Lasers in Skin

In this second part of their listener Q&A, Lisa and Mike clear up common myths (like whether it’s possible to “overcool” a follicle), explain why pre- and post-cooling matter so much, and dive into the big debate: stamping vs. the gliding SHR method. They also share some important safety insights, and talk about why having an LPA and LSO is essential for running a safe, professional clinic. KEY TA...

Today, Lisa and Mike tackle a series of listener questions. Mike shares a personal anecdote about his own sun damage from a recent trip to Italy, despite his usual advocacy for sun protection. He also discusses a curious case from early in his career involving a client's red tattoo that turned black after a laser treatment, a phenomenon he explains is an oxidation process. They consider the comple...

Lisa interviews a very special guest today - her dad, Mike Murphy, a true pioneer in medical aesthetic lasers. From being captivated by the moon landing as a kid to diving deep into physics and astronomy, Mike’s lifelong love of science eventually led him to make history by opening the world’s first private tattoo removal clinic using Q-switched lasers. His story is equal parts inspiring, nerdy, a...

Today, Lisa and Mike delve into the intricacies of relaxation times in relation to laser treatments, particularly focusing on tattoo removal. They clarify previous discussions about the relevance of relaxation times, emphasising their importance when dealing with tiny ink particles in tattoos. They explore how these particles behave under laser energy, the mechanics of steam formation, and the dif...

Today, Mike and Lisa dive into a passionate discussion about the ongoing debate between two hair removal techniques: stamping and Super Hair Removal (SHR). Lisa expresses her frustration over misleading social media posts that claim stamping is outdated and ineffective, while SHR is the superior method. They explore the importance of technique in both methods, emphasising that neither is inherentl...

Lisa and Mike delve into a series of curious cases they've encountered in their laser treatment practice. They discuss unusual reactions from clients, including prolonged redness after cooling treatments and unexpected swelling in sensitive areas. The conversation also touches on the challenges of treating stubborn hair in the bikini area and the complexities of tattoo removal, particularly with d...

Light Scattering and Laser Treatments: What You Need to Know In this episode of Lasers in Skin, Lisa and Mike explain how light scatters in the skin during laser treatments. They uncover the risks of treating tattoos, pigmentation, and permanent makeup (PMU), and debunk the myth that white tape or pencil can safely protect tattoos. Listeners will also hear about Mike’s upcoming experiment on diffe...

In this episode, Lisa and Mike discuss the concept of thermal relaxation time (TRT) and its relevance in laser treatments. They explore the historical context of TRT, tracing its origins back to discussions between physicist Dr. John Parrish and dermatologist Dr. Rox Anderson in the 1980s. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding how heat affects blood vessels and hair follicles...

In this episode, Lisa and Mike discuss their recent experience as a VTCT approved training academy, focusing on their first cohort of students completing the Level 4 Certificate in Laser and Light Treatments. They share insights on the assessment process, highlighting the challenges and peculiarities of the VTCT regulations, particularly regarding hygiene practices and the emphasis on gloves. They...

In today's episode of Lasers In Skin, your favourite laser-loving duo, Lisa and Mike, tackle some of the most burning (but not literally!) questions from listeners about laser technology. From dialling in the perfect calibration to decoding the mysteries of fluence and spot size, they break it all down with their signature mix of wit and wisdom. You'll also hear about the best wavelengths for zapp...

Today, Mike and Lisa take to the internet to fact-check some of the more questionable laser advice being dished out across the internet. They address a variety of topics, including the effectiveness of different laser technologies, ideas about cooling the skin during treatments, and the potential pitfalls of taking bad advice. KEY TAKEAWAYS Cooling the skin is essential for reducing pain during la...

In this episode, Lisa and Mike delve into the complexities of language as it pertains to the field of laser hair removal and skin treatments. They discuss the term "paradoxical hypertrichosis," exploring its definitions and the potential for misinterpretation within the industry. They highlight the importance of precise language when discussing hair growth, treatment effects, and the various param...

