Which factors affect the depth of penetration in IPL therapy?

In Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy, the depth of penetration is significantly influenced by wavelengths, energy, and spot size.

Wavelengths are critical because different wavelengths correspond to different levels of absorption by various skin structures. For instance, lower wavelengths are absorbed more in the epidermis, while higher wavelengths penetrate deeper into the dermis. Therefore, selecting the appropriate wavelength is vital for targeting specific tissues and achieving the desired outcomes.

Energy is another crucial factor. The amount of energy delivered by the IPL affects how deeply the light can penetrate the skin. Higher energy levels can result in deeper penetration; however, this must be balanced with the risk of overheating and damaging adjacent tissues.

Spot size refers to the area of skin that the IPL device treats in one pulse. A larger spot size can treat a broader area more evenly and can penetrate deeper as it distributes energy over a wider surface, allowing for more homogeneous thermal effects in the tissue.

Together, these factors ultimately define how effectively an IPL treatment can reach and affect the targeted skin layers, making B the correct choice.