Pulsed Light Hair Removal – What Is It And What Are Its Advantages?

Pulsed light hair removal is in many cases an effective procedure, but it is best to consider other options and consult a dermatologist before making a decision.

Pulsed light hair removal is a cosmetic procedure. It is also known as IPL or intense pulsed light. Among other things, it is used to minimize age spots, freckles, birthmarks, varicose veins and rosacea. Of course, it is also used to remove unwanted hair.

Pulsed light hair removal is one of the three methods cataloged as permanent hair removal. The other two are the laser method and electrolysis. However, IPL does not offer lasting results. However, they are long-lasting.

Pulsed light depilation is very effective in inhibiting or weakening hair growth. It is considered a safe method of photo-epilation. It penetrates into the second layer of the skin, i.e. the dermis. Importantly, it does not damage the surface layer, i.e. the epidermis.

How does pulsed light epilation work?

Pulsed light hair removal is similar to laser hair removal, but it differs mainly in the type of light used. While laser technology emits light with a single wavelength, pulsed light delivers light with multiple wavelengths.

In other words, pulsed light epilation emits soft, multi-colored light that extends or diverges in different directions. It is similar to a flash.

The laser, on the other hand, has only one color and focuses on a specific point. In both cases, the light is used to heat the hair follicles and prevent them from growing back.

The specialist begins the treatment by avoiding certain stimuli: sunlight, sunbathing, chemical peels, manual epilation, collagen injections, creams or products with vitamin A and blood thinners.

For the procedure itself, the person performs the following steps:

In some cases, the anesthetic cream is applied 30 to 60 minutes prior to the start of the procedure.
The area to be epilated is cleaned.
A cooling gel should be applied to the skin.
Dark glasses are recommended to protect your eyes.
Light is applied to the area prepared in this way. This takes anywhere from 20 minutes to just over an hour, depending on the area to be treated.
Over the next four to eight hours, you may experience a burning or reddening of the skin.
Sometimes inflammation occurs and usually lasts no more than a few days.
The treated area should be moistened twice a day for the next three months.

Pulsed light hair removal – advantages

Pulsed light hair removal is a widely accepted treatment due to its simplicity and durability. The main advantages it offers are as follows.

Personalized treatment

The device used for epilation with pulsed light can be adapted to the characteristics of each person. The properties of the skin and hair are taken into account. This procedure does not require the presence of a specialist and can be performed even at home, although it is not recommended.

Types of hair

Pulsed light hair removal easily adapts to hair of different density. It allows you to effectively eliminate both thin and thick hair. In the case of laser treatments, it is necessary to use different types of treatments, each with a precise indication for a specific type of hair.

Covering a large area of skin

Each light pulse covers an area of 5 square centimeters. This is a large area compared to a laser which only covers very limited points. This way you can remove more hair in less time.

Slight discomfort

This procedure is rarely painful. In most cases, it only causes a slight feeling of warmth along with a gentle pinch with each pulse. This makes it easier to treat sensitive areas of the skin such as the groin, face, armpits, buttocks, etc.

Quick regeneration after the treatment

The side effects of the treatment are minimal. The discomfort after epilation lasts only a few hours, and only in a few cases there are more complications. The treatment does not damage the upper layers of the skin, so regeneration is very quick.

Pulsed light hair removal – disadvantages

Pulsed light hair removal is a safe procedure, but it also has its drawbacks. Like any procedure, hair removal has its limitations and may involve certain risks. The main ones mentioned in the study published in Fotodepilación: Áreas de difícil tratamiento are as follows:

Effective with lighter hair

Pulsed light hair removal is not as effective on very light or red hair. It also prevents the elimination of gray hair because it lacks melanin. As a rule, the treatment is much more effective with dark hair, especially if the skin is white and strongly contrasts with it.

Durability of effects

Several treatments are required to obtain the optimal effect. Likewise, one or two maintenance sessions per year are required. On the other hand, for the effect to be really sensational, it is indicated that the treatment should be performed by an experienced professional.

Possible dangers

Hormonal patches may appear if the treatment is not applied correctly. There is also a risk of damage such as scarring, inflammation, bleeding, infection, discoloration, induration, or blisters.

Limitations

Pulsed light epilation should not be used on dark or tanned skin. It should also not be practiced by minors, pregnant or nursing women. There are skin conditions that do not allow this treatment. That is why you should always consult your doctor before the procedure.

Pulsed light hair removal: yes or no?

The discussed procedure is perfect for people who meet the conditions for optimal treatment. That is, people with thick hair and a contrast between the color of the hair and the shade of the skin. In all other cases, the results may be limited.

This procedure is usually costly, so careful evaluation is necessary in each case. There are other options such as laser treatment, a Fraxel laser, or microdermabrasion. It is advisable to consult a dermatologist before deciding on any treatment.