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PODCAST

Lasers in Skin

Lisa McMahon & Mike Murphy

Lasers in Skin Podcast, hosted by "Laser Guru" Mike Murphy, and his daughter Lisa McMahon, dives into the science of lasers in aesthetics. Mike and Lisa delve into the fundamental physics all laser technicians must understand to get the best results, while squashing the myths, the "marketing baloney" and calling out poor training in the industry. Along with unmissable interviews and "ask us anything" episodes, the Lasers in Skin Podcast is the ultimate podcast for laser geeks!

science fashion & beauty

All Episodes

38:37

An interview with Claire Louise-Hutchinson

Lasers in Skin ·

2025/06/11

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 hair removal and tattoo removal, emphasising the importance of authenticity in the beauty industry and

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27:13

Does UV Absorption Really Matter with Lasers/IPL

Lasers in Skin ·

2025/06/04

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 photons can disrupt skin DNA and the body's natural response of producing melanin as a protective barrier

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20:07

Surprise! Lisa is Pregnant, but What Does This Mean...

Lasers in Skin ·

2025/05/28

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 skin sensitivity, making treatments like laser procedures feel more intense and painful than before.

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19:30

Let's Make Mike Mad - Discussing Incorrect Training

Lasers in Skin ·

2025/05/21

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 for safety glasses during procedures involving Q-Switch ND YAG lasers, emphasising the dangers of low

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26:38

Explain Like I'm 5 - Absorption, Scattering, Anistropy

Lasers in Skin ·

2025/05/14

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 the effectiveness of different wavelengths in laser treatments. KEY TAKEAWAYS When photons encounter

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24:36

IPL - Is It The Worst Technology? NO!!

Lasers in Skin ·

2025/05/07

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, questioning how they differ from traditional IPLs. KEY TAKEAWAYS IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) is not a

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27:08

Common Concerns of Having Laser Hair Removal

Lasers in Skin ·

2025/04/30

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 cause paradoxical hypertrichosis, where hair grows in areas that previously had none. However, many

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13:08

Explain Like I'm 5 - How to Safely and Effectively...

Lasers in Skin ·

2025/04/23

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 misconceptions about using lower fluences for darker skin, advocating instead for higher fluences combined

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15:20

Are Laser Suppliers Putting Limits on Machines?

Lasers in Skin ·

2025/04/16

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 need to empower users with the ability to access the full potential of their devices, rather than

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27:19

Navigating Criticism: Defending Our Training Methods...

Lasers in Skin ·

2025/04/09

In this episode, Mike and Lisa delve into a recent critique of their training methods regarding laser hair removal, specifically addressing concerns raised by a laser supplier about their promotion of higher fluences and external cooling techniques. Mike & Lisa clarify the science behind pulse widths, fluences, and the importance of targeting stem cells rather than just the hair itself. Mike and Lisa also touch on the implications of using higher fluences on handpiece longevity and the overall

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39:55

Innovative IPL Techniques: How Caroline McLean is...

Lasers in Skin ·

2025/04/02

In this episode, Mike and Lisa interview Caroline McLean, an advanced skin practitioner from Skinology in Glasgow, who shares her extensive 20-year experience in the industry. They discuss Caroline's unique approach to using IPL for pigmentation, which contrasts with Mike and Lisa's established protocols. Caroline elaborates on her combination therapies, including the use of a cold laser bionic and CO2 treatments. KEY TAKEAWAYS Caroline McLean utilises a unique IPL protocol for treating

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13:59

Explain Like I'm Five - Fluence (again, it's...

Lasers in Skin ·

2025/03/27

In today's episode, Mike and Lisa dive into the fundamental concepts of laser physics through a fun "Explain Like I'm Five" format. They explore key terms such as fluence, pulse width, and wavelength, breaking down complex ideas into simple analogies. Mike explains how fluence, measured in joules per square centimeter, is crucial for achieving effective results in laser treatments, while pulse width is likened to the duration of a bus journey delivering energy to the skin. KEY TAKEAWAYS Fluence

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8:09

Can Social Media Forums Be Helpful?

