IPL Laser Hair Removal: Why You Should Give it a Try
By Aaliyah Albo
In a quest to remove excess or unwanted hair from your body, you’ve likely come across many different methods. Chances are, you’ve tried shaving only to find it ineffective and time-consuming. Or maybe you’ve given chemically formulated, over-the-counter hair removal solutions a try, only to find them even more time consuming, hard on your skin, and extremely smelly.
The fact is, many people quickly tire over the hassles and hazards of temporary hair removal methods like shaving and depilatory creams and turn to something more permanent.
In general, there are two primary methods of long-term hair removal: laser hair removal and intense pulsed light, or IPL. Both methods work in similar ways, but today, we are going to focus on IPL laser hair removal.
But first, what exactly is it?
What is IPL?
IPL, or intense pulsed light, is a popular hair removal technique that utilizes visible, broad-spectrum light. Broad-spectrum light covers the entire electromagnetic range of the light spectrum from infrared to near-ultraviolet light. Broad-spectrum light is used in multiple applications and is subject to special controls that are designed to remove the shortest wavelengths - this allows the light to target and heat specific structures that the user wishes to focus on.
Sometimes, people think IPL is the same thing as laser hair removal because they can do some similar things, but the truth is that they are not the same. The difference is in the actual way they work. While the laser method fires a single beam of light at a specific wavelength, the Intense Pulsed Light method flashes light of a wider range of wavelengths that penetrate the skin at different depths.
How Does IPL Laser Hair Removal Work?
IPL uses light energy to accurately target and remove pigmented or damaged skin cells or hair follicles.
Using a handheld device, a medical technician will target multiple wavelengths of light onto your skin. This powerful light then heats the cells in the skin and breaks them down. Naturally, your body will then remove the damaged tissue leaving you with silky-smooth, flawless skin.
IPL has been around for a long time and is often used as a treatment for a range of skin issues.
These include:
- Acne scars
- Unwanted hair
- Birthmarks
- Hyperpigmentation
- Rosacea
- Scars
- Spider veins
- Stretch marks
- Melasma
- Wrinkles
- Sun-damaged skin
What are the Benefits of IPL Hair Removal?
There are many benefits from choosing IPL for your hair removal needs as opposed to other methods. Some of the best benefits include:
Quick and easy. IPL devices have a relatively large treatment window and are usually able to cover large areas quickly. For example, treatment for a whole leg is likely to take around ten minutes.
No unsightly regrowth. Unlike other traditional methods of hair removal, you can shave in between IPL treatments. Methods like waxing, epilating, or using depilatories require a little bit of awkward hair growth in order to effectively remove unwanted hair. If you're someone that prefers to stay fuzz-free 24/7, IPL treatment is for you.
No ingrown hairs. If you've ever had ingrown hair, you know first-hand how terrible they are to deal with. Ingrown hairs occur when dead skin cells and bacteria clog a hair follicle. This causes the hair to grow in the wrong direction, leaving you with a painful, pus-filled bump to deal with. Since IPL laser hair removal works to destroy the hair follicle altogether, it destroys the chances of you getting an ingrown hair as well. Can we get a Hallelujah!
Permanent results. If you stick with the IPL treatments, you will begin to notice permanently reduced hair regrowth over time. The number of treatments required will reduce, and the time between treatments will increase as you effectively destroy unwanted hair follicles with each IPL session.
Lighter regrowth. Despite contrary belief, laser treatment is not permanent hair removal. Hair grows in different cycles, so multiple laser sessions are typically required to effectively zap each hair when it is in the correct stage of hair growth. With this in mind, when a little bit of hair regrowth does happen, many people notice that the hair is much lighter in color and less noticeable.
Does IPL Hurt?
You will generally feel a little discomfort, but most people find it pretty bearable. The sensation is often described as a warm pinprick or a rubber band snapping on the skin. If you happen to have a low tolerance for pain, try taking an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen before your IPL treatment to help.
Another trick is to stay hydrated and try to drink a gallon of water prior to each IPL session. Why may you ask? Because believe it or not, recent research has found that dehydration can make you more sensitive to pain, so be sure to drink up before each session to rehydrate your body.
The side effects following IPL laser hair removal are minimal and temporary. The most common ones include:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Red, irritated skin
- Slight bruising
- A sensation of a mild sunburn
If you suffer from any of these temporary side effects following treatment, simply keep an icepack on the affected area to reduce the swelling and use aloe to help soothe and calm your angry, red skin.
At-Home IPL Laser Hair Removal
Gone are the days of having to find the time to get to the clinic to have your unwanted hair professionally zapped. Today, being hairless and looking your best is easier than ever with at-home IPL laser hair removal devices.
At-home IPL devices offer the opportunity to busy moms, busy dads, and busy individuals (anyone actually) to treat themselves with laser hair removal is a safe and effective way, without ever leaving their home. In addition, these super tools are a one time purchase and a hell of a lot cheaper than laser hair removal at clinics!
If you have always dreamed about having beautiful, hair-free skin, but simply can’t find the time to book an appointment, an amazing at-home IPL device like The KENZZI IPL Hair Removal Handset can help.
While there are a ton of devices available on the market, KENZZI offers the world’s #1 at-home IPL device with over 10+ years of flashes to stay hair-free year after year. The KENZZI IPL Handset has been designed to deliver results in as little as three to four weeks and is extremely easy and gentle to use on any part of the body, including the face.
Recap
If you have been exploring your hair removal options, we highly recommended giving IPL laser hair removal a try!
Why may you ask?
Because other traditional hair removal methods like waxing and shaving only provide a temporary solution to unwanted body hair. IPL laser hair removal is a more permanent solution and effectively destroys hair follicles to slow down the growth of hair. Sure, it might take a little more time with IPL to see long-lasting results, but once you reach your goal of hair-free silky smooth skin, you’ll never think about having to deal with dull razors or messy wax strips ever again.
Don’t have time to make an appointment at the clinic? You’re in luck because at-home IPL devices like The KENZZI IPL Handset can offer the same great hair-free results that you would see at a clinic, all from the comfort of your very own home.
If you are considering an at-home device, we recommend going with an honest and reputable like KENZZI for all of your unwanted body hair needs!
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