Lasers in Skin cover art

Lasers in Skin

Lasers in Skin

By: Lisa McMahon & Mike Murphy
Listen for free

About this listen

 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
  • Legal Issues.. It Can Happen To Anyone!

    Legal Issues.. It Can Happen To Anyone!
    Jan 29 2026
    Today, Mike and Lisa tackle the darker side of running a laser business: the fear of getting sued and the importance of protecting your intellectual property. Mike shares his personal experiences with ‘ambulance chasing’ law firms attempting to bully him into settlements over frivolous claims, breaking down exactly how their business model works and why you shouldn't be intimidated. He also provides actionable advice on how to handle aggressive legal letters. Hint: It involves checking your insurance policy's fine print and demanding evidence. KEY TAKEAWAYS Many legal letters demanding compensation for alleged injuries are tactic-driven attempts to scare business owners into quick settlements. If you know you've done nothing wrong, don't let aggressive language frighten you into paying up. Before engaging with a claim, demand concrete evidence, such as up-to-date, date-stamped photographs of the alleged injury. Frivolous claims often fall apart when proof is required. Read the fine print of your insurance contracts. Some policies require specific protocols (like ‘before and after’ photos for every treatment) to be valid; missing a step could leave you uncovered. Once a claim escalates or legal action is threatened, direct all communication to your insurance company. Do not attempt to resolve it yourself or speak to the claimant or their lawyers directly. Trademarks expire. Ensure you keep your business name and branding registrations up to date to prevent others from capitalising on your hard-earned reputation. BEST MOMENTS "There is a fear out there of being sued. It’s after burning their clients, it’s the biggest fear." "They are bully boys, these people. That’s all they are. They will try to frighten you with highly intimidating letters." "If it's not recorded delivery, throw it in the bin." "If it's in your policy wording as a 'must,' then you're technically not covered for anything if you don't do it." 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
    Show More Show Less
    26 mins
  • Ever Felt Like an Imposter? - An Interview with Dr Marc Reid

    Ever Felt Like an Imposter? - An Interview with Dr Marc Reid
    Jan 22 2026
    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 transitions. KEY TAKEAWAYS Imposter syndrome, or the imposter phenomenon, is a common experience where individuals doubt their accomplishments and fear being exposed as a fraud, despite evidence of their competence. Scoring high on imposter syndrome assessments (like a 76% score) is not inherently good or bad; it highlights the importance of awareness about one's feelings and experiences rather than labelling them negatively. Major life changes, such as career shifts or becoming a parent, can trigger feelings of imposter syndrome. These transitions often lead to self-doubt and the perception of inadequacy. The terminology used to describe imposter experiences can influence how individuals perceive their feelings. Referring to it as an "experience" rather than a "syndrome" can help normalize the feelings and reduce the stigma associated with them. It's essential to recognise that imposter feelings can resurface, especially during new challenges. Strategies for managing these feelings include self-reflection, understanding the origins of these feelings, and reframing them as a normal part of growth and ambition. BEST MOMENTS "There is no good or bad or ugly. There's only awareness. That's what the whole scoring system is about." "If I had my time again, I wouldn't even call it imposter phenomenon. I would call it the imposter experience." "The very first paper written on it mentioned imposter phenomenon. Yet, if you ask 100 people in a room, have you heard of imposter phenomenon? Maybe one or two wee hands." "I would first off tell you that if I did this now, I would be in the nineties. Oh, a hundred percent. I am worse now than when I did that." "It's highly likely if there was ever going to be a scenario in which someone would start to have those questions or self-doubts, that's when it might happen." 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
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 13 mins
  • Why Your Body Can’t Get Rid of Tattoos (and How Lasers Can)

    Why Your Body Can’t Get Rid of Tattoos (and How Lasers Can)
    Jan 15 2026
    What really happens when tattoo ink hits your skin? In this episode, Lisa and Mike zoom in on the histology of tattoos, unpacking how ink is deposited, why your body treats it like a foreign intruder, and how your immune system wages a losing battle to make tattoos permanent. They then shine a (literal) light on laser tattoo removal, explaining how light energy turns to heat to break ink into tiny fragments your body can clear away. Along the way, they answer listener questions, bust myths like the much-hyped R20 method, and dig into the risks behind the controversial 'glass slide technique'. KEY TAKEAWAUS Tattoos persist because ink particles are too large for the body's macrophages (immune cells) to carry away. The ink gets trapped inside these cells within the dermis, creating a permanent mark. Tattoo ink exists in the skin as clumps or 'aggregates' of tiny particles. Lasers work by heating these aggregates rapidly, causing them to shatter into smaller pieces that the immune system can then flush out. The rapid heating of ink by a laser causes the water inside the cells to boil instantly, creating a steam explosion. This mechanical force is what actually breaks apart the ink clusters. Mike and Lisa discuss the 'R20 method' (doing multiple laser passes with 20-minute intervals) and conclude that there is little evidence to support its effectiveness over standard treatments, suggesting it may cause unnecessary trauma to the skin. Effective tattoo removal relies on the body's lymphatic system to clear the shattered ink. Since the macrophages involved in this process live for about 30 days, rushing sessions doesn't speed up the fading - it only risks more damage. BEST MOMENTS "When the ink is introduced into the skin, the skin responds by saying, 'Oh my god, what the hell is this? We don't like this stuff, let's get rid of it.'" "Tattoos fade eventually over time, because those cells die every 30 days, the ink is then re-released back into the skin, and new macrophages come along and pick up those released particles." "Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius. One millilitre of water will form 2,000 millilitres of steam. Steam is very powerful for that reason." "We are surrounded by water. If we weren't, then laser tattoo removal would not work." "If you have a little hot ink particles inside a macrophage surrounded by water, the ink will heat up very rapidly, in less than a nanosecond." 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/
    Show More Show Less
    41 mins
No reviews yet
In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.