Intense pulsed light — commonly referred to as IPL — is a lot like laser hair removal… if laser hair removal was basically painless, easy to do at home, and wayyyyyy cheaper.
ICYMI: IPL technology applies gentle pulses of light to the hair follicle at the root. This technology stunts the hair cycle, causing the hairs to fall out and ultimately over time prevents them from growing back.
Okay, so… but how does it work?
The broad spectrum lights used in IPL devices are attracted to melanin. Melanin is the pigment that gives both our skin and our hair its unique color. Most IPL devices (like our Lumi Hair Removal Handset and OG Hair Removal Handset) are most effective when there is good contrast between the pigmentation in the hair and the skin. This makes it easier for the device to essentially find and target the hair follicles.
Because of this, IPL works best on dark, coarse hair, but most people are candidates for the process!
We love IPL because it is gentle, easy to use, and safe for an at-home DIY moment. That is why we created our Lumi device!
Thinking about IPL? If you’re ready to get started already, check out Lumi — and read on to learn all of the benefits of this magical lil gadget.
What Are the Benefits of IPL?
If you are still on the fence, we are going to help make an easy decision even easier. Below, we are diving into nine of our favorite unique and unexpected benefits of the treatment because there is SO much more to IPL than just getting silky-smooth skin.
Oh-So Smooth Skin
Like, really really smooth. IPL delivers long-term hair removing results. As you use your IPL device more frequently, your hair growth will slow down significantly. Ultimately, your hair will probably stop growing completely and you will be a silky-smooth-skinned queen. See you never, prickly stubble!
Every body is different, but some people need touch-ups while others experience almost complete hairlessness after just about 12 uses. Can you say WOW?!
Luckily, Lumi lasts for over 30 years, so you will be all set when you need touch-ups.
Eliminate Those Pesky Ingrown Hairs
Ingrown hairs are uncomfortable and oh-so-annoying to deal with. They can even lead to infections if they are not properly taken care of. When you shave or wax, ingrown hairs are quite common. This is because the hair follicle is still around and instead of growing outward, it grows into the skin and causes irritation.
You may think the best way to get rid of ingrown hairs is to get rid of hair removal altogether, but IPL is a way to remove any unwanted hair without risking getting ingrown hairs. And yes, we wish we knew this earlier, too.
IPL removes the hair follicle completely and ultimately slows down hair growth wherever you use it, you are much less prone to ingrown hairs. The more you use the treatment, the less susceptible you’ll be to ingrown hairs. And one day, ingrown hairs will be a fever dream of shaving days past. It’s that simple.
Pain Is Not Beauty
…Because we’ve all heard the old adage “beauty is pain,” but we’re so over that.
Let’s be real: It’s 2022. Why can’t we have beauty without pain?
IPL is a simple, painless treatment. No more bracing yourself for the pain of a waxing strip being ripped off your skin. No more cutting yourself in the shower because you were in a rush. All of the beautiful, smooth-as-a-dolphin skin minus the uncomfortable parts?! We’re in!
Save Your Coins
Waxing appointments are expensive, and you need to keep up with them consistently for results. Not to mention, it can be a time suck! You have to go all the way to the salon just to get waxed. And constantly stocking up on disposable razors and shaving creams is another expense that really adds up over time.
Lumi costs $189.95 USD. The OG Handset costs $129.95 USD, which is even more affordable. Better yet, these products are an investment. You never need to buy refills, so it truly is just this one-time cost.
Plus, these devices will last you years. The Lumi will last you for 900,000 flashes. Here’s an easier way to think of that gigantic number: it should last you about 30 years. The OG provides 300,000 flashes, which is equivalent to a 10-year lifespan.
Whichever IPL device you choose, you can feel confident knowing that you will get plenty and plenty of chances to use the device and treat your body to IPL a lot over time.
Head to Toe — All Over Usage
Many of us cater hair removal to our different body parts — even that down there hair just in time for bikini season, if you know what we mean.
Related: How to Remove Pubic Hair Without Shaving
For example, you may shave your armpits but wax your legs or vice versa. IPL works on all body parts, so it really is the only item you need to remove unwanted body hair.
You can even use Lumi on your face! (But if you will be using our IPL device on your face, we recommend staying below the cheekbones.)
Because Who Wants to Waste Time They Don’t Have?
Certain treatments require downtime. For example, when you wax hair you are supposed to wait at least 24 hours before you get your sweat on. This is because sweat increases the chances of ingrown hairs – blah!
Luckily, with IPL there is no downtime required. We know people lead busy lives. Hair removal should be something you can add to your routine seamlessly, not something that detracts from all the other things you want to do, like trying that new pilates class or going for a sunset bike ride. That sounds nice.
Results So Quick, You’ll Check the Clock
Most notice a decrease in their hair growth after just four uses. Most also see a complete halt in hair growth after 12 uses.
While your hair won’t completely go away after one treatment, your hair will keep getting sparser and sparser between each treatment — you’ll barely notice its there! It will also grow more slowly.
Don’t expect to become a hairless dolphin overnight, but you can expect to see slower hair regrowth pretty quickly.
Precision Is Key
Sometimes technology just beats out human capabilities, and this is a case where technology wins. How many times have you shaved your legs just to get dressed later and realize you left strips of hair exposed? We’ve been there a few times too, and it is not fun.
IPL devices are much more precise while providing coverage to large spots of hair, so you’re less likely to miss areas. The Lumi is our most precise device yet, with an optimized flash window that leaves no hair behind.
It’s As Easy as 1-2-3
The best kind of product is one that is so easy to use that you actually will incorporate it into your routine and not that jar of tools you stopped using after a few uses because you became bored or saw no results. No shame, we all have one laying around...
IPL devices are handheld, making for easy usage. Plus, you don’t need any other products to get started, just yourself and your device. No lotions, creams, waxes, or even water. Think me, myself, and IPL.
Plus, not having to shave in the shower means you are a lot less likely to have any slipping incidents (can you say "ouch with a side of embarrassment"), which are always a mess.
So, Are You Ready For IPL?
If you think IPL is right for you, welcome to the club! At RoseSkinCo we love helping people get their smoothest skin yet. Luckily, with our IPL devices, it is so easy to do.
We are ready to turn the world onto IPL and away from shaving and waxing for good. Because after learning about all of the benefits, who wouldn’t make the switch?
Sources:
Intense Pulsed Light Therapy (IPL Treatment) | WebMD
Intense Pulsed Light Therapy for Aging Skin | American Society for Dermatologic Surgery
