Lasers in Skin cover art

Lasers in Skin

Lasers in Skin

By: Lisa McMahon & Mike Murphy
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 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! Art Hygiene & Healthy Living Science
Episodes
  • ELI5 - Laser Safety

    ELI5 - Laser Safety
    Oct 16 2025
    As Lisa navigates her pregnancy, Mike brings his expertise as a Laser Protection Advisor (LPA) to the forefront, explaining the critical importance of understanding laser safety in clinical settings. They discuss the role of LPAs, the significance of proper safety equipment like laser safety glasses, and the potential hazards associated with various laser classifications. KEY TAKEAWAYS Understanding laser safety is critical for anyone working with lasers or IPL devices, as improper handling can lead to serious eye injuries or other hazards. An LPA is responsible for assessing the safety of laser environments, ensuring proper safety equipment is used, and verifying that personnel are adequately trained. Regular checks of safety glasses and laser equipment are essential. Safety glasses must meet specific optical density ratings for the wavelengths used, and equipment should have proper labelling and maintenance. Local rules regarding laser safety should be dynamic and updated based on changes in equipment, personnel, or regulations. An LPA can help create and maintain these rules. Laser plume, which is the smoke produced during laser treatments, can contain toxic and carcinogenic substances. Proper ventilation and air filtration systems are necessary to mitigate health risks associated with inhaling these fumes. BEST MOMENTS "It's critical. The amount of courses out there and manufacturer's trainings that don't really properly cover it is pretty shocking." "If laser light can escape and someone's outside and they look in, then there's a small possibility that they could be affected adversely." "I've heard second babies are easier. I was your second baby. That we know of." "The problem is that people, when they're buying equipment, they don't know what to look for. It's not their fault." "You're breathing in dead people's tissue. I don't mean the people are dead. The tissue is dead." ABOUT THE HOSTS Mike began his career in medical lasers in 1986 with a physics degree and a post-grad in bioengineering. He helped develop the scar-free removal of tattoos using a Q-Switched Ruby Laser in Glasgow, and the world's first IPL system. Known well in the industry for his hard truths, no BS attitude and logical answers. As the author of three books, articles for medical journals, a well read blog, a Laser Protection Advisor and contributor to the BMLA, Mike is the Laser Guru. Lisa's claim to laser fame is being Mike's daughter. Growing up with lasers and never avoiding a physics lesson from her Dad, it was natural to enter the industry. Leaving a corporate career with a baby to jump into self employed life came with challenges. Despite that Lisa has been well recognised for her teaching style, practical tips, bringing the compassion to the science, and laser mentoring. Instagram: @dermalase_lasertraining https://mikemurphyblog.com https://www.dermalasetraining.com This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/
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    40 mins
  • Let's Talk Hair Follicles

