Hair removal can often be very tedious, time-consuming, or even painful. In recent years, the various hair removal options have advanced significantly. Whether it’s laser, IPL, or high-tech at-home devices, there are now a wide variety of options that make hair removal hassle-free. You can also find a wide selection of depilatory creams and razors in any supermarket. However, these creams often contain chemical additives. If you want to use a natural product, you have to spend significantly more money—and even then, the hair removal isn’t permanent. A very popular solution for permanent hair removal is the so-called IPL method. But what exactly is behind this method, and what are its advantages? Read on to find out!
The abbreviation “IPL” stands for “Intense Pulsed Light.” IPL technology is a light-based hair removal method. This method delivers immediately visible results that improve with repeated use. A xenon flash lamp emits short, intense pulses of light onto the skin. The light skin pigments are not affected by this process. However, when the light energy hits dark hair, it is directly converted into extreme heat. In this way, the hair follicles absorb the heat. The hair growth cells in the tissue are targeted and affected. As a result, hair growth in the treated follicles is halted. The darker the hair, the more effective the IPL method is. It should be noted, however, that the hair removal device can only target the hairs that are in the hair shafts at the time of treatment. This is because only 15% of our hair is actually actively growing in the skin. The body’s own hormones can reactivate some cells after a certain period of time. Therefore, multiple sessions are required for successful permanent hair removal. The IPL devices used are intended solely for use in beauty salons and, for safety reasons, should only be operated by experts.
Anyone looking to use light-based permanent hair removal conveniently at home should opt for Silk’n’s patented HPL (Home Pulsed Light) technology. The HPL method works on the same principle as the IPL version. Home hair removal devices, such as the Silk’n Glide Xpress 300, 000, feature a special safety mechanism to protect the eyes. The devices can be used on the entire body and remove unwanted hair using light pulses in just 20 minutes. The lamp’s flash can only be triggered when it is in direct contact with the skin. For maximum results when using the device at home, you should shave beforehand so that the light pulses can reach the hair follicles in the skin directly. You should wait two to four weeks between treatments to allow enough hair to return to its active growth phase. This is the only way to ensure the next treatment is as effective as possible. A total of about six to eight treatments are needed for permanent hair removal.
Advantages of IPL Over Laser Hair Removal
As described above, IPL technology involves exposing the skin to light. The laser procedure also uses light. However, the wavelengths of the beams are significantly higher in this case. Consequently, laser treatment is potentially more dangerous than IPL methods. This is because the laser penetrates much deeper into the skin and can also penetrate the tissue, which may cause damage. To ensure safe hair removal with laser treatment, proper administration by a physician is absolutely essential. During an initial consultation with the patient, it is crucial to determine whether the treatment is appropriate and can be performed without complications. IPL devices can be used over a much larger area, and the light does not penetrate as deeply as with the laser method. Laser hair removal can be compared to epilation but with permanent results. The IPL method involves hair removal using significantly less energy but also yielding permanent results. Since IPL devices cannot penetrate as deeply into the tissue, even individuals without a medical degree are permitted to purchase the devices and offer the IPL method.
Laser and IPL devices target the characteristic pigment in our hair follicles—melanin. In both methods, the laser or light penetrates to the pigment, reacts with it, and converts melanin into heat. The heat destroys the entire hair follicle, thereby achieving permanent hair removal.
