Intense Pulsed Light hair removal is a fast, effective and painless method of limiting hair regrowth. Rather than visiting a specialized salon, this solution is accessible from the comfort of your own home, allowing you not only to save money, but also to use it as you wish.
Understanding Intense Pulsed Light
Pulsed light hair removal involves using a device that sends pulses of light into the hair bulb. This energy is then absorbed by the melanin in the hair follicles. The energy received is then converted into heat, destroying the cells involved in hair regrowth.
Unlike lasers, pulsed light uses a broader spectrum of light, but is just as effective. The depth of penetration is not the same either, and the laser remains more specific for targeted treatments. Another advantage of Intense Pulsed Light is its safety and efficacy, with the option of purchasing a device for home use.
Before getting started
If you're interested in this hair-removal technique, you need to take the time to choose the most appropriate device. We advise you to insist on the quality of the brand and the reliability of the model. You should also take extra precautions to ensure that the model you choose is compatible with your skin and hair.
For greater comfort, it's best to choose an IPL device with customizable settings and, of course, a treatment zone that matches your needs. Above all, never neglect the importance of safety, and always opt for a model with safety sensors to limit the risk of burns.
Once these checks have been carried out, don't jump headlong into using the appliance. Take the time to read the manual, and perform an initial test on your skin to see if it reacts negatively due to over-sensitivity. The area to be treated must be shaved beforehand, avoiding exposure to the sun. And don't apply products such as self-tanners or depilatory creams to your skin, as skin reactions are likely to be much stronger.
Step by step: use at home
As explained in the previous paragraph, you don't need to use any specific products, but you do need to thoroughly cleanse your skin. Before the session, make sure there are no traces of oil or soap. The key is to keep the area clean and dry, to avoid skin reactions.
Shaving the area to be treated is also a must. You can use a simple razor or a traditional epilator. This reduces the risk of burning the surface of your skin. Of course, this preparatory work should only be carried out after a test on a preliminary area, to ensure that you have no allergic reactions.
Device settings
Once you've identified your hair and skin color, follow the user manual to correctly set the light intensity of your device. This is a particularly important step, and we advise you not to neglect it.
Subsequent adjustments are of course possible according to your tolerance threshold, but never go beyond the manufacturer's recommendations. The next step is to select the most appropriate nozzle for the area of the body to be treated (bikini line, underarms...). The most advanced models feature safety tips for much greater protection of sensitive areas.
Otherwise, the risk of skin damage is much greater. In all cases, it's essential to maximize results and take your time by reading the user manual for specific instructions.
The hair removal session
Rest assured, using an Intense Pulsed Light device is particularly simple, as long as you follow the safety instructions. You position the appropriate tip on the area to be treated, so as to have direct contact with your hair. Then switch on the appliance and ensure even, even strokes.
To limit the risk of burns, avoid repeating light pulses on the same spot. You must also respect defined intervals between each session, and once again, all this information can be found in the user manual.
After the session
The application of a moisturizing cream is strongly recommended to soothe the treated area. It helps to combat feelings of dryness and irritation. Then, avoid exposure to the sun for the next two weeks. Similarly, the use of irritating products is absolutely not recommended.
For best results, be patient and consistent, respecting the intervals between sessions as recommended by the manufacturer. For long-lasting results, it's important to keep a watchful eye on your lifestyle, and be aware that certain medications can cause hormonal disruption, leading to premature hair regrowth. To find out more, we recommend you make an appointment with a dermatologist.
Recommended frequency of sessions
To define the number of times you will use your IPL epilator, set up a session schedule. Optimal results will be seen with a repeat session every two weeks, repeating the process up to 6 times. Scheduling prevents you from over-using or forgetting a session. Use the same principle to monitor your results and make adjustments if necessary.
Who is it suitable for?
Intense pulsed light hair removal at home is a formidable solution for different hair and skin types. Light to medium skin shows good results, but dark skin may not. Conversely, darker hair will be much more receptive to light pulses.
We advise you to be extra vigilant if you have tanned skin, tattoos, freckles or any other specific features on your skin. Similarly, use of the device is not recommended if you are pregnant. If in doubt, seek medical advice from a dermatologist.