Essential Things to Know About IPL Hair Removal
Over many years, intense pulsed light (IPL) has remained the go‑to technique for reducing hair growth in the long term. During the 1990s, it was proven that IPL was an effective technique for hair removal. Manufacturers developed and promoted advanced IPL machines to target unwanted hair. Since then, advancements in technology have made it easier to attain long-lasting results in IPL hair removal.
What is IPL Hair Removal?
IPL technology is utilized in the hair removal process. The main difference between laser and IPL is the type of light used in the procedure. In laser technique, the light source is coherent monochromatic, whereas it is broadband pulsed light in IPL. The soft pulses of light emitted by the IPL hair removal machine target the hair follicles, causing them to fall out. The targeted area will grow less hair after some time.
What is the Mechanism Behind IPL Treatment?
The IPL device emits a broad range of light on the targeted area of skin. The light energy from IPL technology targets the treatment area, where the hair melanin pigment absorbs it, leading to the hair falling out. Thus, giving people smooth, hair-free skin. You will be able to see that the hair growth after 4 weeks of IPL therapy will be thinner and less. After completing a 12-week treatment cycle, hair growth gets significantly reduced, leaving your skin smooth and silky for an extended period.
IPL Underarm Hair Removal
IPL treatment is considered most effective on dark-colored body hair because melanin absorbs light. On the other hand, it can be difficult for melanin to absorb light on light-toned hair. IPL can be used for full-body hair removal or targeted treatment of specific areas such as the legs, arms, or bikini line. Keep in mind that you cannot epilate or wax the hair before treatment. However, the treatment area must be shaved before using the IPL machine. For sensitive areas, experts recommend a patch test before undergoing treatment.
Who Should Choose IPL Therapy?
IPL is considered good for people with a lighter skin tone and darker hair shade. If you have a pale to medium skin tone with darker hair, IPL is an ideal option for you. However, this treatment is not appropriate for everybody, as the flashes of light work best on hair with higher levels of melanin. Red, grey, white, or blonde hair have little melanin, therefore IPL will not be beneficial on these hair shades, irrespective of their pale or white skin tones.
Pregnant women or people with particular hair or skin conditions should avoid IPL. It is also not advised for individuals currently undergoing certain medical treatments. Moreover, if you have tattoos or permanent makeup, IPL hair removal may not be that effective.
When Can You Expect to See Results?
The hair growth cycle varies from person to person and, depending on the body area, might take between 18 and 24 months. Areas such as the bikini line, lower leg and underarm can take more time. You may need to undergo multiple IPL treatments to get smooth skin, as the treatment only affects hair in its active growth phase. Thus, it is advisable to undergo 4 to 12 weekly IPL sessions to achieve the desired results. The session could last anywhere from twenty minutes to an hour, depending on the targeted area. If the hair growth has stopped or reduced, you do not need to continue with the full 12 weekly sessions.
IPL Facial Hair Removal
Things to Keep in Mind Before the Treatment
When you are about to undergo treatment, some points should be kept in mind, such as:
Do not take any medication that could make you sensitive to sunlight.
Avoid taking any medicine before the treatment, which could make you bleed.
Do not apply any deodorant, makeup, or perfume.
Avoid exfoliation treatment like microdermabrasion because this could increase the risk of side effects and inflammation after the IPL session.
There should be no inflammation, broken skin, or open wounds on the skin you want to treat.
It is advised to shave, rather than epilate, any visible hair before using the IPL hair removal device on the skin.