The best at-home IPL devices

 How does IPL work?

"moderate energy is transferred through the skin's surface and absorbed by the melanin present in the hair shaft." Once consumed, this light energy is converted into heat energy below the surface of the epidermis, which disables the hair follicle, preventing additional growth.

Laser hair removal vs IPL

IPL frequently gets grouped with laser hair removal, but the two are actually rather different. "Laser utilizes a single spectrum of focused light in a single color & wavelength, where IPL uses a much wider spectrum of lighting in various colors & wavelengths," clarifies Buckwell. But, both methods target the melanin in the hair follicle, and can provide long-lasting outcomes. The main difference you want to understand, though, is that IPL is generally much cheaper to have done in-salon -- and may also be safely done yourself, at home (more on this later) Skincare.

Presently, the only way to get rid of hair permanently is via a treatment called electrolysis, but IPL offers permanent hair reduction, meaning in the event that you keep on top of the care treatments, the hairs will remain at bay.

What skin types can attempt IPL?

It's important to remember that IPL is not a suitable treatment for every skin type and tone. Hair that is light blonde, white or gray won't be removed via IPL, as it does not contain enough saliva, while red hair includes a distinct type of melanin that is not affected by the light.

Furthermore, certain skin tones aren't compatible with IPL treatments. Darker skin (five or higher on the Fitzpatrick scale) ought to steer clear of IPL hair removal, as the high quantities of melanin in the skin will be picked up by the mild, possibly causing harm.

Simply speaking, the most suitable candidates for IPL will have pale skin and dark, contrasting hair.

If you're unsure, there is no need to stress, as most of the best IPL devices come with in-built safety features to alleviate any downtime. "For instance, the Smoothskin Muse includes a distinctive'set and discover' style where the system reads your skin tone and sends the safest but most efficient pulse for the skin type," states Buckwell. So, if the skin tone is too dark in the area that you're working on, it just won't flash.

How to utilize an at-home IPL device

Of course, each IPL device will include its bible-sized booklet of directions and yes you need to read it in full.

Broadly speaking, though, you will want to shave with a razor ahead, then press your device on the skin, where it will deliver a flash of lighting. In Terms of the pain? It is not really bad: think of a fast elastic-band flick, and you're in the ideal territory.