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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
  • Benign Pigmentation, Lasers & Skin-Saving Tips

    Benign Pigmentation, Lasers & Skin-Saving Tips
    Jan 8 2026
    In this episode, Lisa and Mike zoom in on the world of benign pigmentation, and how lasers can help fade it safely and effectively. Before anyone goes zap-happy, they stress one crucial rule: always make sure pigmentation is benign first. They break down how to assess it properly (because guessing is not a treatment plan). From there, the duo explores different laser options like Q-Switch YAG and IPL, unpacking wavelengths, absorption, and how these tools actually target melanin without causing chaos to the skin. Lisa also shares her real-world treatment tips, including her go-to cooling techniques to keep skin calm and trauma-free. KEY TAKEAWAYS Before treating any pigmentation, it's crucial to confirm that it is benign. If there are any changes in size, colour, or texture, or if the pigmentation has appeared recently, it should be referred to a medical professional for further evaluation. Various lasers can be used to treat pigmentation, with the Q-Switch YAG laser at 532 nm being highly effective due to its strong absorption in melanin. IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) is also a viable option, especially for larger areas, but it may carry a higher risk of thermal damage. When treating pigmentation, practitioners should monitor the immediate response of the skin, looking for signs such as erythema, darkening of the pigment, or frosting. Adjustments in fluence may be necessary based on the observed reactions. Ice cooling is essential both before and after treatment to protect surrounding skin tissue and minimise swelling. This technique has been shown to reduce pain and improve recovery times for patients. The approach to treating pigmentation can be more aggressive compared to other treatments like hair removal or vascular lesions. This controlled aggression is necessary to achieve effective results, but it requires careful monitoring to avoid excessive damage. BEST MOMENTS "The first thing that if you're going to be treating any sort of pigmentation, you must be clear that it is benign." "The good thing about melanin is it absorbs light across the whole visible spectrum and even into the near-infrared spectrum." "I would do a Q-Switch 532. 100%." "You don't get that thermal damage that you would with an IPL. So it's a different process, different mechanical process." 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
  • More Science: From Femtoseconds to Zeptoseconds

    More Science: From Femtoseconds to Zeptoseconds
    Dec 11 2025
    Today, Lisa and Mike take another look at the fascinating world of laser physics, particularly in the context of medical aesthetics. They explore various pulse regimes - nanoseconds, picoseconds, and femtoseconds - discussing their implications for energy delivery and tissue reactions. Mike explains the significance of these time scales, including the concept of zeptoseconds, and how they relate to the behaviour of atoms and light. KEY TAKEAWAYS Different pulse regimes (nanoseconds, picoseconds, femtoseconds) affect how energy is delivered to tissues. Shorter pulses (like nanoseconds) allow energy to be absorbed quickly, leading to higher temperatures in the target area, while longer pulses (like milliseconds) allow heat to dissipate, resulting in lower peak temperatures. The type of reaction elicited in tissues depends on the pulse duration. Longer pulses tend to produce thermal reactions, heating surrounding tissues, while shorter pulses can create photomechanical reactions, where rapid heating leads to physical disruption of target materials, such as tattoo ink. To prevent unwanted thermal damage during laser treatments, proper cooling techniques are essential. Cooling the skin and surrounding tissues can mitigate excessive heat generation, reducing the risk of burns and other adverse effects. When purchasing aesthetic lasers, it is crucial to look beyond marketing claims and focus on technical specifications, such as output power, wavelengths, fluence range, and pulse widths. High fluences are associated with better treatment outcomes. Effective training for non-physicist clinicians involves breaking down complex physics concepts into tangible, relatable ideas. Using everyday analogies can help clinicians grasp the fundamental principles of laser physics, making it easier for them to apply this knowledge in practice. BEST MOMENTS "The shortest ever unit of time that's been successfully measured by scientists was an event that lasted 247 zeptoseconds. This is the time that it took for a photon to cross a hydrogen molecule." "I didn't think hydrogen atoms were that big because 0.1 nanometers isn't really so small, is it, when you think about it?" "If you have a long pulse, like in the millisecond regime, then because the heat is escaping during the pulse, we tend to get a thermal reaction." "Generating too much heat is very easy to do. It's quite hard to be precise because it depends on where the absorbing targets are and how deep they are." "If they're not giving you the technical spec, it's a bit dubious." 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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    35 mins
  • How Do We Read the Skin?

    How Do We Read the Skin?
    Dec 4 2025
    In this episode, Mike and Lisa delve into the intricacies of "reading the skin" during various laser treatments. They discuss the importance of understanding skin responses, such as erythema and edema, as indicators of treatment effectiveness, particularly in hair removal, tattoo removal, and pigmentation treatments. KEY TAKEAWAYS Understanding skin responses during treatments is crucial. Indicators such as erythema (redness) and edema (swelling) provide valuable feedback on how the skin is reacting to various laser treatments. The appropriate fluence (energy level) for treatments cannot be predetermined without observing the skin's reaction. Practitioners should start at a lower fluence and gradually increase it based on the skin's response. A certain level of redness and swelling is acceptable and indicates a good reaction. However, excessive redness, bleeding, or broken skin surfaces are signs of over-treatment and should be avoided. Using ice packs or cooling methods before and during treatments can help manage skin temperature and reduce adverse reactions. Proper cooling can prevent ice burns and enhance treatment outcomes. Engaging with clients about their experiences during treatments is essential. Asking for feedback on pain levels and observing their skin reactions can guide practitioners in adjusting their techniques for better results. BEST MOMENTS "The skin is kind of giving us clues and indicators. It's communicating. It does depend on what you're treating and which technology you're using." "If you break the skin whilst treating a tattoo or PMU, then you haven't done it right." "A certain level of redness is good, but if it goes very red, kind of angry red, then that's telling you you've gone too far." "I want to see it crusty, dusty, red and angry, but no bleeding, never, ever, ever bleeding." "Reading the skin is a good skill to develop. Take the time and look at the skin's reaction and think, what is this trying to tell me?" 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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    36 mins
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