IPL hair removal devices use an intense beam of light that targets the hair follicles and kills the hair roots. The result is hairless skin that lasts up to 6 months - that's how long it takes for the hair follicles to regenerate. This is exactly why IPL devices are the most popular hair removal method among women.
But when we switch from one method to another, we often have doubts about the safety and effectiveness of the new method, right? So you've decided to try IPL hair removal, but you can't just invest in an expensive IPL device without doing your research first?
We will help you answer all the frequently asked questions about using IPL devices. Let's clear up all your concerns about IPL hair removal at home step by step. We will also use the Ulike Sapphire Air3 IPL device as an example to explain our answers.
Is IPL hair removal safe?
Yes, IPL hair removal is a safe method of permanent hair removal at home and is CE/FDA approved. IPL radiation can be potentially harmful to the skin, but high-quality devices are equipped with UV filters that filter out harmful rays and allow the beneficial rays to reach the skin.
Therefore, it is important to purchase a high-quality IPL device that is FDA approved and ensures safety. Some devices, like the Ulike Air3, have undergone numerous experiments and tests to ensure their safety. It also has multiple certifications from global organizations such as UKCA, WEEE, SGS, IEC and many more.
Is IPL hair removal painful?
The sensation of pain varies from device to device and from person to person. However, all IPL devices have mechanisms to reduce pain. The Ulike Air3, for example, uses advanced quadruple sapphire ice cooling technology to ensure that the treatment is neither painful nor uncomfortable.
Pain-reducing mechanisms include dynamic sapphire ice cooling technology, dual air channel heat dissipation, VC liquid cooling and graphene liquid cooling. This keeps the device below 68 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes during use, giving you the coolest and most soothing hair removal experience.
Do you really not need help with IPL hair removal at home?
The biggest advantage of IPL compared to laser technology is that you can perform the treatment yourself and comfortably at home without having to rely on external help. IPL devices are safe and easy to use at home.
In addition, an ergonomically designed, lightweight device like the Ulike Air3 fits comfortably in the hand and is easy to use. You really don't need any external help to successfully perform IPL hair removal at home.
Can IPL hair removal irritate or damage the skin?
Since IPL light is absorbed into the pigment, it is important to prevent this light from reaching the skin pigment. This is why these devices are equipped with skin tone sensors that ensure that the light is only activated when your skin tone is suitable for the device and your skin is fully in contact with the device. This avoids irritating or damaging the skin. However, you should not be careless with IPL hair removal devices as they can, in rare cases, cause skin burns.
Does IPL hair removal work?
IPL hair removal devices are definitely effective. However, the effectiveness and time it takes to see results vary from device to device. Some handheld IPL devices take 2-3 months to permanently block hair follicles, while others, like the Ulike Air3, can produce impressive results in as little as 3-4 weeks.
Can IPL devices be used in the intimate area?
The skin in the intimate area is sensitive, but that doesn't mean IPL hair removal is unsafe there. IPL devices offer intensity levels and comfort modes to ensure you can perform hair removal in the pubic area and bikini line without adverse effects.
Can IPL hair removal devices be used during pregnancy?
Although there is no evidence that IPL devices are unsafe during pregnancy, studies on the safety of IPL devices during pregnancy are lacking, so doctors recommend waiting a few weeks after giving birth and breastfeeding before starting IPL hair removal.
Can the IPL hair removal device be used in summer?
IPL devices can be used all year round, even in summer. However, it is important to take extra care of your skin when you are exposed to the sun to avoid sunburn or tanning. Therefore, we recommend that you always apply an SPF when you go outside throughout the day and prepare your skin accordingly for IPL hair removal.
What are the complications of IPL hair removal?
IPL is considered one of the safest methods of hair removal and usually results in minimal or no complications. The maximum side effects that may occur are temporary pain or redness of the skin. In rare cases, blistering, hyperpigmentation or scarring of the skin may occur.
However, it is important to emphasize that using an IPL device such as the Ulike Air3 significantly reduces the risk of such complications.
Precautions before using an IPL device
IPL hair removal devices are safe and easy to use at home and are extremely effective in treating unwanted hair and even removing it permanently. However, to ensure the safety and effectiveness of IPL devices, there are some important precautions to follow.
