Ipl Laser Hair Removal For Brown Skin>One of the most fundamental acts of care and pampering is getting rid of unwanted hair. Also, if you’re not white, it’s one of the trickiest to master. Many people get rid of their hair for various reasons. As well as the fact that some people just don’t like having hair on their body, there are medical issues that can make hair development difficult or even harmful. But, there are some types of hair that are tougher to remove than others, regardless of the type of hair you have or the reason you want it gone.
Brown skin, for instance, is less amenable to laser hair removal than light skin. This means that those of darker skin tones will require more laser hair removal sessions than those with lighter skin tones in order to achieve the same level of hair reduction.
While IPL treatment is an easy, effective hair removal method for some, it unfortunately isn’t suitable for darker tones of skin. This is because melanin pigments aren’t just in our hair – they’re also present in the skin, too. Darker skin contains more melanin than fair skin. Read on to learn more on best ipl for dark skin/braun ipl indian skin.
Ipl Laser Hair Removal For Brown Skin
Like good sunscreens and extensive foundation shades, laser hair removal for dark skin simply didn’t exist for a long time. But thanks to the growing focus on inclusivity, as well as to advances in technology, those of us who were told for years that laser hair removal was a no-go due to our skin tone are now finally able to get the treatment.
First, the lowdown on lasers and how they work: They beam intense light at the follicle, causing permanent damage so hair no longer grows. But because they target the pigment in the hair—it’s the contrast between dark hair and lighter skin that helps the laser focus on its bullseye—the ideal candidate has traditionally been someone with fair skin and dark hair.
For that reason, laser hair removal for dark skin has been a gamble: Devices weren’t sophisticated enough to distinguish well between the pigment in brown or Black skin and dark hair, meaning that they could potentially cause dark and light spots, blisters, and even scarring in the skin surrounding the follicle, says Robyn Gmyrek, M.D., of Park View Laser Dermatology in NYC. But now there are smarter lasers that can be used in a much more precise—and safe—way, making getting rid of unwanted fuzz a reality for a wider range of skin tones. Here’s how to get it right.
The Best Lasers for Dark Skin
The first and most important thing you need to know is how the two types of lasers—Nd:YAG and diode—work for dark skin and dark hair. In recent years the Nd:YAG (or just YAG) has become increasingly popular. “The wavelength of this laser goes deeper into the skin than a diode,” says Gmyrek. “So it more successfully bypasses the pigmentation present in the skin.” Because the YAG basically bypasses the melanin in your skin, it’s the safest option for medium to dark skin. It’s one of two lasers Shobha Tummala, founder and CEO of Shobha hair removal, offers in her salons. (She’ll also use it for fair-skinned clients who have recently gotten a tan.)
But the diode laser has its own perks, even though it might be more complicated for anyone above a 4 on the Fitzpatrick scale (the standard measure of skin type used by dermatologists, with 1 being the lightest and most sun-sensitive and 6 being the darkest). “In patients with dark skin, the diode laser’s energy has to be delivered in a slower manner per pulse, leaving more time for skin to cool,” says Gmyrek. “It also has an instant cooling device that protects pigment from overheating and being damaged.” The Lumenis LightSheer laser, one of the most popular diode lasers, even has a suction mechanism to distract your attention from the pain. “I would overall say that it’s the least painful,” says Estee Williams, M.D., a dermatologist in New York City.
Risks of Laser Hair Removal on Dark Skin
You’ll want to minimize the chances that you’ll develop the most common laser-related side effects for dark or Black skin: hyperpigmentation, or dark spots, and hypopigmentation, in which the skin pigment lightens. According to Williams, hypopigmentation can be harder to treat (although Gmyrek notes that it can sometimes resolve on its own), so ask your laser removal expert to do a test patch if you think you might be prone to it—just to be on the safe side.
