Podcast
Lasers in Skin
Hosted by Lisa McMahon & Mike Murphy · EN
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!
32episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Fragmented UK regulation bodies
Mar 1800:24:52Tap to summarizeWe know, we know, all of the unknowns about these new regulations in the industry coming in is daunting. Listen to dad and I chat about some of the key players, the recent updates that we know, our thoughts and what this means for all small businesses and us! Ultimately, you're not alone in this. Let us know your thoughts or concerns! @dermalase_lasertraining Chapters 00:00 Understanding UK Regulatory Bodies 04:09 Fragmentation and Confusion in Regulations 08:06 The Role of Local Councils and Enforcement 12:04 Training and Qualifications in Aesthetic Practices 16:07 Myths and Misunderstandings in Laser Treatments 20:02 Navigating Future Regulations and Safety
Transcribe →Back to basics: Skin tones
Mar 1100:19:48Tap to summarizeHey guys, Lisa here! Do you know how important it is to understand skin tones in relation to laser treatments? If you're here, you will know a bit I'm sure, but let's bring it back to basics and cement that knowledge. Enjoy our chat about melanin concentration, the skin, why we hate the use of the Fitzpatrick scale in lasers and a sprinkle of Mike's jokes.. as always. @dermalase_lasertraining Chapters 00:00 Understanding Skin Tones: The Basics 03:08 The Physics of Skin Tone and Laser Treatment 08:59 Categorizing Skin Tones: Beyond Fitzpatrick 13:02 Pulse Width and Pain Management in Laser Treatments 17:04 Conclusion and Future Discussions on Skin Tones
Transcribe →PMU and tattoo removal
Mar 400:22:03Tap to summarizeHi Everyone! I'm back with our blurb and listen in, this one's been asked for a lot! I've managed to reduce yellow ink in PMU eyebrows... Yep, you'll want to hear this. Tune in to my dad and I chit chatting about permanent make up and tattoo removal using lasers. We also, of course, have a bit of a rant about misconceptions. It wouldn't be us if we didn't.. Enjoy! @dermalase_lasertraining Titles The Art of PMU Removal: Techniques and Insights Navigating the Challenges of Tattoo Removal sound bites "What is PMU removal?" "Patch tests for PMU are essential." "High fluence for stubborn colors." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to PMU and Tattoo Removal 02:56 Techniques and Equipment for Tattoo Removal 06:01 Understanding Ink Colors and Their Removal 09:00 Challenges with Yellow Ink Removal 12:08 Clinical Endpoints and Treatment Protocols 14:59 Marketing and Misconceptions in PMU Removal 18:02 Future Guests and Insights on PMU
Transcribe →IPL vs Lasers
Feb 2500:27:20Tap to summarizeHere we go, AGAIN! "IPL's suck" - no, no they don't. Hey guys, Lisa here! Listen in if your opinion is the IPL's are the worst for hair removal, listen in if you don't..Just listen in and tell us your thoughts! Do you use Lasers or IPL for hair removal? It's important to know the differences and how to utilise them to get the best for your clients. Ps, everyone welcome on my wee boy, Odhran. His podasting debut! @dermalase_lasertraining Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Family Moments 02:22 Understanding Lasers vs. IPLs 09:48 Hair Removal Techniques and Technologies 17:33 The Debate: IPL vs. Laser Effectiveness 25:27 Final Thoughts on Choosing the Right Treatment
Transcribe →Regulations (Again!)
