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
  • Listener Questions - Part 1

    Listener Questions - Part 1
    Sep 25 2025
    Today, Lisa and Mike tackle a series of listener questions. Mike shares a personal anecdote about his own sun damage from a recent trip to Italy, despite his usual advocacy for sun protection. He also discusses a curious case from early in his career involving a client's red tattoo that turned black after a laser treatment, a phenomenon he explains is an oxidation process. They consider the complexities of laser technology, the importance of training, and the nuances of treating different skin tones, particularly with diode lasers. KEY TAKEAWAYS Mick discusses an early case where a red tattoo pigment unexpectedly turned black after a Q-switched Ruby laser treatment. Mick explains this is a genuine chemical oxidation reaction, a different process from the simple fading of permanent makeup (PMU) inks. Mike and Lisa emphasise that most lasers on the market are effective, but the key to good results and safety lies in proper training and understanding the technology. Mick humorously recounts getting sunburned in Italy, despite his reputation for wearing a t-shirt in the pool to protect his skin from UV rays. The composition of tattoo ink, whether metallic/organic (pre-2000s) or polymer-based (post-2000s), significantly affects how it reacts to laser removal treatments. BEST MOMENTS "The red ink all turned black. And I remember him coming back and thinking, 'Oh my God, what is this?' I'd never seen it before." "So what's happening there is not an oxidation process at all. What's happening is purely the darker inks are fading, revealing the lighter colored inks." "Don't believe all the flannel that you hear from the sales guys, because they'll tell you anything to sell a machine." "We will not support any machines that we don't absolutely love." "The 1064 nanometer wavelength is the most benign wavelength that we use." 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
  • An Interview with... MIKE MURPHY!

    An Interview with... MIKE MURPHY!
    Sep 18 2025
    Lisa interviews a very special guest today - her dad, Mike Murphy, a true pioneer in medical aesthetic lasers. From being captivated by the moon landing as a kid to diving deep into physics and astronomy, Mike’s lifelong love of science eventually led him to make history by opening the world’s first private tattoo removal clinic using Q-switched lasers. His story is equal parts inspiring, nerdy, and groundbreaking. KEY TAKEAWAYS Mike Murphy was born in an RAF hospital in Germany and lived in various countries due to his father's military career, including Holland, Singapore, and Northern Ireland. His early curiosity about science and technology was influenced by significant events like the moon landing. In 1989, Mike and his colleagues established Dermalase, the world's first clinic using Q-switched Ruby lasers for tattoo removal. This clinic became a pioneer in the field, attracting clients from across the UK and even internationally. The company faced challenges, including a bankruptcy in 1996 due to a premature product launch in the U.S. market. Despite setbacks, Mike continued to innovate and adapt, eventually expanding into training and consulting in the laser industry. Mike is now focused on training professionals in the aesthetics field, emphasising the importance of proper education and safety standards in using laser technology. He is also working on new research projects and aims to continue contributing to advancements in the field. BEST MOMENTS "I was born in an RAF hospital in Germany, because all military bases across the sea are Crown property, so they're part of the UK." "You could have been Elvis in the laser world, that would be so cool." "We were the only clinic in the world, apart from the clinic in the hospital. We were the only private clinic at that time." "I wrote up a thesis to present for PhD and then I read it and didn't like it. I thought this is a pile of sugar." "You guys introduced aesthetic laser tattoo removal to the UK and the world." 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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    43 mins
  • TRT Part 2 (Mike Couldn't Sleep)