Cost of Laser Hair Removal
Expect to need at least six sessions. Although darker skin can sometimes require more treatments than fair, “everyone’s different,” says Tummala. The downside is that the cost can add up quickly, as many providers charge by the session. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons’s 2017 stats, the average cost per session was $293, but it varies wildly depending on what part of the body you’re targeting. (Generally, the larger the area, the higher the price.)
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At many practices, there’s no difference in cost between YAG and diode treatments. Some research shows that the diode might be slightly more effective at actually removing hair on brown or Black skin—it could also be worthwhile if you’re closer to 3 on the Fitzpatrick scale and have a low pain tolerance. But Gmyrek believes that the Nd:YAG is the safest bet overall for laser hair removal for dark skin.
How to Prepare for Your Laser Hair Treatment
Now is not—we repeat, not—the time to get a coupon through a discount site. The provider (and their expertise) matters. “I was willing to pay a premium and see a professional with great reviews,” says Marlene, 28, who had the treatment done on her underarms. A pro who has extensive experience with laser hair removal for dark skin is essential.
Not only should you expect the screening to cover the topics and forms you’d see from any medical professional, it should also include your ethnicity, because different ethnicities—regardless of skin tone—react differently to lasers. Your skin may appear to be a 3 or 4 on the Fitzpatrick scale, but if you’re, say, Latinx or Asian, it could react to the laser as a 6 would.
Once you’re scheduled, coddle your skin. Stop using skin-care products with harsh ingredients, including glycolic and salicylic acids, benzoyl peroxide, and any retinoids (including tretinoin and adapalene), at least five days before your treatment. “These can all make your skin more sensitive to the laser energy,” says Gmyrek.
Go full vampire and keep out of the sun—or at the very least, use proper protection. (That’s broad-spectrum SPF of 30 or more; tinted moisturizer or foundation with SPF doesn’t count.) A tan equals more pigment, which can spur a different (and potentially dangerous) reaction to the laser. “If you’re even slightly tanned, inform the laser provider so that the treatment energy can be lowered or the treatment rescheduled,” says Gmyrek.
Caring for Dark Skin After Laser Hair Removal
Side effects can still happen—but you’ve got options. “For irritation or redness, hydrocortisone can help to resolve the inflammation,” says Gmyrek. “For an acne-like eruption, or folliculitis, use topical antibiotics.” For any hyperpigmentation, try a topical cream for dark spots, which your derm can prescribe. “It’ll help normalize the skin color,” says Gmyrek.
But many who once felt a need to shave daily say the minimal upkeep has been well worth it. “My overall experience was great,” says Marlene. The best part? She didn’t experience burns or pigmentation problems, proving just how far laser hair removal for dark skin has come.
Best Ipl For Dark Skin
If you need IPL hair removal but want to skip the salon, it is a good idea to purchase this IPL device. You will find less hair growth just after one use at home. In addition, this device removes ingrown hairs, allowing you to achieve and maintain smooth skin.
Furthermore, this device provides painless, safe, and gentle hair removal treatment.It is also impressive as it works well on any part of the body. For a full-body treatment, it just takes about 30 minutes. When using it, you can select your preferred intensity level from the six options available.
There are a few reasons why you should consider this. Besides its advanced features, it is safe and doesn’t hurt. Then, you will see results after 3 to 4 uses. For complete results, you just need to use it 12 times. Of course, the result of reduced hair growth is permanent. You can use it on your face, arms, legs, bikini area, or anywhere else. If you are interested, you can visit koizuma.com.
2. Infinity IPL and Galvanic
This IPL device is also safe for black and dark skin, as it comes with gentle IPL that has a special configuration. Besides that, it combines with galvanic current. For your information, galvanic is a type of electric current that is painless, so you cannot feel it. In addition, it creates a circuit if your skin touches the silver electrode and your fingers touch the base electrode.
Then, it flows through your skin to widen your pores. And this exposes more of the hair shaft. It also absorbs more of the IPL energy to reach deeper into the follicle. It heats the follicle cells and hair that are rich in melanin. So, you can direct it to where it is needed.
