Are IPL Machines safe? It has gotten to a point where people just want to get rid of unwanted hairs, but the varieties of options available have made the decision making confusing for people with no basics knowledge or prior experience.
The use of IPL machine is one of the methods of hair removal; it is not new. These devices have been on the market for a few years, and right now we have people looking for reviews of Best IPL hair removal machines. However, there are myths that the use of IPL technology for hair removal is not safe.
How true is this?
Let’s find out really if IPL machines are safe.
What Is IPL and How Does It Work?
IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light. It’s a type of light therapy used in the cosmetic and medical industry to perform different skin treatments. Aside from being used for hair removal, you can use it to remove or minimize sun damage, birthmarks, age spots, and varicose veins.
Like laser hair treatments, the use of IPL for beard/skin hair removal is not regulated. It gets rid of hairs by emitting a wavelength into the skin targeting the pigment. Once the heat gets absorbed, it turns to heat kills the growing cells that make the hair.
Is an IPL Machine Safe?
Yes, the use of hair removal machines making use of intense pulsed light technology is safe. As said earlier, it is not a new method of hair removal, many people don’t just the basic knowledge of how it operates and the few of the people that have used this machine faced one or two side effects that have made them conclude that it is unsafe.
So, if you’re interested in removing hairs from any part of your body you can go on with the use of the best IPL hair removal machine out there. However, you may experience side effects during this period; just know they are nothing to worry about.
Does the Use of IPL Machine for Hair Removal Really Work?
Hair removal has come a long way and it has led to the use of different technologies been used for the hair removal process. The use of IPL technology is a greater alternative for people that are not compatible with other hair removal methods such as laser hair removal, hair removal cream, waxing, and waxing, etc.
But to be frank, “IPL is for less effective than laser method of hair removal, as the energy used is produced by a lamp, more like a light bulb, and produce a variety of light waves, so it is more diffused compared to a laser that is focused and powerful.
That should not stop you from using the IPL machine; you should go ahead if you are looking for a hair removal method that is affordable.
What Are The Side Effects of Using IPL Machine for Hair Removal?
After you’ve read the above, you’ve been wondering if the use of the IPL machine has any side effects at all.
The truth of it is that there are side effects, but they are mild and it is rare for users to experience them.
However, there are certain guidelines you need to follow, and I also what you to know that IPL is not for everyone.
Who is IPL not Suitable for?
IPL technology is known to be ideal for light skin and dark hairs, and that is because there is a strong contrast between the melanin in the skin and the hair follicle. In the case where the skin is of a darker tone, the melanin in the skin coupled with the follicle can get damaged as a result of burns and blistering.
What Are the Benefits of Using IPL Hair Removal Machines?
There are dime dozens of reasons why you should consider choosing IPL for your hair removal:
#1. It is Easy and quiet
Machines that make use of IPL technology have a relatively large treatment window and can cover larger areas quickly while comparing to electrolysis. It can take 10-15 minutes to remove hairs from the whole leg.
#2. No Ingrown Hairs
IPL ensures that no ingrown hairs after the process, which makes it different from a product such as shaving and waxing.
#3. Permanent Results
With time, It takes a long period of time before strands of hair can grow back. Note that the use of the IPL machine does not mean your hairs won’t grow ever again, but it will take months before your hairs start growing back after the initial hair removal process.
#4. Lighter Re-Growth
After the hair removal process with the best IPL machine, hair that grows back will become finer and light that becomes less to see.
Factors to Consider Before Buying Hair Removal Machine
#1. Features
There are varieties of features offer that determine the price at which the machines are to be sold. Deciding which features you truly want is important, it will prevent you from spending more while you could have spent less.
#2. Power Level/Settings
Buying an IPL machine with a range of power level settings is important because a different part of the body has its level of tolerance. Given that the use of the IPL machine can cause pains, it gives the chance to start at the lower level, and then make changes if need be.
#3. Spot Size
The larger the spot size, the larger the area that needs to be covered by the device in a go. With an IPL machine with a large spot size, you can quickly get it done.
#4. Safety
Before you buy any IPL machine from Amazon, it should be fully FDA approved for consumer use. If you are using for either domestic/professional purposes, it should include inbuilt safety features that only allow a light beam to fire only when held properly.
#5. LED Display
An IPL machine has an LED display with features such as Low battery light indicator, light cartridge replacement is an added advantage.
IPL Hair Removal Machines You Should Check Out
#1. Philips Lumea New BR1953 100 Prestige IPL Removal Device
Philips Lumea New BR1953 100 Prestige IPL Removal Device is a suitable hair removal machine for a wide variety of skin and hair types. It works perfectly on the naturally dark blade, black hair and brown and also on skin tones from white to brown. The downside of this device is that it cannot be used to treat light blade, red and white/grey hair and it is not suitable for very dark skin, which is due to the high level of contrast needed between the pigment in the hair colour and the pigment in the skin tone.
It can be used for specialized treatments of the body (legs, arms, and stomach), bikini area and underarms. The hair removal device has a face attachment with the precise design and extra face filter. The package is an attachment that makes it easy for curved bikini area and underarms area.