    TRT Part 2 (Mike Couldn't Sleep)
    Sep 11 2025
    Today, Lisa and Mike delve into the intricacies of relaxation times in relation to laser treatments, particularly focusing on tattoo removal. They clarify previous discussions about the relevance of relaxation times, emphasising their importance when dealing with tiny ink particles in tattoos. They explore how these particles behave under laser energy, the mechanics of steam formation, and the differences between nanosecond and picosecond lasers. KEY TAKEAWAYS Relaxation time is crucial when considering tattoo removal because the tiny ink particles can lose heat rapidly. This means that the energy from the laser must be delivered in a short enough time to create steam bubbles that help break down the ink. While picosecond lasers are marketed as superior to nanosecond lasers, both can effectively remove tattoos. The difference in effectiveness may not justify the higher cost of picosecond lasers, especially since nanosecond lasers have been successfully used for decades. The process of tattoo removal involves heating the ink particles, which leads to steam formation. The explosive force from the steam causes the ink particles to break apart and disperse, making them easier for the body to eliminate. The pulse width of the laser is significant; shorter pulses (picoseconds) can deliver energy more effectively to create the necessary temperature rise for steam formation. However, nanosecond lasers can still achieve this effect, especially with proper technique. BEST MOMENTS "Relaxation time is much more important when you are considering tattoos. These particles are incredibly small, they can be easily down at like 40, 50, 60, 100 nanometres in size." "If you heat up these ink particles using laser energy, they will lose that energy extremely rapidly." "The ink gets hot and some of the heat diffuses into the water, creates steam and the macrophages explode." "I always say it depends on your budget, but also how much money have you got to waste?" "Sometimes the old stuff is still very relevant because it still works." 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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    19 mins
  • Is It A Surprise We Don't Like This? No..

    Is It A Surprise We Don't Like This? No..
    Sep 4 2025
    Today, Mike and Lisa dive into a passionate discussion about the ongoing debate between two hair removal techniques: stamping and Super Hair Removal (SHR). Lisa expresses her frustration over misleading social media posts that claim stamping is outdated and ineffective, while SHR is the superior method. They explore the importance of technique in both methods, emphasising that neither is inherently better if not applied correctly. KEY TAKEAWAYS Both stamping and Super Hair Removal (SHR) techniques can be effective for laser hair removal, but their success heavily depends on proper application. Incorrect techniques can lead to ineffective results regardless of the method used. The fluence (energy delivered per unit area) is crucial for both stamping and SHR. Low fluence levels can result in inadequate heat accumulation in hair follicles, leading to poor treatment outcomes. New claims about lasers being safe for tanned skin are met with scepticism. The skin's response to tanning indicates underlying damage, and treating tanned skin with lasers can pose risks of further damage and ineffective results. Claims about the effectiveness of SHR and its advantages over stamping should be backed by credible research. The lack of accessible studies supporting these claims raises concerns about their validity. It is essential to prioritise client safety by advising against laser treatments on tanned skin. Proper healing time should be observed to avoid potential skin damage and ensure effective treatment outcomes. BEST MOMENTS "So these things I get sent from different laser techs or people that we've trained, kind of just saying, huh, is this right? And obviously then we have to say, meh. Maybe not." "If you're doing too big an area, the target is going to be reducing its temperature every time before you get back to it." "The problem is though, as far as I can tell, most people are not doing it correctly." "What people have to understand is that when you get a tan, what you are essentially seeing is the result of a damaged skin." "It's a really dangerous thing to be promoting as new technology. It's not new technology." 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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    24 mins
  • Curious Things

    Curious Things
    Aug 28 2025
    Lisa and Mike delve into a series of curious cases they've encountered in their laser treatment practice. They discuss unusual reactions from clients, including prolonged redness after cooling treatments and unexpected swelling in sensitive areas. The conversation also touches on the challenges of treating stubborn hair in the bikini area and the complexities of tattoo removal, particularly with dense ink KEY TAKEAWAYS One client experienced prolonged redness on her lower legs after laser hair removal treatments, suggesting a possible mild inflammatory response to the cooling process rather than the laser itself. This highlights the importance of monitoring individual reactions to treatments. Another client, who is very sensitive to cold, had a significant reaction after a standard cooling duration. Adjusting the cooling time to less than two minutes still yielded good treatment results, indicating that individual sensitivity should be considered in treatment protocols. Labia hairs are noted to be particularly stubborn during hair removal treatments. Many practitioners face difficulties achieving complete removal in this area, which may be due to deeper hair follicles and the unique tissue composition of the labia. A case involving a client's tattoo removal revealed that excessive ink density in a specific area led to severe blistering and infection. This suggests that the amount of ink and the depth at which it is placed can significantly affect the healing process and treatment outcomes. BEST MOMENTS "The fact that she's seen this for days afterwards is very strange. That kind of suggests there is some sort of mild inflammatory response to the cooling." "Labia hairs are bloody stubborn. It's a well-known fact in the industry that it's not just a few people struggling with that area." "If you have an excess of ink put into a particular area, then you're going to have an excess of microscarring." "I suspect that is most likely down to the very high density of ink in that particular region." 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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    28 mins