You need to note that the galvanic energy means your skin is extra absorbent. That’s why you should apply moisturizers afterwards for hydrated, extra-soft skin. Your pores will then naturally close. Anyway, it is reasonable to consider Infinity IPL and Galvanic as the best IPL hair removal for dark skin.
3. Elos IPL and Radio Frequency
Next, we recommend this because it combines IPL with radiofrequency current. The two energies work better to heat hair follicles. They use a super-gentle IPL that normally will not work alone.
For your information, radio frequency (RF) is a painless electric current. It is sent from one electrode to the other through the skin. Even though you cannot feel it, it works effectively. Even more, it is really safe for both light and dark skin tones because it does not rely on melanin.
The combination of IPL and RF hair removal is extremely effective on any skin type.But you have to cover your skin in flashes and repeat for 2–3 passes. It may be time-intensive, especially on your legs. However, this zaps each hair with enough energy for IPL to work. Anyway, there’s no worry when you use it on dark or even black skin.
Moreover, it is clinically proven and FDA-cleared for any skin tone, including dark skin. Besides being safe for at-home hair removal, it also offers less frequent maintenance sessions.
Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy is typically used for hair removal, but it can also be an effective way to reduce skin pigmentation issues. But how does it work and is at-home IPL for dark spots—i.e. the DIY option—a safe solution?
Whether you call them age spots, sun spots or just pesky annoyances, those dark spots on your complexion can be tough to get rid of. They’re caused by pigment-making cells called melanocytes that live under the surface of your skin. As your skin matures, or gets aggravated by sun exposure, those melanocytes get to work, producing melanin that leaves you with the appearance of dark spots.
So how exactly do you get rid of them? While you might have considered using at-home laser hair removal for, you know, actual hair removal—it’s also effective when it comes to erasing dark spots too.
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We spoke with several skincare experts to learn more about how (and how well) intense pulsed light treatments help clear up pigmentation issues—and whether it’s something you should try at home.
WHAT IS AN IPL TREATMENT?
How does IPL therapy work, then?
“IPL uses light energy at different specific wavelengths to treat many skin concerns,” explains Dr. Robert Morrell, M.D., founder and director of Medical Rejuvenation Centre(opens in new tab) and Di Morelli Skin Care(opens in new tab).
“It’s used for many therapeutic purposes due to the broad spectrum of wavelengths in IPL treatments,” he says. More specifically, IPL can be used to treat pigmentation, rosacea, veins, acne and hair removal, too.
HOW DOES IPL HELP REDUCE DARK SPOTS?
As Dr. Morrell explains, “IPL works to fade dark spots by selectively heating up the brown color with a band of light specific for brown pigment. Typically, these spots will become coffee-like granules that will shed off on the surface of the skin in five to seven days.”
When the light penetrates your skin, the targeted heat zaps only the spots with excess melanin, and leaves the rest alone. It works to eliminate the pigmentation that you see toward the surface of your skin so that you can naturally slough off or exfoliate those cells.
Unfortunately, IPL doesn’t permanently stop or remove melanocytes from producing melanin, so your dark spots will likely return in time. However, a lot of women see significant reductions in visible dark spots after professional treatments.
WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF USING AN IPL LASER AT HOME?
So if getting IPL done in a professional setting works well on dark spots, can we try at-home IPL for dark spots? Using this kind of advanced technology at home sounds like risky business—and, according to the experts we consulted, it is.
“In the last few years, there has been a rapid increase in home light devices that have had very little testing,” says plastic, reconstructive, and cosmetic surgeon Dr. Simone Matousek(opens in new tab). “Home IPL devices are unregulated and should not be used for management of pigmentation, or any skin problems,” she advises.