Lasers in Skin ·

2025/03/20

In this episode, Mike and Lisa delve into the complexities of online forums related to laser treatments, including laser hair removal and tattoo removal. They express their concerns about the often toxic environment of social media, where misinformation can spread easily and new practitioners may take inaccurate advice as gospel. The duo emphasise the importance of conducting thorough research and seeking multiple perspectives before accepting any information found online. KEY TAKEAWAYS Social

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21:15

Can You Wax While Getting Laser Hair Removal? We...

Lasers in Skin ·

2025/03/13

In this week's episode, Mike and Lisa look into the intriguing relationship between waxing and laser hair removal treatments. They explore the traditional belief that waxing should be avoided before laser treatments due to the risk of removing the hair target, but Mike presents a compelling argument based on the biology of hair growth phases. They discuss the importance of melanin in targeting hair follicles and suggest that waxing may actually enhance the effectiveness of laser treatments by

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11:01

Laser Safety Updates

Lasers in Skin ·

2025/03/06

In this episode, Mike and Lisa discuss the exciting news of Mike's recent election as chairman of the Association of Laser Safety Professionals (LPA). They talk through the organisation's mission to promote laser safety across various sectors, including clinics and industrial settings. Mike shares insights about the role of Laser Safety Officers (LSOs) and the new online course he's developing to train them, emphasising the importance of safety in laser use. KEY TAKEAWAYS Mike Murphy has been

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38:08

Empowering Laser Technicians: Natasha Shares Her Four...

Lasers in Skin ·

2025/02/27

In this episode, Mike and Lisa welcome their first online guest, Natasha, a laser technician from Northern Ireland. Natasha shares her journey through the challenges she faced early in her career, including a distressing experience with a potential lawsuit. She discusses how she overcame her initial lack of confidence and offers valuable tips for new and aspiring laser techs. KEY TAKEAWAYS Having proper insurance is crucial for laser technicians. In the event of a legal issue, it's essential to

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13:51

Let's Talk Regulations

Lasers in Skin ·

2025/02/20

In this episode, Mike and Lisa delve into the anticipated new regulations for laser treatments set to be introduced in Scotland in 2026. Drawing from Mike's extensive experience in the industry since opening the world's first tattoo removal clinic in 1989, they discuss the current regulatory landscape, the potential qualifications required for practitioners, and the importance of medical oversight for certain treatments. There is confusion surrounding existing regulations and a need for clarity as

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72:08

Ever Felt Like an Imposter? - An Interview with Dr...

Lasers in Skin ·

2025/02/13

In this episode Mike and Lisa sit down with Dr. Marc Reid, author of "You Are Not a Fraud: The Scientist's Guide to Imposter Syndrome." Together they delve into the complexities of imposter experiences, exploring their origins, manifestations, and strategies for managing them. With personal anecdotes and insights from Dr. Reid's research, including a survey of over a thousand participants, the discussion highlights the commonality of these feelings among professionals, particularly during career

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14:46

Explain Like I'm Five - Fluence and Frequency

Lasers in Skin ·

2025/02/13

In this episode, Mike and Lisa dive into the concept of fluence, a critical factor in laser treatments. They explain fluence as the concentration of energy delivered to the skin, emphasising its importance in achieving successful results for various procedures like hair removal, tattoo removal, and treating blood vessels. They also cover related terms such as pulse width and wavelength, using relatable analogies to simplify complex physics concepts. KEY TAKEAWAYS Fluence refers to the

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15:43

Is Skin Cooling Important for All Technologies

Lasers in Skin ·

2025/02/13

In today's episode, Mike and Lisa delve into the critical topic of skin cooling during laser treatments. They discuss the importance of maintaining optimal temperatures to prevent pain and thermal damage to surrounding tissues, particularly collagen. Mike explains the thermodynamics behind laser energy absorption and the necessity of using effective cooling methods, such as ice packs, to draw heat away from the skin. The duo also addresses common misconceptions about air and cryo cooling systems,

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44 results

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