IPL Hair Removal: Everything you need to know!

Your hair is giving you a hard time and you’d like to get rid of it once and for all. You’ve heard of IPL hair removal and are tempted to try it! In this article, we tell you everything you need to know about this new technique to remove hair in a more sustainable way. How it works, its recommendations and contraindications.

How does IPL hair removal work?

The laser, which is well known, and the pulsed light (also called IPL for Intense Pulsed Light) are two types of devices that act in the same way on the hair, we send a light that will be absorbed by the dark pigment of the hair, locally the light will turn into heat and create a micro-burn. It is this thermal reaction at the root of the hair (the bulb) that alters the regrowth.
The mechanism is therefore simple: the light is converted locally into heat to put the bulb that produces the hair to sleep.

So what is the difference between Laser and IPL Hair Removal?

Laser hair removal and pulsed light have the same action on the hair but using different techniques. The laser emits an ultra-powerful concentrated beam of light for long-term hair removal. IPL, on the other hand, is a more diffuse and less powerful light method for home use and therefore less durable hair removal technique than laser.

Our recommendations for the use of Intense Pulsed Light:

1: The skin must be sufficiently clear in order to contrast as much as possible with the hair (which should be as thick and dark as possible). If you have mat skin, the device must be set to softer parameters than for clear skin for safe use. Indeed, the pulsed light is not selective, it fixes on brown, black, and does not make any difference in the nature of the target.

2: Be sure that the hair is sufficiently black and thick, that it is there on the day of the treatment because these devices only detect thick and large targets, it can be shaved, the root remains thus identifiable under the skin by the flash. So they do not work on downy hair, light hair, or fine hair… The lighter the skin and the black hair, the stronger the contrast will be and the more the pulsed light technique will work.

3: It is recommended never to attempt to remove hair from a down. It has been found – whether using medical lasers or intense pulsed light – that it is never possible to remove hair from a duvet. Light simply heats the down, and heating it can turn it into a big dark hair! This is called paradoxical regrowth. So don’t touch the down, especially the down on your face! These are unstable hairs that are easily stimulated by heat.

What are the contraindications?

We advise not to use pulsed light in teenagers. You really have to wait until you’re 20 years old to start because before that the hair is not mature. Therefore, it does not respond well to light. IPL hair removal is also not recommended on tattooed, pierced, and grainy areas of skin. Also, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you shouldn’t deal with this hair removal technique. And finally, read and respect the conditions of use.

Can I use the IPL on all parts of the body?

The ideal areas for IPL hair removal are the armpits, the bikini line (excluding mucous membranes), and the lower legs. Beyond that, either on the thighs or forearms, the results are less good. Since hair is often finer, these areas respond less well to this type of hair removal.
Finally, as mentioned a few lines above, depilation with pulsed light is not recommended on tattooed, pierced, and/or grainy skin areas.

Does IPL have an influence on the appearance of the skin?

Heating the skin regularly can stimulate collagenosis, so it can have an anti-wrinkle, anti-aging effect. Also, we can notice that the skin is a little softer. Above all, we eliminate about 90% of the hair!

Our advice on the choice of your device?

We advise buying depilatory devices of well-known brands, which follow the American or European standards. And if you have any doubts about your hair, ask your dermatologist for advice before use.

For an authentic permanent hair removal solution check out Dr. Elix Hair Growth Inhibitor Expert Lotion for high satisfaction, efficiency, and a successful beauty ritual (+4 years durable results, and ultimate skincare).

Dr. Elix – Nature’s Finest Elixirs