Both doctors noted that these DIY devices aren’t really strong enough to produce significant results. In fact, they can actually cause “darkening of pigmentation, as the intensity of home IPL units is too weak,” says Dr. Morrell. “And, if the intensity is stronger, there is a possibility of burns.”
So, zapping your skin with an at-home IPL device might actually worsen your unwanted dark spots, by making them even darker.
“Even in the hands of trained medical practitioners, an IPL device can cause side effects,” adds Dr. Matousek. Clinical trials(opens in new tab) have found that these can include redness, rashes, blistering, swelling, and hypopigmentation—patches of skin lightening—in addition to dark spots. If powerful IPL technology is misused, it can even lead to eye injuries and scarring.
AT-HOME IPL VS PROFESSIONAL IPL
If you’re comparing at-home IPL devices against professional-grade equipment, the latter will always be safer and more sophisticated.
“The more high-end IPL devices that are operated in medical practices are more tunable, have more precise targeting of skin problems, and are safer in darker skin types. Medical-grade broadband light is one such device, and is more effective and has inbuilt cooling to make it safe,” explains Dr. Matousek.
She continued, “At-home devices will likely be too weak to have any real impact, as any manufacturer would be worried about the potential of being sued. The machines that will actually have a real impact on skin problems are way more powerful than is safe for any consumer to use.”
Moreover, despite how easy at-home IPL for dark spots might sound, managing pigmentation concerns isn’t as simple as zapping your skin a few times. According to Dr. Matousek, “It requires correct topical medication before and after such treatments; some of these can only be prescribed by a doctor.”
So, if an at-home IPL product promises to clear up dark spots in no time—without any medical oversight, topical treatment, or training—it’s probably too good to be true.
HOW TO USE IPL TO TREAT DARK SPOTS
If you want to proceed with an IPL treatment for dark spots, “You should always go see a professional; do not try it at home,” advises Dr. Morrell.
The price tag for professional treatment might be higher, but experts advise against trying a DIY device as a way to cut costs on skincare.
As Dr. Matousek suggests, “Going to a trained plastic surgeon or dermatologist, having a proper skin assessment and treatment plan, and getting effective, evidence-based therapies is a far better use of time and money than buying a home device. There’s a reason the best lasers and light devices cost hundreds and thousands of dollars; they require precise engineering and regular checkups and tuning to keep your skin safe.”
CAN I STILL USE AN AT-HOME IPL FOR HAIR REMOVAL?
So, what if you’re already using an at-home IPL device for hair removal? Is that still safe?
These at-home devices aren’t suitable for treating skin pigmentation concerns, but they can be useful when it comes to hair removal.
Gia Jurosky, director of influencer marketing and brand strategy at RoseSkinCo(opens in new tab), a brand that makes an at-home IPL handset, notes that they are not intended as a treatment for your complexion. “While IPL can be used to treat acne scars, melasma, and other concerns, we recommend the devices for long-term hair removal,” she says. “Someone looking for an IPL skin treatment should consult a physician beforehand.”
Braun Ipl Indian Skin
Traditional hair removal methods can leave your skin feeling rough and bumpy. And if you’re so tired of daily shaving that you’re already looking out for long-term options, then you’ve made the right stop. IPL can be your saviour, where you no longer have to rush for last-minute salon treatments or at-home shaving sessions before an occasion.
IPL provides you with long-term, visible hair reduction. Read below through this simple guide to understand how IPL works and how IPL can beneficial for you.
How IPL Laser Hair Removal Works
Intense Pulsed Light or IPL laser hair removal is a progressive treatment for full body hair removal. However, IPL treatment is mostly preferred for hair removal of separate body areas, like arms, legs, or bikini areas depending on your individual needs.
The IPL laser hair removal machine is similar to a flashgun that delivers a spectrum of light to the skin. These rays of light target melanin that helps it reach the hair root and disable key areas within the follicle. IPL is quite similar to laser hair removal treatment but with a significant difference in the light source. IPL uses a broadband pulsed light source, whereas laser uses a monochromatic coherent light source.
