IPL or Laser Photodepilation, Does Pulsed Light work at home too?

The photodepilation is a method for permanent hair removal to eliminate body hair. It is an alternative to waxing or using other types of lasers. By using IPL and Pulsed Light, you can have smooth and hairless skin all year round.

Home or Professional Photodepilation

First, it is important to differentiate that the technology used in both cases is the same, but with some differences.

Home photodepilation involves using a depilation machine suitable for home use. Normally, the photodepilator has a low power to be plugged into the home’s electrical network. Although it works well, it requires more sessions to permanently remove body hair.

On the other hand, professional photodepilation is performed with much more powerful devices. It has a greater reach, and its effectiveness is higher compared to home photodepilators. In general, we can say that by going to a depilation center, you can destroy the hair follicle permanently with half the number of sessions.

Home Photodepilation

As mentioned, it is a method that works for hair removal at home. It involves using depilation machines for home use. Home photodepilation is cheaper compared to those performed in specialized aesthetic centers or clinics focused on hair growth, in this case, to kill the hair root.

Recently, there are some devices that work well, although they are less effective than professional depilation machines. The Philips laser depilator is one of them, but there are also other brands like Braun and Remington.

Professional

As the name indicates, it is performed by professionals. It is common to go to a depilation center where a qualified and experienced person will treat the hair to stop growth and prevent it from growing back.

IPL or Pulsed Light Photodepilation

In general, this term refers to various treatments for removing body hair and preventing it from growing back forever.

IPL photodepilation uses pulsed light, and as such, it is the same. It falls under what we know as laser body depilation, and the features that differentiate it are:

• Polychromatic or multi-colored light.
• Wide energy beam movement.
• Multiple wavelengths.

Photodepilation or Laser

Both methods are photothermolysis, applying light that is transformed into heat through the melanin in the hair. By producing heat, there is a selective increase in temperature in the germ cells of the hair follicle in the treated area, leading to their destruction without damaging the skin.

Both photodepilation and laser are used for depilating legs, buttocks, bikini area, mustache, face, back, and, of course, underarms. Although they are generally considered the best depilation treatments, the technology they use is different.

The IPL or Pulsed Light photodepilation uses a laser with different wavelengths. It has the characteristic of concentrating radiation on a single point, so all the energy is focused on a very small area of the skin where the follicle is located.

Laser depilation is monochromatic and has limited movement. Generally, each type of laser is used for a specific type of hair, such as the Soprano XL laser, diode, alexandrite, etc. Initially, these devices were specific to a type of hair, for example, if you had coarse and black body hair or, on the other hand, fine and blonde hair. The unidirectional application of the laser significantly limits the types of people who could access depilation.

Since both methods have been around for several years, there is some confusion, but to clarify, let’s look at the meaning of each of their names so you can understand photodepilation vs laser:

• Laser stands for Light Amplified by Stimulated Emission of Radiation.
• IPL and Pulsed Light stand for Intensed Pulsed Light.

These systems that adopt English names are some of the most widely used today, although other technologies exist, such as electrical chin and face depilation or even reading reviews about thread depilation.

So… is laser photodepilation the same?

It is important to understand that all modern hair removal techniques use lasers, so laser photodepilation is the same. In other words, it is the same as pulsed light or the so-called IPL.

Despite the similarities in technology, the differences make them receive different names, although the principles on which the hair removal techniques are based have a common foundation.

What are the opinions?

As with all treatments and methods to look more beautiful (handsome if you’re a guy), there is a variety of opinions about photodepilation. There are many comments about it since it is quite common.

In general, people are satisfied with the results. It permanently removes body hair, and this is something appreciated.

Negative opinions usually arise when a person needs more sessions than initially indicated at the depilation center. For example, if the person assisting you says that based on your hair characteristics you need 5 sessions, but in the end, you end up needing 10.

Another common comment is about the price of photodepilation. Although it has decreased quite a bit in recent years, it is still somewhat expensive. But of course, this is very subjective. If you calculate what you would spend over several years on waxing plus the time you would dedicate to it, you quickly realize that, in reality, photodepilation has a more than acceptable price. For around $30, you can get a session in most centers and clinics.

