Get started with your IPL device - Coolblue (2024)

Get started with your IPL device - Coolblue (1)

Written by Gaby

You bought an IPL device and you're all set to make your skin silky smooth and hair-free. But how do you use this device? In this article, we'll give you tips to get the best result. You can start by putting those protective glasses back in the cabinet. The light flashes don't damage your eyes.

  1. Preparation
  2. Choose setting
  3. Do a skin test
  4. Connect smartphone
  5. Start treatment
  6. Post-shave treatment
  7. Follow treatment plan

Get started with your IPL device

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An IPL light hair removal device works a little differently than an electric shaver or epilator. In this article, we'll explain the treatment using 7 steps:

  • Step 1: prepare
  • Step 2: choose the right mode.
  • Step 3: do a skin test.
  • Step 4: pair Smartphone.
  • Step 5: start the treatment.
  • Step 6: post-treat your skin and device.
  • Step 7: follow your treatment plan.

In addition to this article, always read the manual before use.

Step 1: prepare your skin

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Before using the IPL hair removal device, shave the hairs from the body parts you want to use the IPL device on with a razor blade or a Ladyshave. This prevents the flashes of the device from burning your hair. Then use a white (kohl) pencil to draw a grid on the clean and dry body part you want to remove hair from. This way, you know exactly where you've been and you avoid double flashing your skin. Don't use a dark color for the grid, as this can cause burns.

Step 2: choose the right setting

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Pllace the IPL device on your skin, so the device scans your skin tone. The device then offers you one or more recommended light settings. Select the setting that feels comfortable for you. If your device doesn't have a scanning function, look up which setting is right for you in the manual. It's important that you choose one of the recommended light settings which are adapted to your skin type. This way, you avoid skin damage, burning, and a bad result.

Step 3: do a skin test

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If you use the IPL device for the first time, it's important that you do a skin test first. To do this, set the device to the strength selected by you, as described above. Then test the flash on a small piece of skin and let the skin rest for 24 hours. If the skin reacts well, you can continue removing hair. If you see skin irritation or damage, try a lower strength. If irritation persists, we don't recommend continuing with the device.

Step 4: pair your smartphone

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Do you have a Philips IPL device? We recommend that you connect your IPL light hair removal device to your smartphone via an app. Thanks to the app, you get insight into the settings of your device and you can map out your treatments. The app also makes a personal treatment plan for you. You can see exactly when you need to remove hair from which body part again, in order to get the best result. This way, you can be sure that you don't put too much stress on your skin and that you work safely.

Step 5: start the treatment

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After the preliminary steps, you can start removing the hair from your desired body parts. If the machine has several attachments, you first have to click the right one on the machine. Then you hold the IPL device at an angle of 90 degrees against the skin. Press the flash button and slowly move the machine over your body, until you've flashed every spot. You decide whether you make a sliding or stamping movement.

Step 6: take care of your skin and the device

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After use, turn off the IPL hair removal device and remove any attachments. Then clean the light window, the exterior of the attachments, and the interior of the attachments with a soft and damp cloth. Don't go into the sun for at least 48 hours after the treatment and don't scrub your skin to prevent skin irritation. If you do go into the sun, we recommend that you use sunscreen of at least 30 SPF. You can use skin-friendly deodorant or body lotion.

Step 7: follow your treatment plan

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You'll see results right after the first treatment. Repeat the treatments according to your treatment plan between 4 and 12 weeks to get the hair follicles in rest mode. You can see your hair get thinner and softer after time. It differs per person and body part how long it takes to get a smooth result. As soon as you have a smooth result, it's important you maintain this. You can do this by repeating the treatment every 4 to 8 weeks.

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FAQs

How do you use IPL for the first time? ›

If you use the IPL device for the first time, it's important that you do a skin test first. To do this, set the device to the strength selected by you, as described above. Then test the flash on a small piece of skin and let the skin rest for 24 hours. If the skin reacts well, you can continue removing hair.

Does at home IPL actually work? ›

Efficacy. Long-Term Reduction: Home IPL devices offer long-term hair reduction. With consistent use, they can significantly reduce hair growth over time. Traditional methods provide temporary results, requiring frequent maintenance.

