Understanding Pulsed Light Hair Removal
Intense pulsed light (IPL) hair removal is a permanent hair removal technique that allows you to free yourself of hair. This technique can be performed in a beauty salon or at home with the appropriate equipment.
Operating principle
Pulsed light hair removal uses a flash lamp to send out intense flashes of light. The flash burns the hair bulb. Thanks to this thermal reaction, hair growth is reduced and the hair pigment, melanin, is destroyed. The result is a significant reduction in hair regrowth.
Intense pulsed light hair removal is available in beauty salons, but thanks to specially adapted equipment, it can also be performed at home.
Feelings during hair removal
During IPL hair removal, it's important to understand that pain is no more present than with other hair removal methods.
Comparison with other methods
If you're planning to take advantage of Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) hair removal and you're afraid of the pain, don't be! Intense pulsed light is no more painful than laser or wax hair removal. Have you ever known cold wax strips that were impossible to remove? Have you ever felt that tugging sensation when hair is pulled out with hot wax or an electric epilator? Does irritated skin after shaving sound familiar?
Well, if you think IPL hair removal is going to make you suffer, think again.
In fact, IPL is less painful than laser hair removal. The heat of the flash light focuses on the hair shaft to destroy the entire bulb. What's more, the cold gel applied by your esthetician considerably reduces the sensation of heat.
Waxing has the advantage that hairs grow back smoothly and are less numerous over time. Nevertheless, it does get rid of your hair by cutting it, but the bulb is not removed. This means that less than four weeks later, slow hair regrowth is inevitable. It's also not uncommon for small infections to occur, with stubborn under-skin hairs. As for plucking, this is surely the major disadvantage of waxing.
Razors, on the other hand, cut your hair, but regrowth is rapid, hair hardens and the skin is often irritated.
With Intense Pulsed Light, you don't have to worry about all that. There may be some tingling in more sensitive areas, but there's no more hair-pulling or irritation.
Testimonials and experiences
Most customers who have tried IPL hair removal say it's a relief. No more underarm or bikini hair, no more ingrown hairs, soft skin - these are just some of the benefits of this type of hair removal.
Of course, some women explain that tingling or heat sensations are felt on areas of the body that are more sensitive than others.
For most women, the bikini line remains the most sensitive area, but the speed of the session is such that many report feeling nothing.
Women who have tested pulsed light hair removal explain that the cooling sensation of the gel applied before the flash is stronger than the action of the pulsed light.
Is pulsed light hair removal painful? Customer testimonials vary. Not everyone reacts in the same way, depending on the area to be depilated, skin color or resistance to pain.
However, the experience of IPL hair removal is generally a positive one for all women.
Factors influencing pain sensation
The sensation of pain differs according to several factors.
Skin sensitivity
Some people feel a slight tingling sensation, while others say it's like a rubber band snapping against the skin. The most resistant feel absolutely nothing. The pain tolerance threshold is not the same for everyone.
Perceived discomfort may depend on skin color, the area to be depilated, hair thickness or the setting of the IPL device.
As the number of sessions progresses, these sensations diminish, as the amount of hair to be treated decreases. In general, it is important to note that the sensation associated with pulsed light is not very intense compared to laser or wax hair removal.
Body area
The pain of pulsed-light hair removal is bearable. However, this depends on the areas to be depilated. Armpits and bikini line are much more receptive to sensations than half-legs. If you feel the pain is too intense, don't hesitate to ask your doctor for an anaesthetic cream
Minimizing pain.
For those who fear pain, there are ways to minimize it.
Skin preparation
Skin preparation helps reduce pain.
As a first step, two or three days before the session, remove dead skin cells with a good exfoliation to prevent under-skin hair.
In addition to exfoliation, it is advisable to shave the area to be depilated 24 to 48 hours before the pulsed light session. This allows the flash to focus more effectively on the hair follicle. If the hair is too long, you may feel a burning sensation.
Before the session, your skin must be clean and dry. There should be no creams or oils that could make the treatment painful.
Using numbing creams
If you'd like to numb your skin with an anaesthetic cream, this can help reduce potential pain. The cream acts on the surface of the skin, limiting any discomfort.
The cream should be applied to the area to be treated 30 to 60 minutes before the IPL session. Once the cream has taken effect, the skin must be thoroughly cleansed to remove any residual cream before the session. This cream is only available with a prescription, so you'll need to contact your doctor to obtain one.
Safety and precautions
To avoid side effects, it is essential to follow certain precautions.
Safety tips
The precautions to be taken are essentially related to sun exposure. Before and after an IPL session, the sun's rays are not recommended.
- No self-tanning products should be applied to the skin.
- Intense pulsed light must not be used on tanned skin. We recommend waiting two months before proceeding with a session.
- It is advisable to carry out a test on pigmented skin to ensure that no risks are taken.
- No exposure to the sun for two months after the waxing session. Sun protection factor 50 is preferable.
When should I avoid IPL hair removal?
In the case of known illnesses such as diabetes, allergic reactions, cardiac disorders, pregnancy, coagulation problems or hormonal disorders, we recommend avoiding this method of hair removal. It's best to consult your doctor.
In addition, it is contraindicated to proceed with hair removal if you have :
- Superficial cuts
- keloid scars
- Psoriasis
- Dark skin
- use of photosensitizing drugs
Intense pulsed light hair removal is prohibited:
- On a minor under the age of 15,
- If the person suffers from a skin disease such as lupus.
- In case of skin infection such as staphylococcus or herpes.
See also our articles on the risks of IPL hair removal
- What are the risks of IPL hair removal?
- Intense pulsed light for pregnant women
- What is the right age for Intense Pulsed Light?
- Intense pulsed light hair removal side effects
- Is it carcinogenic?