Understanding Intense Pulsed Light Hair Removal
For simple, permanent hair removal, pulsed light epilation is ideal. Whether in a salon or at home, a pulsed-light epilator lets you enjoy smooth skin every day. No more unsightly hair, thanks to the smooth operation of a pulsed-light epilator.
How pulsed-light hair removal works
The pulsed-light epilator transmits a flash of light that is absorbed by the hair's brown pigment. The light transforms directly into heat, burning the hair bulb. This destroys the hair root and slows hair regrowth. Hair disappears, and hair removal sessions are spaced out. The hair separates from the bulb, then falls out after a few weeks, or grows back much more finely, 1 to 2 months later. If you have fair skin and dark hair, you'll get better results. For dark skin, the pulsed-light device needs to be set differently. This involves lowering the light intensity to avoid the risk of burning.
Differences between pulsed light and laser
The pulsed-light epilator sends a flash of light onto the skin. The light is assimilated by melanin and transformed into heat, which destroys the hair bulb. Pulsed light is polychromatic and not very aggressive, as several waves are emitted. As the light pulses are rapid, there is no risk of burns; only the hair absorbs the heat. The laser, on the other hand, is monochromatic, emitting a single beam. As with pulsed light, the melanin absorbs the laser light to generate the heat needed to destroy the hair and its roots. All skin types can benefit from this hair removal method
Advantages of Intense Pulsed Light hair removal
Intense pulsed light hair removal offers many undeniable advantages. No more pain from wax strips that tear out your hair! No more skin irritation from razors! No more under-skin or thick, itchy hair!
The initial investment is substantial, but in the long term, pulsed light hair removal is both economical and extremely pleasant.
Effectiveness and long-lasting results
IPL is particularly effective on fair skins with dark hairs. In fact, the greater the contrast between skin color and hair, the greater the desired effect. It's important to note that IPL can eliminate 90-95% of hair growth. Proof of its effectiveness!
Comfort and less pain
How can you resist the gentleness of this permanent hair removal technique? It's quite comfortable not to have to suffer to be beautiful! Some people may experience a little tingling. However, it's perfectly possible to opt for an anaesthetic cream if the appliance causes pain. Not everyone reacts in the same way! When you think about being able to wear little dresses at any time without having to worry about your hair, it's pretty comfortable!
Home or professional use
Whether you choose to use Intense Pulsed Light hair removal in an institute or at home, the conditions of use must be respected. This is essential. Some people need to be pampered and don't want to do it themselves, in which case salon hair removal is ideal. Others prefer not to have to make an appointment, or to be in the comfort of their own home, which is where using a pulsed-light epilator at home is very practical.
Disadvantages and limitations
This hair removal technique is best suited to light skins with dark hair, as melanin contributes to the device's effectiveness. Darker skin is more difficult to treat. Intense pulsed light hair removal is not suitable for tattoos, as it may damage them. Pregnant or breast-feeding women are not allowed to use pulsed light, nor are diabetics, heart patients or people on medication such as anticoagulants or antibiotics.
Skin and hair type restrictions
Depending on skin and hair type, pulsed light hair removal is more or less effective. On light to brown skin, IPL works. However, this technique is not suitable for very dark skin. Skin with a high melanin content absorbs light easily. Darker skins risk discoloration, burns or blisters.
On the other hand, for optimum results, hair thickness must be taken into account. That's why you need to shave regularly during IPL treatment. Shaving stimulates the hair and makes it thicker. Thin hair is more difficult to remove.
Risks and precautions
There are a number of precautions to be taken when undergoing IPL treatment. As moles and birthmarks are rich in melanin, IPL should not be used on them. This avoids the risk of burning.
- Keep light flashes away from freckles.
- Do not apply self-tanning products.
- Stay out of the sun for two months after your permanent hair removal session.
- Use SPF 50 protection
- Test your skin before starting treatment.
How to use an IPL epilator
Before using an IPL epilator, it's important to understand how it works. Before and after sessions, certain conditions must be respected.
Preparation before hair removal
Before your IPL session, your hair needs to be stimulated. Shave the area to be treated 48 hours before your session.
Protect your skin from the sun
Do not consume photosensitizing products such as essential oils, coconut oil or medications such as antibiotics.
Steps for use
Once you've prepared your skin by protecting it from the sun, shaving and applying no cream to the skin, you're ready for your session. The area to be treated must be clean and dry. A cold gel is applied to the area to be epilated, to reduce the heat generated by the flash of light. The epilator works through several flashes on the area to be treated. In just a few minutes, your session is over, and you can look forward to the next one 6 weeks later.
Post-depilation care
After your hair removal session, take care of your skin.
- Stay out of the sun for at least 48 hours.
- Apply a moisturizing cream to avoid irritation.
- Don't take a hot bath, and wait 24 hours before exercising. This allows your skin to regenerate gently after treatment.
Selecting the right Intense Pulsed Light epilator
Choosing the right Intense Pulsed Light epilator depends on a number of selection criteria, all of which are a guarantee of quality and efficiency.
Epilator selection criteria
The points to consider when choosing a pulsed-light epilator are as follows:
- Number of flashes
- Flash speed
- intensity level
- Body parts the epilator can treat
- safety features
Best brands and models
Many brands offer pulsed-light epilators. However, be sure to choose professional equipment that can be used at home. These devices are often safer and more effective.
The E-one, for example, is a depilatory appliance with professional technology designed for home use. It guarantees smooth skin from the very first use, and after 10 to 12 sessions, your hair follicles are eliminated.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How long should I wait between two Intense Pulsed Light sessions? We recommend waiting six weeks between each session.
Is an IPL epilator expensive? At the outset, an IPL epilator with professional technology is an investment. In the long term, however, it will pay for itself, if you think about the waxing you do so often!
Are all IPL epilators safe? We advise you to select a device made in France, with professional technology!
Frequency of use for optimum results
For optimum results, it's best to wait six weeks between each permanent hair removal session, and to shave regularly to stimulate your hair system. If your sessions are too close together, your hair won't have time to grow back and your epilation won't be effective.
Managing different hair colors
Black hair is easier to remove with Intense Pulsed Light. However, you may have lighter-colored hair in certain areas. In this case, it is often necessary to schedule more sessions to treat this area.
Use on different areas of the body
When selecting your IPL epilator, it's essential to consider whether it's suitable for all parts of your body. In fact, some IPL devices do not work on all parts of your body. By choosing an IPL epilator that works on any area of your body, you can fully enjoy permanent hair removal across your entire body.
Testimonials and user reviews
IPL hair removal brings a real sense of freedom for women.
“I can dress the way I want, when I want”.
“I can go swimming whenever I want, thanks to permanent hair removal”.
“What a pleasure to have soft skin all the time”.
Positive experiences with IPL hair removal
People who have used an Intense Pulsed Light epilator agree that they are relieved. From a sensory point of view, the flashes are like a little rubber band snapping against the skin, according to many. For others, there's no pain at all. What stands out from users' experiences is the extreme ease of use of the IPL epilator, the softness of their skin and the comfort they feel in their daily lives after experimenting with IPL.