How long does it take for IPL to start working? ›

Some skin improvement starts within a few days of receiving treatment, but the complete effects of IPL treatment may take weeks to appear.

Can you use IPL on pubic hair? ›

IPL hair removal is a progressive treatment that offers full body hair removal - but you can use IPL to treat separate areas, such as your arms, legs, or pubic area, depending on your individual needs. When using IPL, you'll hold a flashgun device that delivers a spectrum of light to the skin.

Does IPL tighten skin? ›

For example, IPL photofacial is a standard procedure that can help to combat issues such as hyperpigmentation, reduce wrinkles, and tighten lax skin.

Does IPL work immediately? ›

However, just because your skin is working on improving itself doesn't mean the results of that work are immediately apparent. It will take about a week before you start to see the results of your first treatment session. The final results of treatment won't be visible for around four to six weeks.

What is the strongest IPL at home? ›

Most powerful: SmoothSkin Pure Fit IPL Hair Removal Device

The Pure Fit is an easy to use IPL device that achieves up to 99% hair reduction in 12 weeks, and visible results in just 2 weeks. It stands out as one of the most fast and powerful hair removal devices on the market.

Does IPL work for brown spots? ›

IPL technology

Although IPL therapy is similar to laser therapy, IPL is much more thorough in treating discolorations of the skin, such as brown spots.

Is it OK to do IPL everyday? ›

You can overuse at-home IPL. If you use your device too often, you won't speed up your hair removal treatments and could set yourself up for side effects. Like nearly everything in life, IPL works best when following the recommended treatment plans. That's typically twice a week over 8 weeks, for starters.

How to tell if an IPL is working? ›

You'll know the treatment is working when your hair grows out slower and finer. This usually happens after the fourth session. Others have also noticed hair shedding more easily and falling out more frequently than before after IPL treatment and shaving becomes easier.

What happens after 1 session of IPL? ›

After your first session, you may notice your skin becoming smoother and more radiant. Fine lines may be less noticeable as the IPL stimulates collagen production, a key factor in maintaining skin's elasticity and youthfulness.

How can I speed up my IPL results? ›

Here are other guidelines your dermatologist will recommend that you follow to get the best possible results from your IPL treatments. Speed up healing after IPL therapy: Use mild cleansers and moisturizers daily on your skin. Apply a sunscreen with a minimum of 30 SPF.

What happens if I use IPL without shaving? ›

Lasers heat hair to damage the stem cells in the hair follicles to inhibit new growth, but if the hair is too long, the laser can singe your hair and burn your skin. It is extremely important to shave before your laser hair removal session, twenty-four hours before it is recommended.

What happens if you use IPL too often? ›

IPL is most effective while your hair is in the growth phase –if you treat your skin multiple times a week, your hair can become dormant and IPL treatment won't work as well. Additionally, while IPL is a gentle treatment, too much of it can be a bad thing. If you use IPL too frequently, you can irritate your skin.

Can I use IPL for full Brazilian? ›

Yes, you can use an IPL device for a Brazilian. The cost of IPL Brazilian typically ranges from $150 to $400 per session, depending on the size of the area being treated. Depending on your individual hair growth pattern, it usually takes 4-8 sessions of IPL to achieve permanent hair reduction in the bikini area.

What should I put on my face before IPL? ›

Use a moisturizer with 30+ SPF to protect your skin from sun exposure. Avoid smoking at least six weeks before IPL. Stop any medications that may cause excess bleeding. Discontinue antibiotics (if advised by your general physician)

How should I prepare my skin before IPL? ›

Preparing for your IPL treatment

We may ask you to do the following in preparation for your skin rejuvenation treatment: Avoid excess sun exposure and use a high-SPF sunscreen when going outside. Stop taking certain topical creams, like retinoids, that affect skin sensitivity.

How to get the best results from IPL? ›

For best results, IPL treatments should be repeated every fortnight, up to six times. You will start to see results after the third treatment.

What should you not do before an IPL? ›

1. Do not wear makeup to your treatment. 2. Avoid any irritants to your skin, such as any products containing Tretioin, Retinol,Benzoyl Peroxide, Glycolic/Salicylic Acids, Astringents or Vitamin C for one week before your treatment.

References

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