Both methods focus on the melanin in the hair follicle, thereby giving you visible long-term results. Keep in mind, the efficacy of the treatment is determined by three major factors – energy, frequency and hair colour. Irrespective of the treatment, whether IPL or laser, the light source plays a minor role.
One more important thing to note here is that not all IPL devices deliver the same results. You may have to undergo treatment for months with some IPLs. However, with some like the Braun Silk Expert Pro 5, you can achieve visible hair reduction in about four weeks. Moreover, it is specially designed to have a skin sensor that can automatically detect the tone of your skin. This makes sure that it is always adapting the flash intensity, thereby making IPL safer to remove hair more efficiently.
IPL Skin and Hair compatibility
IPL may not be suitable for all – it is not effective on red, very blonde, white or grey hair. This is because the melanin in the lighter hair follicle is present is in very less amount, and hence it would not absorb the light pulse from the IPL device. That’s why, hair that is naturally blonde, dark brown, or black will find the treatment to be effective. Similarly, IPL is also not compatible with darker skin tones, as melanin is present in greater amounts. This can make the melanin in the skin absorb more light energy than the safe and recommended amounts, which may cause discomfort.
Here is a chart to help you understand IPL’s compatibility with different skin tones and hair colours:
However, if your skin tone has become darker due to tanning, whether natural or artificial, you can use Braun IPL Pro 5. Thanks to the latest Braun IPL technology, it can automatically adjust to the safest and efficacious energy levels. It will also notify you if your skin has become darker for treatment.
IPL is also suitable for men, and they can use the Braun IPL device from the shoulders down for chest, arms, back, stomach and legs. However, it should not be used on the face, neck or genital area. For females, the IPL device effectively works on the upper lips, jawline, and chin. It shouldn’t be used near the eyes, along the forehead or genital area. It is best to do a patch test before use.
How to use Braun Silk-expert Pro?
Braun IPL Silk Expert Pro 5 is an easy-to-use device and comes along with different modes for your convenience. Here is a simple guide on how to use IPL efficiently:
1. Preparation
- Avoid tanning booths, sunbeds, spray tans and tanning creams before the treatment.
- Ensure there are no open wounds, broken skin, or inflamed areas on the skin you’re planning to treat.
- Avoid intense exfoliation treatments, such as microdermabrasion, as this increases the risk of inflammation and side effects after your IPL hair removal.
- Shave the area you’re planning to treat 12 to 24 hours beforehand. Remove all visible hair in the area you wish to treat. Ensure there is no hair remaining above the surface of the skin. Then pat your skin dry. Do not wax or use an epilator for hair removal before the treatment, as it can cause inflammation.
2. Starting treatment
- Select the standard head or the precision head depending on the size of the area you wish to treat. Plugin the Braun Silk-expert Pro.
- Put the nozzle in full contact with the skin to make sure the product works correctly. If not in proper contact with the skin, the device will not work.
- For larger body areas, use gliding mode: hold down the button and treat along your skin. For smaller areas, press and release the button. For sensitive areas or if it’s your first time, you can use the gentle or extra gentle mode. However, it is recommended to do a patch test first.
3. After treatment
- It is important to wipe clean the nozzle after every use.
- Don’t wear tight-fitting clothes after treatment, as it can irritate your skin.
- Don’t use skin products that may irritate your skin, such as perfume, cleansers or exfoliators, for 24 – 48 hours after treatment.
- Avoid hot showers, steam rooms and saunas.
- Wear sunscreen with a high SPF to keep the skin protected.
- In the first phase of your treatment, treat once a week for 4 – 12 weeks. Then adjust to your needs (i.e. every 1-2 months).
How Often Should I Use IPL at Home?
An average hair growth cycle varies for every individual. It could take up to 18-24 months, depending on body area (underarm, lower leg and bikini area can take the most time). Multiple treatments can be required to achieve continuously smooth skin, as only the hair in the growing phase is susceptible to treatment with light.
