IPL laser hair removal works through Selective Photothermolysis; unlike laser devices, however, it emits a broad spectrum of light energy.
Before using an IPL device, always conduct a patch test and shave the area you intend to treat several days prior, since longer hair will cause more discomfort.
Safety
Use of IPL laser hair removal equipment in a salon requires in-depth knowledge of skin and hair biology, light physics and safety. Therapists must also possess experience across multiple treatments and be capable of using their judgment in planning and implementing an appropriate program that achieves desired hair reduction results for clients within a safe working environment. Furthermore, owners of such establishments must ensure compliance with municipal and provincial regulatory requirements, such as licensing/accrediting equipment/premises/operators under relevant legislation (See Appendix A).
An extensive laser treatment controlled area program is an essential requirement in facilities offering IPL or laser hair removal services. Such a program should designate an appropriate laser controlled area and utilize barriers, signage and windows to prevent accidental exposure to individuals outside of the treatment room. Furthermore, administrative/procedural controls and training requirements should also be addressed by this program.
Laser equipment must be maintained, inspected and tested on an ongoing basis by an appropriately trained laser operator or qualified person, following manufacturer recommendations. A maintenance schedule should also be established. In addition, an appropriate laser treatment safety checklist and client records should be completed to comply with federal, provincial/territorial workplace legislation and regulations as well as salon policies/procedures.
IPL or laser hair removal is a non-ionising radiation procedure using invisible infrared and visible light wavelengths, to target pigment in hair follicles for long term hair reduction without regrowth. Sensitivity to IPL/laser light depends on differences between hair follicle and surrounding skin colors, meaning darker skin or hair will respond less sensitively than lighter counterparts to IPL/laser light treatments.
An IPL session typically causes minimal discomfort and is comparable to receiving a warm tan. A cooling fan is built into the device for added comfort, emitting harmless flashes of light which may cause slight eye irritation and redness depending on intensity used. Furthermore, IPL also features a flash window designed for cleaning with medical alcohol wipes so as to avoid accidental skin exposure; to ensure maximum efficiency the handheld handset should remain clean while the flash window remains clear at all times.
Preparation
If you plan to attempt IPL hair removal at home, it is imperative that the treatment area is prepared thoroughly. Also important is reading your device’s user manual thoroughly and comprehending what to expect during treatment. Should any questions arise regarding its implementation or any side effects from it being done on you at home, seek medical advice immediately.
Before beginning treatment with IPL devices, it is vital that you shave the area that will be treated on the day prior. This will reduce burn risk while also allowing the light from your IPL device to effectively target hair follicles below your skin’s surface for maximum effectiveness and to prevent ingrown or “shadow stubble” hairs from reappearing afterward.
Once the treatment area has been shaved, it’s important to apply a soothing gel like Voltaren before beginning the IPL procedure. This will reduce any discomfort from flashes of light that your device emits while also helping decrease redness and inflammation caused by IPL treatment.
For optimal IPL results, it’s also important to establish a regular shaving routine. This will help stop new hairs from growing while slowing the pace of existing ones’. For optimal results, make sure you use a sharp blade & go with the grain of your hair when shaving to avoid ingrowns and razor bumps.
Finally, when using an IPL device it is imperative that sunscreen is worn to protect the skin from UV rays from the sun and tanning beds if possible in the days prior to and following IPL treatments.
The LUX SKIN IPL laser hair removal handset provides an efficient & safe method for safely and effectively eliminating unwanted body, face & brazilian hair in the comfort of your own home. This clinical grade medically approved device features automatic skin tone selection to match all skin tones & hair thicknesses.
Our handheld IPL device differs from salon machines in that it emits multiple wavelengths of light energy rather than monochromatic and coherent laser light, making it less powerful but still effective at home hair removal.
Once you’ve selected an intensity level that suits you, press and hold down on the “Pulse” button until the indicator lights flash every half second – this indicates auto mode for your device, where flashes of light feel warm but are non-painful; these flashes should be avoided if your skin is sensitive or sunburned, therefore using an SPF 30 sunscreen is advised during and post IPL treatments.
Treatment
Women have long used shaving, waxing and other temporary hair removal methods like plucking to get rid of unwanted body hair. Professional laser hair removal offers long-term solutions but is much more expensive and requires traveling to a salon for each session.
Home IPL laser hair removal devices offer an effective, cost-efficient and convenient alternative to visiting a salon. Most devices I recommend utilize light technology that emits pulses of light that penetrate deep into skin tissue to disrupt melanin in hair pigment and destroy its follicle, stopping future hair growth.
All of the IPL laser hair removal manual devices I reviewed are clinically safe for home use and have met all applicable safety and quality standards, such as CE markings. Most have also been FDA-cleared for sale here in the US, although you should always read and follow user manual instructions regarding skin tone guidance, contraindications, tanning advice etc. before making your selection.
Utilizing an IPL device at home is straightforward: just press the power button for one second, place the light window against the area you wish to treat and wait for the pink indicator light to begin blinking before starting your session. As many devices offer different intensity levels, you may have to try several levels before finding one that best fits with your skin type and effectively treats the unwanted hairs you wish to target.
Once you’ve established an ideal setting, use it for its recommended duration and repeat sessions as directed by the device user manual until achieving your desired result. Shaving is often recommended before or on the day of treatment to remove hairs below the surface – this will result in more effective and pain-free sessions.
After treatment, the treated area may look slightly red or pink similar to mild sunburn. To maintain healthy skin it’s essential that it’s cleansed after each use and moisturized in order to prevent dryness and cracking of the skin. Some individuals experience stinging sensations after treatments due to contrasting darker hairs with lighter skin tones.
Apart from hair growth reduction, IPL treatments can also be used to address freckles, acne marks, age spots and other forms of hyperpigmentation on skin. They may even help shrink capillaries and pores for clearer complexion. Furthermore, this option is great for people with sensitive skin as it does not produce heat and can reduce damage caused by heat treatment on nearby tissue.
