How to Use an IPL Laser
Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy uses beams of concentrated light to damage hair follicles and reduce hair growth. Most people need six to eight treatments, followed by periodic maintenance sessions to stay hair-free. Though usually an in-office treatment performed by a trained therapist, laser hair removal devices approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for at-home use have been available since 2008. The latest home devices offer long-lasting results comparable to professional laser hair removal devices, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Razor or scissors
- Mild soap or cleansing lotion
- Conductive gel
- Spatula
- Tissue
- Fragrance-free moisturizer or pure aloe vera gel
Instructions
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Shave or trim the hair in the area you wish to treat so the light is absorbed by the hair follicle and not the hair shaft above skin level. Do not epilate, wax or use hair removal cream.
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2
Cleanse the area using mild soap and water, or a mild cleanser. The skin should be clean and free from deodorants, perfume, make up or other cosmetics.
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3
Apply a thick layer of conductive gel to the treatment area using a spatula. (Skip this step if your device works without conductive gel.)
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Place the base unit of your IPL device on a firm, flat surface. Plug it in and switch it on.
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5
Select the appropriate setting for your skin tone.
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Place the handset flat against the skin to be treated and apply firm pressure. Close your eyes or look away as you press the trigger button to emit a pulse of light. Some devices make a sound -- like a pop or a click -- to indicate a pulse of light has been delivered to your skin. The treated area may feel slightly warm.
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Position the handset against the next patch of skin to be treated without leaving a gap or overlapping the area treated by the previous pulse.
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Wait for the handset to re-charge and be ready for the next pulse, usually indicated by a "ready" light or a beep.
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Press the trigger button again to emit another pulse of light.
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Continue in this way until you have covered the whole of the area you wish to treat.
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Tissue off the conductive gel (if appropriate).
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12
Apply a fragrance-free moisturizer or pure aloe vera gel to soothe the skin in the treated area.
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Tips & Warnings
For best results, plan your IPL hair removal according to your natural hair growth cycle, which may take 18 to 24 months. A typical hair removal plan would start with three to four hair removal sessions two weeks apart, followed by five to seven sessions four weeks apart. Further top-up sessions may be needed to achieve long-term results.
IPL laser therapy is not suitable for everyone. Discuss the best laser hair removal options for your skin type with a qualified dermatologist before trying an at-home procedure. If home IPL laser therapy is suitable, choose a device approved by the FDA for use on the body area you wish to treat.
Always read the user manual that comes with your home IPL device fully. Use your device according to the operating instructions and user precautions for your specific product.
Perform a patch test on or as close to the area you intend to treat 48 hours before using a home IPL device for the first time.
Avoid exposing the area you wish to treat to the sun for at least four weeks before and after treatment. Protect exposed areas with an SPF30+ fragrance-free sun lotion.
References
Resources
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