Laser hair removal treatments are getting more popular these days. Since the standards of beauty are constantly changing, a lot of people, men, and women alike are finding ways to keep themselves beautiful and well-groomed.

One of the common concerns of people, especially women is excess hair. It can be a daunting process to remove it as it can be time-consuming and inconvenient.

Thankfully, IPL devices were introduced which makes the hair removal process easier and convenient. You may already know about them but do you really “know” about them?

Hence, I have done some research to make sure that you have everything you need to know about this at-home hair removal device.

Is IPL safe to use?

Yes, they are considered to be a safe treatment alternative from professional treatments in salons. Any potential harmful radiation is prevented because of the safety features of the device including filters that block wavelengths of below 500 nm.

IPL devices have been in the market for quite some time and have proven to be a fast, effective, and convenient way to remove excess hair. Hence, if you are considering owning one, then here are some recommendations for you to check.

Is IPL safe for all skin types?

Good news because IPL devices are safe for all skin types so there’s no need to worry! Waxing or shaving can leave some rashes or even leave razor burns, but IPL devices can leave your skin smooth. You can even use your IPL device on sensitive skin.

But while IPL devices work on most skin tones, they are not advisable for darker skin tones. Darker skin has more melanin which absorbs light energy and may lead to blisters, burns, or heat pain.

Can you use it when you have tattoos?

Much as it is safe to use, IPL devices can’t be used on tattoos. But you can certainly go around the tattoo when using it. If you use the device, it won’t be able to distinguish between the colour of your body hair and the pigment of ink in your tattoo.

Hence, if you have tattoos, make sure to use them around your tattoo and keep it away so that the colour of your tattoo will remain vibrant and the device can do its job in removing your hair.

Are they safe for pregnant women?

While IPL devices are completely safe and easy to use, professionals don’t recommend using them. When you are pregnant, hormones in your body are unpredictable. Higher levels of estrogen can be excreted which can mean more growth of hair in the body.

So, it is not advisable to use an IPL device because excess pregnancy hair usually falls out on its own once that you had your baby. It is also not recommended to use the device on or near the areas that have implants.

Can you exercise after using an IPL device?

No, it is not advisable to use your IPL device after you are done with your exercise routine. Experts recommend not to work out for about 24 hours because you will most likely sweat.

The bacteria that come from your sweat may irritate your skin and can give you rashes or much worse. Make sure that you schedule your treatment or exercise to avoid experiencing these problems.

How often can I use my IPL device to remove hair?

This will depend on the device that you are using and which part of your body. The number of times that you will use it is something that you can figure out once you start using the device.

For starters, using your device consistently once a week for the first twelve weeks is ideal. Once you have observed the results, you can adjust the frequency depending on your needs. That’s the good thing about these devices, you can tailor-fit and adjust their usage anytime.

Are all IPL devices the same?

No, not all of them are the same. Less powerful and less efficient types need to be used more frequently than the others. Hence, this will all depend on the features provided by your IPL device.

But, if you want to get rid yourself a labourious task of shaving or waxing, then it is best to research the best IPL devices in the market and check out which of them suits your needs.

Author

Nicola is always on the lookout for the best beauty tools and skincare products. She believes in "prevention is better than cure" so she is always trying to perfect her beauty routine to avoid premature aging. Fun fact about Nicola: She owns a lot of sunscreens as she carries a mini sunscreen in each of her handbags and backpacks.