    Let's Talk Hair Follicles
    Oct 9 2025
    Today, Mike and Lisa dive into the intricate science of hair follicles and the role of melanin. Mike shares insights from his recent research, including the significance of the dermal papilla and the matrix in hair growth cycles. They look into how laser treatments target these components, the complexities of hair follicle regeneration, and the implications for effective hair removal. KEY TAKEAWAYS Hair follicles occupy indentations in the skin, with a complex structure that includes the dermal papilla and matrix, which play crucial roles in hair growth and signalling. The dermal papilla acts as the signalling centre for hair follicles, controlling their growth and degeneration. Disruption of its function could lead to hair loss, making it a key target for effective hair removal treatments. The concentration of melanin in the matrix of hair follicles is significantly higher than in the hair shaft itself. This means that even with reduced fluence from laser treatments, the matrix can absorb more energy due to its higher melanin content. The effectiveness of hair removal treatments may depend on the timing of the treatment in relation to the hair growth cycle, particularly targeting the anagen phase when the matrix is fully formed and contains melanin. The Fitzpatrick scale for skin tones is overly simplistic, as it does not account for the wide range of melanin concentrations within darker skin tones. A proposed new scale includes a "skin tone 7" to better represent this variability. BEST MOMENTS "The current thinking is that we have to kill the stem cells which reside in the bulge... is it that simple? Or is there more to it?" "The dermal papilla is kind of described as the nerve centre, the headquarters. It controls the growth and degrowth of the follicle." "If you can kill the dermal papilla cells, then you knock out the signalling centre." "The concentration of melanin in the matrix is significantly greater than the concentration in the hair." "I think we need to kill both the papilla, which is the nerve centre, and probably also most, if not all, of the stem cells in the bulge." ABOUT THE HOSTS Mike began his career in medical lasers in 1986 with a physics degree and a post-grad in bioengineering. He helped develop the scar-free removal of tattoos using a Q-Switched Ruby Laser in Glasgow, and the world's first IPL system. Known well in the industry for his hard truths, no BS attitude and logical answers. As the author of three books, articles for medical journals, a well read blog, a Laser Protection Advisor and contributor to the BMLA, Mike is the Laser Guru. Lisa's claim to laser fame is being Mike's daughter. Growing up with lasers and never avoiding a physics lesson from her Dad, it was natural to enter the industry. Leaving a corporate career with a baby to jump into self employed life came with challenges. Despite that Lisa has been well recognised for her teaching style, practical tips, bringing the compassion to the science, and laser mentoring. Instagram: @dermalase_lasertraining https://mikemurphyblog.com https://www.dermalasetraining.com This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/
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    34 mins
  • Listener Questions - Part 2

    Listener Questions - Part 2
    Oct 2 2025
    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 TAKEAWAYS It is not possible to "overcool" the hair follicle before a laser treatment, as a dark, melanin-rich hair will still absorb enough energy to reach a destructive temperature, even if the surrounding skin is chilled to 0°C. The purpose of pre- and post-cooling (e.g., with ice packs, air, or cryo systems) is to cool the skin, not the machine's optics, and is essential regardless of whether you are using a Diode, IPL, Nd:YAG, or Alexandrite laser. The preferred technique is stamping (one-by-one pulse application) over the gliding SHR method, as stamping allows for a higher fluence, which more effectively raises the temperature of the hair follicle to ensure complete destruction. It is highly unlikely for a white cotton pad to catch fire with a Q-switched Nd:YAG or Pico laser, even at the highest fluence, because white cotton is highly reflective and has poor absorption of the energy. Clinic safety involves a daily checking routine, proper training, and having a designated Laser Safety Officer (LSO) on site, but finding a qualified Laser Protection Advisor (LPA) is the best starting point for a new clinic. BEST MOMENTS "The cooling is to to negate that temperature build-up in the epidermis and help to reduce pain." "But my thought on this, why are you shooting anywhere near the bloody pad anyway?" "The technology really has no bearing on it, because it's got nothing to do with the technology, it's all to do with cooling the skin." "Buying the equipment, getting the training, getting premises, that's the easy part. The difficult part is is promotions and marketing and getting the clients in." ABOUT THE HOSTS Mike began his career in medical lasers in 1986 with a physics degree and a post-grad in bioengineering. He helped develop the scar-free removal of tattoos using a Q-Switched Ruby Laser in Glasgow, and the world's first IPL system. Known well in the industry for his hard truths, no BS attitude and logical answers. As the author of three books, articles for medical journals, a well read blog, a Laser Protection Advisor and contributor to the BMLA, Mike is the Laser Guru. Lisa's claim to laser fame is being Mike's daughter. Growing up with lasers and never avoiding a physics lesson from her Dad, it was natural to enter the industry. Leaving a corporate career with a baby to jump into self employed life came with challenges. Despite that Lisa has been well recognised for her teaching style, practical tips, bringing the compassion to the science, and laser mentoring. Instagram: @dermalase_lasertraining https://mikemurphyblog.com https://www.dermalasetraining.com This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/
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    30 mins
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