Feb 1800:27:19Tap to summarizeThe conversation delves into the upcoming regulations affecting aesthetic and laser businesses in the UK, focusing on their implications for small businesses, safety standards, licensing, and training requirements. The speakers discuss the need for proper enforcement and accountability within the industry, emphasizing the importance of consumer protection and the challenges that may arise for practitioners and clinics as new standards are implemented. Takeaways The new regulations aim to protect consumers and ensure safety in aesthetic treatments. Licensing and training standards are crucial for practitioners in the industry. Remote prescribing for injectables poses significant risks and should be regulated. Training academies must be held accountable for the quality of education they provide. Local authorities will play a key role in enforcing new regulations. Small businesses may face challenges in adapting to new licensing requirements. Proper oversight is necessary to ensure compliance and safety in clinics. The conversation highlights the need for a recognized standard in training and practice. Good practitioners should welcome regulations that improve industry standards. Future discussions will be necessary to assess the impact of these regulations. sound bites "There should be a recognized standard." "We need proper oversight for safety." "We should revisit this after May." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to New Regulations 01:10 Impact on Small Businesses and Safety Concerns 04:22 Licensing and Training Standards 07:49 Injectables and Medical Training 11:03 Remote Prescribing and Consultation 12:54 Accountability of Training Academies 13:23 Local Authority Oversight and Enforcement 19:11 Challenges for Small Businesses 21:57 Conclusion and Future Outlook
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The Uncomfortable Truth About Laser Hair Removal
Feb 1200:28:05Tap to summarizeIn this myth-busting deep dive into the science of aesthetics, Lisa McMahon and physicist Mike Murphy take laser hair removal out of the ‘magic wand’ category and into reality. Plot twist: the hair isn’t the star of the show, it’s just the messenger. The duo breaks down the surprisingly complex world of the hair follicle, spills the tea on stem cells and the dermal papilla (DP), and explains why so many treatments shrink hair instead of kicking it out for good. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just laser-curious, this episode mixes physics, biology, and a few “wait, WHAT?” moments to reveal why timing the follicle’s growth phase is the real secret to long-lasting results. KEY TAKEAWAYS The hair shaft acts as a conduit that contains melanin to absorb light energy and convert it into heat, but the actual goal is to dismantle the follicle structure. For effective permanent removal, the laser must successfully target and destroy the stem cells in the bulge and the dermal papilla (DP* at the base of the bulb. As a hair follicle grows during the Anagen phase, the bulb descends deeper into the skin (towards the subcutis), making it progressively harder to kill as it gets further from the surface. If a treatment uses insufficient fluence (energy), it may only partially damage the DP. The follicle then regenerates with fewer cells, resulting in a thinner, lighter hair. Most hair visible on the surface is in the Catagen or Telogen phase, meaning it lacks a matrix and cannot be effectively treated. The true targets for permanent removal are actually invisible beneath the skin during early-to-mid Anagen. BEST MOMENTS "The hair is not the target. The hair is a conduit to essentially dismantle the follicle." "If you kill all the stem cells in the bulge but you leave behind some DP cells, then the DP can regenerate some stem cells." "The matrix can have up to five times the concentration of melanin compared to the hair... that makes it a really, really good target for light." "Catching the follicle at the right time is quite tricky because if you don’t catch it at the right time, the DP might just be too deep." "Science doesn’t lie; we just keep moving around a bit." 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
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Why Is Laser Hair Removal Still Guess Work?
Feb 500:21:35Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Lisa and Mike, dive into the common frustrations surrounding laser hair removal and why results can vary so significantly between individuals. Joined by Lisa’s newborn, Baby Bryan (Rosha), they discuss how subpar training and a lack of fundamental biological understanding within the industry contribute to inconsistent outcomes. KEY TAKEAWAYS Many laser technicians are taught to ‘under-treat’ or follow rigid, incorrect protocols, leading to more sessions with fewer results. Energy output on a screen may not match what is actually being delivered; machines naturally lose efficiency over time and require regular professional calibration. Different body areas have different growth cycles (e.g., leg hair has a very long anagen phase), meaning treating every area at the same four-week interval is often ineffective. Thicker hairs tend to be deeper in the skin. Effective treatment requires enough energy (fluence) to reach the follicle's base, which varies by body site. Firing multiple low-energy shots (e.g., three shots at 10 Joules) does not equal the depth penetration of one high-energy shot (e.g., one shot at 30 Joules). BEST MOMENTS "You pass your test, and then you're free to drive on the roads, and that's when you learn to drive properly. It’s the same in the laser game." "A lot of people out there, they don't know what they don't know." "Calibration is really only valid for that day. All machines, they all lose efficiency over time." "If you're targeting hair with a 'sub-lethal threshold', you will not kill the follicles. They will regenerate, they'll grow back, and the hairs will be finer." "The higher the fluence, the deeper it goes. It's as simple as that. And the deeper you can penetrate into the skin, the more follicles you'll hit." 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
Transcribe →
Legal Issues.. It Can Happen To Anyone!
Jan 2900:26:23Tap to summarizeToday, 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
Transcribe →
Ever Felt Like an Imposter? - An Interview with Dr Marc Reid
Jan 2201:12:53Tap to summarizeIn 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
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Why Your Body Can’t Get Rid of Tattoos (and How Lasers Can)
Jan 1500:40:49Tap to summarizeWhat 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/
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