Using IPL at home is a convenient and effective way to manage unwanted hair. By following a few simple steps and taking proper precautions, you can achieve professional results in the comfort of your own home. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to ensure the safe and effective use of your IPL device.
How to Use the IPL Hair Removal Device?
Using an IPL hair removal device at home is a highly effective way to reduce unwanted hair. Here’s a detailed guide to help you use these devices safely and effectively:
Preparation & Patch Test
First of all, for the light to reach the hair follicle more effectively without interference from surface hairs. You need to trim hairs longer than 2 millimeters in length.
Make sure that your skin is clean and dry and does not contain any lotions or gels. This helps the IPL device work more effectively.
Before using the device, read the manufacturer's user manual carefully for features and safety guidelines. Verify that the device and its adapter are in good working order.
Perform a patch test. Before using the device on a new body part, perform a patch test on a small area (approximately 3 cm x 2 cm) to check for any reaction.
Adjusting IPL Devices
Most IPL devices offer adjustable intensity levels. Begin with the lowest setting and gradually increase it based on your comfort level and skin type. Always refer to the manufacturer's guidelines to select the appropriate setting for your skin tone and hair color.
Additionally, some IPL devices include various heads or attachments designed for different body areas. Ensure you use the correct head or attachment for the specific area you are treating, such as the face, bikini line, or legs.
Activate Your IPL System
When using an IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) device like SKG IPL hair removal, follow these simple steps for a comfortable experience:
- Set Up: Find a spot near a power source and plug in your device. Wait for the green light to indicate it's ready.
- Power On: Press the power button to turn on the device.
- Select Intensity: Choose a setting based on your comfort. For first-time users, start with the lowest setting and gradually increase the intensity weekly as you get accustomed to the sensation.
- Begin Treatment: If you're familiar with IPL, use the highest setting that feels comfortable for effective results. Remember, IPL is generally painless, but it may cause a slight tingling feeling as it works.
- Select the Right Attachment: Always choose the attachment that corresponds to the body part you're targeting, such as the face, bikini line, or legs.
Keep in mind that while IPL treatments are mostly gentle, it's important to follow the device's instructions for the best and safest experience.
Treat With Your IPL System
- Position the Device: Place the pulse window of the device firmly against your skin, ensuring full contact to avoid incomplete pulses.
- Release the Light Pulse: Press the trigger button to release the light pulse. You may feel a slight tingling or warmth. After each pulse, move the device to the next area and repeat the process.
- Overlap Pulses Slightly: Each pulse area should slightly overlap with the previous one to ensure complete coverage of the treatment area without missing any spots.
- Follow a Systematic Pattern: To avoid treating the same area multiple times or missing areas, follow a systematic grid pattern. For larger areas such as the legs, divide them into smaller sections and treat each section thoroughly.
How Do IPL System's Different Modes Work?
Most IPL Systems are equipped with two flash modes designed to make your hair removal journey as easy as possible. Here’s how they work:
Stamp Mode
Use this mode for precision treatments. It pulses with each click of the button, making it ideal for smaller or sensitive areas like the face, underarms, and bikini line.
Glide Mode
This mode is for larger areas, flashing periodically as you glide the device over your skin. It's perfect for arms and torso, offering a continuous treatment.
To Switch to IPL Flash Mode
- Place the flash window flat on the skin.
- Press and hold the pulse button.
- Gently glide the device over the treatment area.
Both modes are designed to simplify your hair removal process, ensuring a comfortable and efficient experience.
How to Turn Off and Care For Your IPL System
Done using your system? Hold the power button to turn it off, then unplug the device. When not in use, store your IPL system securely in a cool, dry area.
To clean your IPL System, first, disconnect it from its electricity supply. Then, wipe the device down with a clean, dry cloth and 70% alcohol. (Don’t use acetone or other abrasive fluids – they may damage your device.) Dry the device with a dry cloth or paper towel before using or storing it.
Never immerse your device or any of its parts in water.
How to Stay Safe Using At-Home IPL
IPL is a popular, well-researched option for safe and effective long-term hair removal. The SKG IPL system itself is FDA-cleared, FCC, CE, and RoHS-certified for safe at-home use. All UV rays are filtered to protect your skin. That being said, carefully follow these safety precautions to keep your handset in top condition and ensure a safe and enjoyable treatment experience.
- Never use around the eyes or eyebrows. Use only under the cheekbones on the female face.
- Men should avoid using IPL on the face or neck to prevent burning and pigmentation changes.
- Avoid the lips, scalp, nostrils, and inside the ears.
- Do not use on silicone implants, subcutaneous injection ports, or piercings.
- Avoid areas where long-lasting deodorant is used to prevent a reaction.
- Do not use it on artificially tanned skin or within two weeks of using a self-tanning product.
- Avoid sun exposure before and after treatment to prevent burning and pigmentation changes.
- Do not use irritated or broken skin; wait for healing.
How Often Should I Use It?
In the initial stages of IPL hair removal, it is recommended to use the device 1-2 times per week. After using it for 5-8 weeks, you can reduce the frequency to once a week. From 9-12 weeks, using it once every two weeks is sufficient. Most users achieve their desired results by the end of the recommended 12-week treatment period.
Is it OK to Use IPL Without Shaving?
You need a small amount of hair visible on the skin's surface for the IPL light to effectively target and destroy the follicle. Shaving the treatment area allows the light to focus more efficiently below the skin, improving results. If there is too much surface hair, less light energy reaches the follicle.
