OK, so you’ve just received your first ever IPL Home Hair Removal Handset and you’re super excited to get started. Reading through the user guide is boring, we get it, but there are a few things you need to know before you embark on your life-changing ‘hair-free carefree’ journey so that you can get the best results from you IPL handset. Here are a few important dos and don’ts to keep in mind before you begin your home hair removal sessions.
Do exfoliate before IPL hair removal sessions
It is highly recommended that you exfoliate 24-48 hours prior to every IPL hair removal session. This will remove any dirt and dead skin cells that trap hair underneath, reduce ingrown hair, and release any loose hair that has already been zapped and shed from your last IPL session. Exfoliating also primes the skin for IPL so that the flashes are absorbed better and the hair removal process is more effective. Gently exfoliate the area you are treating with a body scrub, washcloth, or loofah the day before your IPL session or 2 days before your session if your skin tends to be more sensitive.
Do shave before every IPL hair removal session
For those of you who avoid shaving because of pesky ingrown hair and razor rashes, rest assured it won’t be long before you can get rid of those razors. For now though, shaving is a must in order to get the best results from your IPL handset and to reduce hair re-growth. Once you’ve completed your first few sessions the hair will grow weaker and sparser so you won’t have to worry about ingrown hair throughout the rest of your IPL hair removal journey. Shaving keeps the root of the hair intact so that the IPL can target the follicle and destroy it which results in reduced hair re-growth. As with clinical laser, IPL works best when you shave 24hrs prior to your hair removal session so that the hair is at its prime re-growth phase for your IPL treatment. Check-out the new Luminus Co Mini Shaver that makes the perfect addition to your hair removal kit whether you’re at home or on the go.
Don’t wax, pluck, thread, or epilate
Basically any kind of hair removal method that can break the hair or disrupt the root is a big no-no for laser or IPL hair removal treatment. IPL stands for intense pulsed light which uses a broad spectrum of light with multiple wavelengths to target the melanin in unwanted hair by converting light energy to heat which in turn destroys the hair follicle and stops the hair from growing back. If the hair isn’t intact, the IPL won’t be able to target the root as effectively and the hair removal process will not work efficiently.
Do take a shower right before your IPL hair removal session
Lather up and wash away any dirt, oil, lotion, deodorant, powder, makeup, or moisturizer before your IPL session. Your IPL handset should only be used on clean, dry skin so that there are no obstructions to the light targeting the root of the hair. The easier it is for the light to find the follicle, the faster the hair removal process.
Do moisturize after every IPL hair removal session
As with clinical laser, it is recommended that you moisturize after your IPL sessions and generally on a daily basis to avoid dry skin. Always use a water-based moisturizer or soothing aloe lotion and avoid anything with oils or chemicals that can clog the pores and irritate the skin.
Don’t go tanning during IPL treatment
It is highly recommended that you avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight at least 2 weeks prior to and post IPL hair removal treatment. This includes tanning beds and tanning lotions. For our sun-worshipping friends out there we recommend treating areas that aren’t exposed to the sun during the summer months and leaving the other parts like arms and legs for winter. Ultimately, staying out of the sun for a few months will be worth it in the long-run when you won’t have to worry about unwanted hair ever again. The reason you should avoid exposing treated areas to any kind of UV light is because it can irritate the skin, cause permanent pigmentation, scarring, and subsequently complicate the hair removal process. We recommend that you always wear sunscreen, whether you're undergoing IPL treatment or not, to protect that beautiful skin and avoid premature aging.
Don’t use perfumes, deodorants or harsh chemicals
Give your skin a little time to recover after IPL sessions and avoid using products with harsh chemicals for at least 2 days after every session. Try to use moisturizers and deodorants with more natural ingredients that will sooth the skin. Products with chemicals may cause irritation so stick to water-based moisturizers and gentle anti-perspirants. It is also recommended that you wait at least 2 weeks post IPL sessions before using any peels, microdermabrasion, Botox, or other similar abrasive procedures.
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