On April 1st, we officially launch Aerolase at Skin Ritual - a device that offers safe, effective treatments for acne, pigmentation, rosacea, and many more skin conditions. Aerolase is emerging as the gold-standard in laser treatments, with its popularity skyrocketing in the US, Canada, and Australia. Let's talk about it...
Aerolase is a laser device - more specifically, a 1064nm Nd:YAG laser.
1064nm (nanometres) refers to the wavelength that Aerolase uses - all light-energy devices (including IPL, BBL, and lasers), use specific wavelengths depending on their function and purpose.
Devices that use longer wavelengths (eg. over 950mm) work deeper in the skin, while devices that use a shorter wavelength (eg under 600nm) work shallower. At 1064nm, Aerolase is a deep-penetrating laser.
As for the Nd:YAG part of the name:
Nd (Neodymium) = a rare earth metal that creates the laser light
YAG (Yttrium Aluminum Garnet): A crystal that holds and amplifies the laser energy.
Aerolase vs IPL vs BBL
Most people when talking about laser (eg laser hair removal), are actually referring to IPL devices.
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light), BBL (Broadband Light) and laser, are all energy-based devices - but there are distinctions between them.
The Key Differences:
IPL & BBL use broad spectrum light with multiple wavelengths, and spread energy over a wide area (which is ideal for things like body hair removal).
Aerolase on the other hand uses a single focused wavelength which is more precise, and targets specific structures (eg blood vessels).
IPL & BBL work at a shallow-medium depth in the skin (good for superficial pigmentation), while Aerolase works deeper in the skin (better for deep pigmentation and melasma).
IPL is best suited to lighter skin tones, BBL can treat darker skin tones than IPL but with cautious settings, and Aerolase can treat any and all skin tones safely.
Of the three, Aerolase is the safest - but let's explore why...
Why is Aerolase known for its safety?
Deeper penetration
IPL and BBL devices diffuse energy across a broad area, and work at a shallower depth than Aerolase. This increases the risk of over-treatment, burns, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), especially in darker skin tones.
Aerolase's deeper penetration prevents excessive energy absorption of epidermal melanin, making it far more difficult to over-treat the skin, and significantly reducing burn risk.
Ultra-Short Pulse Duration
Aerolase delivers energy in ultra-short pulses (650 microseconds), which prevents excessive heat build up in the skin (which can lead to burns, PIH, or over-treatment).
IPL and BBL devices use longer pulse durations, and therefore come with higher risk of adverse outcome.
Shorter pulse duration = less heat build up in the skin = less risk.
So why is IPL so common and so much more well-known?
IPL devices are typically cheaper to purchase and maintain than true lasers. A high quality Nd:YAG laser can cost $200,000+ (Aerolase cost us $240,000), while an IPL device can be purchased for under $100,000.
This also makes IPL treatments cheaper for the consumer, thus easier to market.
IPL is widely available (in part due to it's cost accessibility for clinics), so consumers are more familiar with it, and often default to it without knowing that true lasers could be a better and safer option for them, depending on what they are wanting to treat.
Back to Aerolase: The Science Behind It
Energy-based devices target specific chromophores in the skin.
A chromophore is simply a molecule or structure that absorbs light energy during an IPL/BBL/laser treatment. Think of it as the “target” for the treatment.
Examples of Chromophores in Skin:
Melanin → Found in hair and pigmentation (freckles, sunspots)
Haemoglobin → Found in blood vessels (redness, veins)
Water → Found in skin (for resurfacing and hydration treatments)
Some energy-based devices target one specific chromaphore, while others target two, or all three - Aerolase targets all three.
So - What Can Aerolase Treat?
Acne + Breakouts
Reduces oil production – The laser heats the blood vessels that supply sebaceous (oil-producing) glands, reducing excess sebum (oil) and helping to prevent future breakouts.
Calms active acne – It calms inflammation, settling existing breakouts
Pre-emptively treats red scarring - by targeting dilated blood vessels
Boosts collagen production – The laser energy is also absorbed by water in the skin, stimulating collagen remodeling to help fade acne scars and improve overall skin texture.
Rosacea, Visible Capillaries, Spider Veins, Diffuse Redness
Treats visible veins – the laser energy coagulates capillaries and spider veins, cutting off excess blood supply to affected areas, clearing the redness or visible capillaries/veins.
Pigmentation & Melasma
Breaks down pigmentation – The laser energy is absorbed by melanin, treating sunspots, freckles and melasma
Reduces excess blood vessels – It coagulates hyperactive vasculature beneath pigmented areas, improving skin tone.
Targets multiple causes of melasma – Treats both dermal and epidermal pigmentation, as well as inflammation and increased vascularity that contribute to melasma.
Unlike IPL, Aerolase doesn’t risk worsening melasma by over-heating the skin
Skin Rejuvenation & Anti-Aging
Stimulates collagen and elastin production, improving skin firmness, reducing laxity, reducing fine lines and improving texture
Reduces pore size by increasing collagen and elastin density in the skin
Spider Veins & Vascular Lesions
Coagulates broken capillaries, causing them to be reabsorbed
Effectively clears spider veins, angiomas, and telangiectasias
Hair Removal (All Skin Types)
Unlike IPL, Aerolase safely treats all skin tones, including darker skin
Targets hair follicles to prevent hair growth without overheating surrounding tissue
Aerolase will be launching officially on April 1st!
We have always been committed to offering the most advanced, effective, and safe skin treatments available - and Aerolase is no different.
Aerolase represents a new era of laser technology, offering incredible results with minimal discomfort and downtime, and a truly outstanding safety record.
📅 Book a consultation today to see if Aerolase is right for you!