Thus, you may need a start-up phase of 4-12 weekly treatments to achieve optimum results. However, if there is no visible hair growth or hair growth has stopped, you can switch to maintenance treatments. In this case, you do not need to complete the full 12 weekly treatments schedule.
If you continue to see hair growth in smaller amounts between the 12 weekly treatments, you will have to complete your start-up phase. Once done, you can then continue to treat according to your needs or re-treat on a per need basis.
IPL hair removal is one common option, which offers a more lasting result than shaving or even waxing. (In fact, it was one of the top five most popular minimally-invasive procedures in 2020, according to the most recent Plastic Surgery Statistics Report from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons [ASPS].) While you may associate the treatment with med spas, numerous at-home IPL devices have hit the market, promising an alternative for people who’d rather take matters into their own hands. If you’re wondering whether the ability to use the tech from your home is too good to be true, here’s the full scoop.
What are at-home IPL devices?
IPL stands for intense pulsed light, the form of scattered light that these handheld tools give off. “These are devices that emit a wide spectrum of light to treat the skin,” says Joshua Zeichner, M.D., director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York. The technology is similar to but different from laser hair removal. “Technically [IPL devices] are not lasers since lasers emit only a single wavelength of light,” while IPL emits multiple wavelengths, explains Dr. Zeichner. (Related: Everything You Need to Know About Trying Laser Hair Removal at Home)
IPL can be used to treat brown spots or broken capillaries and redness in addition to its application in reducing hair production. “Different filters are used to limit the light that is delivered by the device to offer a customized treatment that addresses your particular need,” says Dr. Zeichner.
“[IPL] uses a big [dose] of light to capture certain targets in the skin,” says Azadeh Shirazi, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at La Jolla Laser Dermatology. “In terms of hair removal, the target would be melanin.” (Reminder: Melanin is a natural pigment in your skin and hair.) When the goal is hair removal, IPL devices are filtered to emit light at a wavelength of 600 to 700 nanometers, which can selectively heat and destroy melanin without heating the surrounding skin, she explains. When the light heats the melanin in a hair follicle, that causes the strand of hair to fall out and kills the hair follicle, thereby decreasing regrowth. (Although it takes multiple sessions to achieve full results, which only ever amounts to a reduction of hair growthrather than permanently eliminating new growth, according to Dr. Shirazi.)
Home IPL devices — e.g. Kenzzi, SmoothSkin, and Braun IPL devices — use the same technology at lower energies compared to what the pros use, according to Dr. Zeichner. Of course, that comes with a tradeoff. “The IPL devices in the office are obviously going to be a lot more powerful and hopefully are being used by trained professionals, whereas the IPL devices at home are going to be much weaker in terms of the amount of energy that they’re able to deliver so the results aren’t going to be as good,” says Dr. Shirazi. That said, a small study on at-home IPL devices published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology reported a 78 percent reduction in amount of hair at the one-month mark and a 72 percent reduction after three months, with participants receiving biweekly treatments with an at-home device over the course of six weeks.
What are the perks of using at-home IPL devices?
You can use at-home IPL devices on any area of the body where hair is found, whether that means treating your facial hair or giving yourself a full Brazilian, according to Dr. Shirazi. Investing in an at-home IPL device can also save you money compared to in-office treatments. Home IPL devices typically cost around $150 to several hundred dollars, while the average cost of a single session of professional IPL cost roughly $412 in 2020, according to the ASPS report. Most people need six to 12 IPL treatments to achieve full results, according to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.
Then there’s the convenience factor. Switching to using an IPL at home will save you time if you normally shave. To give you an idea, Braun recommends using its Silk Expert Pro 5 once a week for four to 12 weeks, then every one to two months for maintenance. Taking matters into your own hands also eliminates any awkwardness you might feel around having a stranger treat your bikini area while you attempt to make small talk. (Related: How to Shave Your Bikini Area Without Causing Irritation)
What are the downsides of trying IPL at home?
