does light scatter in the skin?
New podcast – “Language”!!
In today’s podcast we discuss the use of language including paradoxical hypertrichosis, synchronised hair growth and the Fitzpatrick scale. We talk about how we should all be using the same terms and expressions to ensure that we are talking about the same things, otherwise confusion reigns… We hope you enjoy it and look forward to… Continue reading New podcast – “Language”!!
Blog post book now available online or as a pdf – over 500 pages…
My latest collection of blog posts is now available here: Downloadable pdf https://www.lasertraining.academy/about-8 Online flip book https://online.flipbuilder.com/rbhw/ypit/ Scan the QR code for the flip book Ciao, Mike.
Laser tattoo removal appears to generate a hazardous plume too!
I spoke with a trainee the other day and she told me an interesting story. She said that she had contracted pneumonia a couple of years ago. She then noticed that after a day of laser tattoo treatments, she would have quite severe coughing fits. This continued for a couple of years. She was prescribed… Continue reading Laser tattoo removal appears to generate a hazardous plume too!
Which are the most ‘aggressive’ wavelengths?
Someone recently asked me ‘which is the most aggressive wavelength for the skin?’ That’s interesting question… We should first start by identifying which wavelengths we need to consider. In many skin treatments we use visible and near-infrared light – from around 400 nm up to 1064 nm (Nd:YAG) or even 2940 nm (erbium:YAG). CO2 lasers… Continue reading Which are the most ‘aggressive’ wavelengths?
My books and free booklets –
Here is a link to some of my books etc… In the above link you will find my books free downloadable pdf books (the hardbacks cost actual money!!) and my free booklets. I hope you find them useful. Mike.
Synchronised hair growth vs paradoxical hypertrichosis
These days, we see many claims of ‘paradoxical hypertrichosis’. Most of the time, these claims are inaccurate – they are not seeing this at all. So, what do these terms actually mean? Let’s define these two terms… Paradoxical hypertrichosis PH (I can’t be bothered writing this out all the time!) occurs when hairs are observed… Continue reading Synchronised hair growth vs paradoxical hypertrichosis
What is a laser? Back to basics…
In our latest podcast, we discuss what lasers are and how they work. It’s all about electrons and photons and other groovy quantum mechanical stuff. Another one in our series of ‘Explain Like I’m 5’ episodes… Hope you enjoy, Mike.
New published paper – how the wavelength of light changes when it enters and traverses through the skin
The wavelength of light changes when it moves from one medium into another. This includes moving from the air into the skin. This is due to the change in refractive index between the air and the skin. It happens all the time whenever light changes media. You can read our paper here… What does this… Continue reading New published paper – how the wavelength of light changes when it enters and traverses through the skin
Mike Murphy's Blog 