Traditional hair removal methods can leave your skin feeling rough and bumpy. And if you're so tired of daily shaving that you're already looking out for long-term options, then you've made the right stop. IPL can be your saviour, where you no longer have to rush for last-minute salon treatments or at-home shaving sessions before an occasion.
IPL provides you with long-term, visible hair reduction. Read below through this simple guide to understand how IPL works and how IPL can beneficial for you.
How IPL Laser Hair Removal Works
Intense Pulsed Light or IPL laser hair removal is a progressive treatment for full body hair removal. However, IPL treatment is mostly preferred for hair removal of separate body areas, like arms, legs, or bikini areas depending on your individual needs.
The IPL laser hair removal machine is similar to a flashgun that delivers a spectrum of light to the skin. These rays of light target melanin that helps it reach the hair root and disable key areas within the follicle. IPL is quite similar to laser hair removal treatment but with a significant difference in the light source. IPL uses a broadband pulsed light source, whereas laser uses a monochromatic coherent light source.
Both methods focus on the melanin in the hair follicle, thereby giving you visible long-term results. Keep in mind, the efficacy of the treatment is determined by three major factors - energy, frequency and hair colour. Irrespective of the treatment, whether IPL or laser, the light source plays a minor role.
One more important thing to note here is that not all IPL devices deliver the same results. You may have to undergo treatment for months with some IPLs. However, with some like the Braun Silk Expert Pro 5, you can achieve visible hair reduction in about four weeks. Moreover, it is specially designed to have a skin sensor that can automatically detect the tone of your skin. This makes sure that it is always adapting the flash intensity, thereby making IPL safer to remove hair more efficiently.
IPL Skin and Hair compatibility
IPL may not be suitable for all – it is not effective on red, very blonde, white or grey hair. This is because the melanin in the lighter hair follicle is present is in very less amount, and hence it would not absorb the light pulse from the IPL device. That's why, hair that is naturally blonde, dark brown, or black will find the treatment to be effective. Similarly, IPL is also not compatible with darker skin tones, as melanin is present in greater amounts. This can make the melanin in the skin absorb more light energy than the safe and recommended amounts, which may cause discomfort.
Here is a chart to help you understand IPL's compatibility with different skin tones and hair colours:
However, if your skin tone has become darker due to tanning, whether natural or artificial, you can use Braun IPL Pro 5. Thanks to the latest Braun IPL technology, it can automatically adjust to the safest and efficacious energy levels. It will also notify you if your skin has become darker for treatment.
IPL is also suitable for men, and they can use the Braun IPL device from the shoulders down for chest, arms, back, stomach and legs. However, it should not be used on the face, neck or genital area. For females, the IPL device effectively works on the upper lips, jawline, and chin. It shouldn't be used near the eyes, along the forehead or genital area. It is best to do a patch test before use.
How to use Braun Silk-expert Pro?
Braun IPL Silk Expert Pro 5 is an easy-to-use device and comes along with different modes for your convenience. Here is a simple guide on how to use IPL efficiently:
1. Preparation
Avoid tanning booths, sunbeds, spray tans and tanning creams before the treatment.
Ensure there are no open wounds, broken skin, or inflamed areas on the skin you’re planning to treat.
Avoid intense exfoliation treatments, such as microdermabrasion, as this increases the risk of inflammation and side effects after your IPL hair removal.
Shave the area you’re planning to treat 12 to 24 hours beforehand. Remove all visible hair in the area you wish to treat. Ensure there is no hair remaining above the surface of the skin. Then pat your skin dry. Do not wax or use an epilator for hair removal before the treatment, as it can cause inflammation.
2. Starting treatment
Select the standard head or the precision head depending on the size of the area you wish to treat. Plugin the Braun Silk-expert Pro.
Put the nozzle in full contact with the skin to make sure the product works correctly. If not in proper contact with the skin, the device will not work.
For larger body areas, use gliding mode: hold down the button and treat along your skin. For smaller areas, press and release the button. For sensitive areas or if it’s your first time, you can use the gentle or extra gentle mode. However, it is recommended to do a patch test first.
3. After treatment
It is important to wipe clean the nozzle after every use.
Don’t wear tight-fitting clothes after treatment, as it can irritate your skin.
Don’t use skin products that may irritate your skin, such as perfume, cleansers or exfoliators, for 24 – 48 hours after treatment.
Avoid hot showers, steam rooms and saunas.
Wear sunscreen with a high SPF to keep the skin protected.
In the first phase of your treatment, treat once a week for 4 - 12 weeks. Then adjust to your needs (i.e. every 1-2 months).
How Often Should I Use IPL at Home?
An average hair growth cycle varies for every individual. It could take up to 18-24 months, depending on body area (underarm, lower leg and bikini area can take the most time). Multiple treatments can be required to achieve continuously smooth skin, as only the hair in the growing phase is susceptible to treatment with light.
Thus, you may need a start-up phase of 4-12 weekly treatments to achieve optimum results. However, if there is no visible hair growth or hair growth has stopped, you can switch to maintenance treatments. In this case, you do not need to complete the full 12 weekly treatments schedule.
If you continue to see hair growth in smaller amounts between the 12 weekly treatments, you will have to complete your start-up phase. Once done, you can then continue to treat according to your needs or re-treat on a per need basis.
Takeaway
Remember, the key to fast, optimum, and long-term hair reduction is choosing the right IPL device that is dermatologically accredited and safe to use. The Braun Silk Expert Pro 5 IPL hair removal device fits in the description, thereby giving you the desired results and hair-free, smooth skin of your dreams.