IPL can be moderately painful. It also comes with potential side effects, which is one reason why Corey L. Hartman, M.D., F.A.A.D., a board-certified dermatologist in Birmingham, Alabama, finds the idea of putting the technology in the hands of non-professionals unsettling. When used improperly, IPL can cause “blistering, redness, scarring, discoloration, hyperpigmentation, pain, oozing, or crusting,” says Dr. Hartman. “IPL devices are not casual.”
“I’ve seen some terrible burns and terrible scarring from IPL done in the office and done at home,” echoes Dr. Shirazi. “It’s tricky because you’re playing around with energy and heat and if the skin absorbs all of that, you can certainly get a burn.”
Additionally, both IPL and laser devices have the potential to do the exact opposite of what you want. “If you use conservative settings or low energy settings of light to try to remove hair,” you can actually stimulate growth,says Dr. Shirazi. “You could end up with a condition called paradoxical hair stimulation from laser treatments. The low energy is not enough to chill the hair follicle, but it’s enough to stimulate the hair follicle to grow.” That’s why you may have heard of low-level laser-emitting caps designed to promote hair growth.
Another major downside? IPL isn’t well-suited to dark skin tones or light-colored hair. “IPL is high-risk for people with dark skin tones,” who naturally have more melanin, according to Dr. Shirazi. “What happens, as the light passes through it’s going to capture the melanin on the surface of the skin. The more melanin there is on the surface of the skin the more likely it is to absorb all the energy, and then you can end up with a burn.” IPL device brands often provide charts on their websites indicating which skin tones should avoid using their products altogether.
All in all, is at-home IPL worth trying?
The experts interviewed for this story were divided on whether at-home IPL is worthwhile or even okay to try. If you buy an at-home IPL device, you can assume that it uses lower energy than professional devices, making it safe to use at home, says Dr. Zeichner. “The biggest potential risk associated with using IPL devices is the development of hyperpigmentation,” he says. “This risk is very low with at-home devices because of the safety measures put in place that allow them to be used without professional supervision.”
Not everyone gives at-home IPL devices a thumbs up. Any IPL device will be either be able to “really do some harm” or they’ll be ineffective, and that there’s no in-between, says Dr. Hartman. “I don’t understand at-home IPL devices,” he says. “I’m scared of them. I do not recommend.”
IPL technology is better suited for treating brown spots, redness, and sun damage than hair removal, he adds. When his patients ask him about IPL for hair removal, Dr. Hartman steers them toward laser hair removal instead. More specifically, Nd:YAG and alexandrite laser hair removal are ideal for dark and light skin tones, respectively, he says.”They just work better, and they have more science and studies behind them,” says Dr. Hartman. (Related: I Was ~This Close~ to Lasering Off My Pubes for Life—Here’s What Stopped Me)
Finally, IPL is fine to try at home provided you a) don’t have a dark skin tone, b) have read up on IPL, and c) have managed your expectations, in Dr. Shirazi’s opinion. “I always recommend that people do a test spot, wait a day or two and make sure that your skin is not reacting in an adverse fashion,” before using one of the devices on a large area, she says. Another pointer: “You have to be really careful around going around curved areas, so particularly around the bikini or contours of the face it’s really important to have good contact [between your skin and] the device, because if you’re at an angle or you don’t have full contact of the light with the skin you could just be delivering pure heat rather than the light,” preventing the device from functioning properly, she adds.
If you’re after a dramatic reduction in hair growth, it’s probably best to visit a pro, since they’ll use a much more powerful device, says Dr. Shirazi. “I think [at-home IPL] is fine to use as a maintenance treatment but it’s really not going to work as effectively as in-office IPL.” And IPL in general is “much weaker” than lasers for hair removal to begin with, she adds.