Beyond these cases, there are usually no negative opinions except for some rare instances. But this is inevitable, and it is necessary to investigate why this discomfort occurs and what the reasons are.

Does photodepilation hurt?

Many places will tell you that it is completely painless and that you simply lie down on the adapted bed and enjoy. The reality is a little different. Almost always, some pain is felt, ranging from a slight tingling to moderate discomfort.

It is important to note that we all have different sensitivities. This, combined with the differences in hair thickness, may cause some pain during photodepilation.

It is also worth mentioning that depending on the area of the body where you have it done, you will feel it more or less. The bikini area is much more sensitive than the calves or arms, so if you want to get a stunning Brazilian bikini depilation with photodepilation, you will probably feel discomfort during the session.

In any case, this should not concern you too much since anesthetic creams can be used to numb the skin, and although it is uncomfortable, it is very rare that you cannot tolerate it. In general, it feels like a soft pinprick.

Can it be done during pregnancy?

It can be done, but it is not very recommended. Photodepilation during pregnancy has some risks, so it is not necessary to undergo it while pregnant.

All laser treatments act on the superficial layers of the skin. They do not penetrate more than a few millimeters, so the health of the fetus is safe. It does not affect the growth of the embryo or the subsequent months, but given the many hormonal changes in the mother, a skin treatment may cause reactions.

If you are pregnant, it is best to postpone laser hair removal. Even if you notice excessive hair growth, don’t worry. After a few months, it will fall off by itself. It is quite common for expectant mothers to experience increased hair growth due to hormonal changes. Hirsutism is normal and disappears after childbirth.

Breastfeeding

We are in a similar case. Unless you notice that the hair doesn’t fall off, a session can be performed by avoiding the chest area and those close to it, such as the underarms. The areola, being part of the breast, should also be excluded.

During the months you are breastfeeding, it is best to avoid laser depilation or photodepilation, but if you have a lot of hair on your legs or bikini area, you can go for it without problems.

Is the facial method or for removing facial hair recommended?

The only precaution is to protect the eyes and not to apply the laser on mucous membranes. Otherwise, there are no contraindications or side effects. You may notice some redness in the skin for a few hours, but facial photodepilation is safe, effective, and advisable if you have facial hair.

Can men have it done?

Of course! While some questions we have answered are common for women, such as pregnancy and breastfeeding, this hair removal method is compatible with both genders. There are no restrictions for men, meaning photodepilation for men is just like for women. In fact, men may need it more than women due to the greater body hair growth in males.

That said, IPL and Pulsed Light works for men.

What about male genitalia?

Yes. If you want to have hairless testicles and penis, you can use this technology. Male genital photodepilation is effective and provides permanent results.

You can use it whether you’re a woman or a man to remove hair from the anus, labia, and all surrounding areas, and also for men on the scrotum or pubic hair removal. Just be careful not to apply it directly on the anus, as it is a mucous tissue and could cause irritation or skin lesions.

To make genital depilation more effective, a conductive gel must be applied. This allows the photothermolysis to reach its target in both male and female genitalia.

Contraindications

• Pregnancy.
• Breastfeeding.
• Herpes.
• Psoriasis.
• Eczema.
• Dermatitis.
• Varicose veins.
• Chickenpox.
• Blood clotting disorders.
• Weakened immune system.
• Immunosuppressive medications.
• Weakened immune system.
• Glycolic acid.
• Depigmenting agents and exfoliating skin treatments.
• Photosensitive individuals.

If you have any skin anomaly, infection, or similar condition, you should consult the center or professionals in photodepilation before proceeding.

If you are undergoing acne treatment with glycolic acid, retinol, tretinoin, or products that remove the outer layer of the epidermis, you should pause the treatment for a few days before your session.

How many sessions are needed?

It depends on the hair growth and the area you want to treat.

To know how many sessions are needed for photodepilation, the strength of the body hair should be considered. Hair from the bikini area is different from hair on the calves, just as male and female hair growth differs.

The color of the hair is also important, so to calculate the number of sessions required for full depilation, these factors need to be evaluated.

Generally, every month and a half, you should visit the depilation center in Madrid, Barcelona, or wherever you reside. With 4 sessions, you should notice significantly reduced growth. Some residual hair may remain in certain areas. If you are a man, you may need to repeat the process twice as many times.