IPL Hair Removal Treatment

You’ve probably heard the buzz (literally) and seen the glowing reviews of the worshipped IPL hair removal device. Because it ensures smooth, long-lasting results, that means no more stubby legs, razor burn, costly salon waxing, or excruciating epilator sessions. But before you start using the device, you should know how it works, precautions, and the effort required to get long-term, even permanent outcomes. That is why I created this guide. It covers all you need to know about your home treatment so that you’ve planned and know what to expect.

I understand that at-home hair removal equipment is costly, but so is any form of professional hair removal. Regular professional visits are required because one session is never enough, and they can cost anything from 100$ to 500$ per visit, depending on where you are in the region. Hair grows back thinner, slower, and in some areas, it hasn’t grown back at all as a result of my continuous use. Getting this device might be more economical than going to the clinic or salon every week.

IPL, or intense pulsed light therapy, is a skin treatment used for both aesthetic and therapeutic purposes. A handheld device is passed across the skin’s surface throughout the treatment, sending pulses of broad-spectrum light to the deep layers of the skin. It is a non-invasive, non-ablative treatment that uses high-intensity pulses of visible light to treat the following skin conditions:

• Minimize the appearance of age spots
• Sunspots
• Acne scars
• Rosacea
• Freckles and age marks
• Facial lines and wrinkles
• Removal of unwanted dark hair

The biggest issue with new forms of technology being developed is the potential harm that IPL can cause if used inappropriately (e.g. burns). At-home devices should not deliver too much power into the skin if used as indicated because a single pulse is purposely set at a level that does not cause skin harm. For women, areas such as the upper lip, chin, jawline, sideburns, armpits, forearms, tummy, bikini line, legs, feet, and toes are all common places.

How does it work?

The IPL treatment uses powerful wavelengths of light to heat the skin’s surface enough to stimulate natural skin regeneration while also increasing collagen formation. Eventually, it results in a more even skin tone, a healthier complexion, and less obvious sun damage.

IPL systems work similarly to lasers in that light energy is absorbed into specific target cells in the skin using colour. The light energy is transformed into heat energy, which damages the targeted area. IPL systems differ from lasers in that each pulse of light has multiple wavelengths rather than just one.

Here is the exact mechanism:

1. The light (laser or IPL) penetrates the skin and is absorbed by the hair shaft’s melanin (pigment).
2. The hair shaft and follicle heat up as a result of light absorption.
3. When the right quantity of light energy is employed, the hair follicle cells are heated to a crucial degree, causing the hair development cycle to be disrupted.

One of the key goals of light-based hair removal is to obtain this essential temperature in the hair follicle while avoiding overheating the surrounding skin, which could cause unwanted damage.

How to use it?

1. Shave the area that is about to receive treatment. Be careful not to tear or break the skin. Don’t be too abrasive with the razor.
2. Do not apply any products before treatment.
3. When you plug the device in, the power button will glow green; push it once rapidly to turn it on. (Do not push the power button more than once.)
4. To raise the intensity, press the power button once more (up to level 5). To test your sensitivity, start with level 1.
5. Place the device against the skin and press the big button to start the treatment.

Potential side-effects

1. Burns and swelling: Within three days, any burns, extreme redness, or swelling around your hair follicles should go away.
2. Fades: Skin patches that are lighter or darker should fade away within two weeks.
3. Epidermal heating is a sharply defined brownish patch on the skin that isn’t dry, and it’s more common in those with darker skin tones. It should vanish within a week.
4. Blistering, tiny bubbles on the skin’s surface They should be gone in a month.

What do you need to know?

1. For excellent results, be consistent. Repeat the treatment once a week for 12 weeks.
2. Get comfortable. Settle in with some music or movie and start zapping. Doing just your leg takes around 20–30 minutes.
3. Different types of skin types and hair types will feel different levels of pain.
4. Within the 24 hours after zapping, avoid fragrant products, deodorant and hot showers.
5. Use sun cream if you plan on going out the next day.
6. If you have any skin conditions, consult your doctor before using an IPL device.