There are so many ways of removing unwanted body hair but most of them cause irritation, burning, pain, and may even damage your skin in the long run. An effective method of hair removal is using IPL hair removal devices.
IPL technology uses light energy to target hair roots and follicles and effectively prevents them from growing.
IPL is a safe, nearly painless, and long-lasting hair removal method that is recognized by dermatologists and skincare experts as an effective alternative to traditional hair removal methods.
To help you understand how IPL can help you achieve hairless skin, in this article, we have discussed the benefits of IPL hair removal.
7 Benefits of IPL Hair Removal
1. Convenience of At-Home Use
At-home IPL devices like Ulike Air 10 are available for those seeking long-lasting hair removal. These are convenient because they offer:
- Flexible Scheduling: Since an IPL device is available at home, you can schedule your sessions at any time of the day according to your own comfort. A survey published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatologyfound that 78% of participants preferred at-home treatments due to scheduling flexibility.
- Privacy and Comfort:Not everyone is comfortable going to clinics or salons to get their hair removal sessions done, especially for the private areas. At-home devices give them the independence to treat themselves while maintaining their privacy. Consumer reports indicate a higher satisfaction rate among users who perform hair removal privately, citing increased comfort levels.
2. Long-lasting, Near Permanent Results
You can achieve nearly permanent hair removal results with an IPL device. Here are the further details:
- Significant Hair Reduction: Regular use of an IPL device as mentioned by the experts results in a substantial decrease in hair growth over time. Clinical studies have shown up to a 70% reduction in hair after 12 weeks of consistent IPL use.
- Comparison with Professional Laser Treatments: The treatment provided by an at-home IPL device is comparable to those of professional-grade laser treatments. Its broad-spectrum light effectively targets different hair types and burns them to stop hair growth for a long time. Dermatological assessments confirm that home IPL devices can achieve results comparable to professional treatments for suitable candidates.
3. Cost-effective in the Long Run
IPL hair removal devices seem expensive compared to traditional hair removal treatments. However, in reality, it is the opposite. It is a more cost-effective option because:
- One-Time Investment: IPL or laser treatment at salons requires multiple visits with each visit costing you hundreds of dollars and adding up to above $1000. In contrast, you only need to spend on an IPL device only once which can cost around $200 to $500. These devices can work effectively for over 10 to 20 years and even a lifetime. The average cost of professional laser hair removal can exceed $1,000 for multiple sessions, whereas a quality IPL device ranges from $200 to $500.
- Savings Over Traditional Methods: Traditional hair removal methods require frequent hair removal sessions which means a never-ending cycle of purchasing razors, creams, or waxes. An IPL device costs a quarter of the total money spent on these traditional hair removal techniques over a lifetime. According to a Harper's Bazaar article, women spend an average of $10,000 on shaving products over their lifetime.
4. Comfortable and Painless Experience
IPL devices are comfortable not just in terms of privacy but also in providing a nearly painless hair removal experience.
- Minimal Discomfort: An IPL treatment is generally painless. There is only mild pain or heating sensation in some cases, particularly in those people with sensitive skin types. A study in the British Journal of Dermatology reported that 90% of users experienced little to no pain during IPL treatments.
- Advanced Cooling Technology: High-quality IPL devices like Ulike usually come with Built-in sapphire ice-cooling technology that maintains the temperature within a set range, prevents over-heating, and provides a soothing sensation throughout the treatment. Clinical evaluations demonstrate that cooling mechanisms in IPL devices significantly reduce discomfort and prevent skin overheating.
5. Safe and Minimally Invasive
An IPL treatment involves the use of heat to burn the hair follicles. Moreover, heat production depends upon the amount of melanin in the skin. Therefore, the risk of skin burns increases in those with sensitive skin types. But, IPL devices are safe because of:
- Low Risk of Skin Injury: These devices are minimally invasive as you just need to touch the device on the skin surface and it will flash on its own. With blunt edges unlike sharp erasers and no forceful hair removal (as in waxing), IPL has a reduced risk of skin injuries. Safety assessments show a decreased incidence of skin irritation and injuries with IPL compared to shaving and waxing.
- Intelligent Safety Features: Some devices like Ulike have intelligent safety features such as a SkinSensor technology that senses the skin tone and allows the device to flash only if it is safe for that skin tone. The skin sensor prevents the device from emitting light unless in full contact with the skin, reducing accidental flashes and enhancing user safety.
6. Versatile for Use on Multiple Body Areas
Some areas of our body are more sensitive than others. For instance, it is more painful to remove hair from the upper lip, underarms, and bikini area than the other parts. An IPL device is useful at such times because of its versatility.
- Adaptable Treatments: IPL devices can be used on all the body areas including arms, legs, torso, bikini line, and the face as well. Some devices even have separate attachments for smaller body areas. Manufacturers provide guidelines and attachments for treating different body parts effectively.
- Customized Intensity Levels: Most IPL devices come with adjustable intensity levels and even different modes according to the sensitivity of each body area. Adjusting these levels ensures a safer and more comfortable treatment session. You can see different intensity levels on user manuals and their adjustment requirements according to each area of the body
7. No Chemical Exposure or Side Effects
An IPL treatment is also considered a safer option as compared to traditional hair removal methods. It is because:
- No Harsh Chemicals: It does not involve the use of any harsh chemicals, unlike Depilatory creams which can react on sensitive skin. Even waxes can cause reactions on the skin. Since IPL does not require any such products, so there are no risks of allergic reactions. Dermatologists note that IPL reduces the risk of allergic reactions and chemical burns associated with hair removal creams.
- Suitable for Sensitive Skin: When used on the right intensity settings, it proves as a gentle treatment for sensitive skin. Clinical observations suggest a lower incidence of skin redness and irritation compared to chemical hair removal methods.
Are There Any Downsides to IPL Hair Removal?
Effectiveness Limitations
IPL hair removal provides useful results as long as your skin type and hair color are compatible with the treatment. Its usage is limited to blonde, red, and grey hair. Moreover, it is not recommended for dark skin tones. It is because:
- IPL energy is absorbed into the skin through melanin pigment. Since, blonde, red, gray, and other lighter colors do not have melanin in them IPL will not be absorbed in the hair thus rendering the treatment ineffective
- Darker skin tones have a very high concentration of melanin which means higher absorption of heat and increased risk of skin damage
Potential Risks for Darker Skin
As mentioned earlier, absorption of IPL energy depends upon the concentration of melanin. Dark skin tones have an increased amount of melanin in them. This causes a higher amount of heat to enter the skin and cause skin burns.
Therefore, one must be very careful while using an IPL device for darker skin tones. You can assess your skin tone according to the Fitzpatrick scale and then proceed accordingly. Skin tones 5 and 6 are at higher risk of skin burns according to this scale.
Bottom Line
IPL hair removal benefits greatly surpass its downsides, making it a convenient, affordable, and comfortable way to achieve long-lasting hair removal. It reduces your dependency on multiple salon appointments and hair removal products, thus saving you both money and time, in the long run.
However, it is important to note that IPL devices may work with certain skin types and colors. Therefore, as users, you must identify their hair and skin type, and check for compatibility before proceeding with IPL hair removal.
Ulike IPL devices offer a safe, efficient, and cost-effective at-home hair removal solution, due to its advanced IPL technology that works on several skin colors and hair types. Plus, its superior features like cooling technology and intelligent sensors can help you achieve better results in less time.