Match skin tone with the compatibility chart
The key to understanding how IPL devices work is that the intense pulsed light penetrates the hair follicles by absorbing the melanin in the hair. This means that the hair must contain enough melanin to be successfully treated with IPL.
Since our skin also contains melanin, it is important to avoid the light penetrating the skin as this can be potentially damaging. Therefore, only light to medium brown skin tones are suitable for IPL hair removal.
Before trying an IPL device, it is advisable to check your skin tone against an IPL compatibility chart to ensure the treatment is suitable for your skin type. This simple step can help avoid unwanted side effects and ensure the best results.
Avoid IPL if you have hyperpigmented skin, moles or other skin conditions
Hyperpigmented skin, tanned skin, moles, birthmarks and scars tend to absorb more IPL light than normal skin. This increases the risk of skin damage when using IPL devices, so it is extremely important to carefully avoid these areas to prevent potential side effects.
In addition, IPL devices should not be used on areas of skin affected by chronic skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis. Using IPL in such cases can worsen the condition and cause unwanted reactions.
Following these recommendations is crucial to ensure that IPL hair removal is performed effectively and safely and to minimize potential complications.
Avoid waxing or epilating hair before using an IPL device
The heated light rays from an IPL device are absorbed into the hair. To ensure that IPL hair removal works effectively, the hair should be neither too long nor too short. It is advisable to shave your skin immediately before the hair removal session or 1 to 2 days beforehand.
Additionally, it is important to note that hair should not be waxed or epilated between treatments, as this can affect the results. In the Ulike Air3 packaging you will find a mini safety razor that you can use to shave your skin.
Do a patch test before you go all out
Before using the IPL device on a large area, it is essential to perform a patch test. Even if a device appears safe and has numerous protective mechanisms, skin reacts differently from person to person and some people may be particularly sensitive to the light. Therefore, it is recommended to perform a patch test on a small area of skin 24 hours before the planned hair removal to avoid possible side effects such as allergies or hypersensitivity. This ensures that the IPL application is well tolerated by your skin.
Protect your eyes
Although IPL devices are generally considered safe for the skin and many companies do not specifically require the use of black protective goggles during treatment, it is of utmost importance that you do not put your body's most important sensory organ at risk - your eyes.
The pigments in the eyes can absorb the IPL radiation, which can cause permanent damage to the area around the eyes. For this reason, it is advisable to perform your IPL hair removal in bright light and always wear protective goggles while doing so. The Ulike Sapphire Air3 comes with such protective goggles to ensure that you can effectively protect your eyes.
Your eye health should always be your top priority, and wearing protective eyewear during IPL treatment is a simple but crucial step to minimize potential risks.
Do not treat your skin more often than necessary
All IPL devices have specific instructions for scheduling treatment sessions. In the case of the Ulike Air3, it is recommended to use it twice a week for the first 3 weeks and then as needed.
It is extremely important to stick to this prescribed schedule and not deviate from it on your own initiative. Excessive exposure of your skin to IPL rays can cause more harm than good. Therefore, it is advisable to follow the recommended application time and frequency as per the manufacturer's instructions to achieve the best results and minimize potential risks. Careful adherence to the instructions will contribute to the safety and effectiveness of IPL hair removal.
Protect your skin after treatment
The skin is sensitive after a fresh IPL treatment due to the heat generated. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid direct sunlight, hot baths, steam or peelings for 1-2 days after the treatment.
Although the Ulike device cools the light as it hits your skin to minimize sensitivity, caution is still required. It is advisable to be cautious for at least 24 hours after treatment and apply sunscreen generously when going outside. This will help protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun and prevent potential irritation. Your skin will thank you if you give it the care and attention it needs after IPL treatment.
Conclusion
IPL hair removal is undoubtedly a safe way to remove unwanted hair from the comfort of your own home. This is due to the advanced technology, skin-friendly properties and the rigorous testing that IPL devices undergo before they are released to the market.
With an IPL device like the Ulike Air3, you can rest assured knowing that it has been carefully designed and tested to ensure safe and effective hair removal. You can use it without worrying about safety concerns or unwanted side effects.
However, it is important to carefully follow the instructions and recommendations provided to get the best results and protect your skin. IPL hair removal is a great solution for permanently removing unwanted hair, and with the right approach, you can do it safely and effectively.