In this episode, Lisa and Mike discuss the critical topic of continuous training in the laser and aesthetic industry. They take a look at some alarming stories of clinics potentially providing inadequate training to technicians, leading to poor treatment outcomes for clients, particularly in laser hair removal. They highlight the importance of reputable training and the need for practitioners to u...

In this episode, Mike and Lisa return to their Explain Like I'm 5 series to explore the origins of lasers. Starting from Einstein's concept of stimulated emission in 1917 to the creation of the first laser by Theodore Maiman in 1960, Mike and Lisa break down complex concepts such as monochromaticity, coherence, and non-divergence, making them accessible to listeners of all ages. They discuss the m...

In today's episode, Mike and Lisa discuss the physics and biology behind the process, explaining how lasers interact with tattoo ink to create steam bubbles that facilitate ink removal. Mike shares his extensive experience in the field, dating back to 1986, and clarifies common misconceptions about tattoo removal technologies, including the differences between Q-switched and picosecond lasers. The...

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,...

Join Lisa and Mike as they interview the vibrant Claire Louise, a laser technician from Ilminster, Somerset. The trio dives into Claire's journey from a 23-year career in pharmaceuticals to becoming a successful laser practitioner, highlighting the challenges she faced with inadequate training and the pivotal moment that led her to seek guidance from Mike. Claire shares her experiences with laser...

In this episode, Lisa and Mike Murphy delve into the critical relationship between tanning, UV exposure, and laser treatments. With the recent sunny weather in the UK leading to increased UV exposure, they discuss the potential skin damage that can occur, including hyperpigmentation and irritation, particularly for those with lighter skin tones. Mike explains the science behind how ultraviolet pho...

Sparked by Lisa's own announcement of her pregnancy, this episode explores the potential impact of using lasers when pregnant. As Lisa shares her experiences with increased sensitivity to laser treatments and the effects of pregnancy on her skin, her and Mike discuss the safety concerns surrounding laser use for both technicians and clients who are pregnant.  KEY TAKEAWAYS Pregnancy can increase s...

In today's episode, Lisa and Mike delve into common misconceptions and myths surrounding laser treatments and skin cooling techniques. They discuss the fallacy that skin cooling can overcool hair follicles during hair removal, the importance of proper cooling for blood vessel treatments, and the misconceptions about spot sizes in tattoo laser treatments. The duo also addresses the critical need fo...

In this episode, Mike and Lisa delve into the fascinating world of physics as it relates to lasers and skin treatments. They break down complex concepts such as absorption, scattering, and anisotropy in a way that's easy to understand, even for a five-year-old. Through engaging examples, they explain how photons interact with atoms, leading to either absorption or scattering, and how this affects...

Today, Lisa and Mike delve into the ongoing debate surrounding Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) technology versus lasers. They discuss common misconceptions about IPLs, such as their perceived lack of strength and penetration compared to lasers, and highlight the versatility of IPLs in treating various skin concerns. Additionally, they explore the emerging trend of Broadband Light (BBL) treatments, ques...

Today, Mike and Lisa investigate the most common concerns surrounding laser hair removal, as discussed in various online forums. They explore the concept of paradoxical hypertrichosis, synchronised hair growth, and the effects of laser treatments on hair colour, including the potential for hair to appear grey or lighter.  KEY TAKEAWAYS There is a common misconception that laser hair removal can ca...

In today's episode, Mike and Lisa look at the complexities of safely and effectively treating deeper skin tones, particularly those with higher melanin concentrations. They discuss the importance of understanding how melanin affects laser treatments, noting that darker skin absorbs more energy, which can lead to increased risks of cellular damage and pain. Both Mike and Lisa challenge common misco...

In this episode, Mike and Lisa delve into a concerning trend in the laser and IPL industry: the potential capping of fluence output by machine manufacturers. They discuss recent experiences shared by practitioners who found their machines unable to deliver the higher fluences promised in their manuals, raising questions about the implications for treatment efficacy. Mike and Lisa advocate for the...