Reasons to Buy
- The lamp can deliver up to 250,000 flashes with unique precision that makes hair removal easy in the area such as bikini and underarm.
- It can be used either corded or cordless.
- Philips Lumea New BR1953 can be used anywhere around the world.
- It comes with a curved attachment that can be used for body, face, bikini area and underarms.
- Two lithium-ion batteries included.
Reasons not To Buy
- No negative reviews.
Words from a Buyer
I took the plunge buying this product after reading the raving reviews, although a majority of them seemed to be given the device to try free or discounted. bought mine to be smooth in my lady region and have been so impressed! am a perfect candidate for this product with pasty white skin and thick dark brown hair. I admit it wasn’t apparent in the first session, but now after using this product for 3 months every 2 weeks, I am almost completely hairless! It has left me so smooth, which is life-changing after dealing with razor bumps for so many years.
I would highly recommend this product!
#2. Braun IPL Hair Removal for Women
If you are a woman looking for a safe, fast and efficient IPL machine, Braun IPL Hair Removal Machine is the right one for you. Braun IPL hair for women is of the safest IPL machine out there that has been clinically tested and dermatologically accredited by the Skin Health Alliance. It was designed to adapt to different skin tone ensuring optimal balance between efficiency and safety for the hair removal process.
Braun IPL Silk-expert Pro 5 comes with a precision head that makes it usable on the face, underarms and bikini line. The design is compact, lighter and easy to handle.
Reasons to Buy
- It has been clinically tested.
- It features SMART IPL with a skin sensor that can adapt to different skin tones.
- Included Venus razor, premium pouch, and precision head.
- Worth the price.
Reasons not To Buy
- No negative reviews.
Words from a Buyer
This is pretty neat. Here are some things to be aware of before buying…
This only works on some colours of skin and hair. If you have very dark skin (the chart looks like it could work for some lighter shades of black skin but not for those with the darkest shades) or very blonde hair or red hair, this says it won’t work for you.
But basically it’s pretty easy. You shave, dry the area, and then plug in the device and run the light over the surface of the skin. They recommend that you do a test of one spot first. I find it very easy to use. There is a larger head (Wider broadcast of the light) and a smaller head for more refined treatment areas. I’m excited to keep using it. You have to treat for 4-12 weeks and then after that only every couple of months.
Overall, I’m very pleased with this. Looking forward to less shaving!
#3. Iluminage Touch At-Home Permanent Hair Reduction Device
Iluminage Touch At-Home Permanent Hair Reduction Device makes use of intense pulsed light and radiofrequency to deliver the energy needed for removal of hairs for a long period of time. With this machine, you can remove your hair safely, painlessly and effectively.
Also, it is used by dermatologists around the world, meaning it has been clinically proven to be effective and safe for use in the widest range of hair colours, it can even work on dark blond, blond and red hair. A precision adapter is present that allows use for all skin areas.
Reasons to Buy
- It can be used on all skin areas due to the presence of a precision adapter.
- FDA approved.
Reasons not To Buy
- One of the buyers makes a complaint about it not working.
Words from a Buyer
I bought this after reading the rave review in the Sunday Times. It was simple to use and I was careful to follow the instructions to the letter. Unfortunately, after 7 weekly treatments, I still had lots of hair (on my lower legs) and I was very disappointed. However, I found their customer care department on their website, emailed them my concerns and, to my delight, they replied right away and told me that I should continue the weekly treatments (it is perfectly safe) and that hopefully, I would get some good results after 10 or 12 treatments. This is exactly what happened: I’m on week 11 and the results are very good. Some people’s hair is just more resilient I guess!
#4. Remington iLIGHT Pro At-Home IPL Hair Removal System
Remington Ilight Pro At-Home IPL Hair Removal System is another IPL hair removal machine you should consider, it is FDA approved and clinically proven to be smooth and beautiful skin. For ease of use and safety at-home, it comes with 5 power levels settings and a skin tone sensor to determine if the device is safe for use on your skin tone.
Reasons to Buy
- It can give long-lasting results.
- Fast, gentle and easy to use on the face.
- A powerful 16 joules per flash that allow hair reduction in fewer treatments.
- It worth the price base on the features, specifications, and feedback provided by verified users.
- Features corded power that allows you to enjoy reliable uninterrupted treatments.
- It can be used anywhere below the neck.
Reasons Not To Buy
- Takes a long time before the results start to show.
Words from a Buyer
I used this on my underarms and it basically stopped the hair growth the first time. I only have sparse hairs that are like peach fuzz now. The bikini area takes more time, but I no longer have razor bumps from the constant shaving. I am confident with continued use that it will eliminate all hair growth. This product is definitely worth the money and I highly recommend it.
Using IPL and Laser For The Face and finding out the safety of IPL machines
Both laser and IPL hair removal are techniques that are suitable for use on the female face. However, neither should be used on the scalp or eyebrows. They are safe to use below the cheek line for example on the upper lip or chin, but should not be used in proximity to the eyes as the glare of the light may damage your sight.
For this reason, it is important to use sufficient eye protection whenever you are using IPL or laser hair removal, even if you are not treating your face. Some at-home kits come with eye protection included, but if they don’t you can get them cheaply. It is also important that you do not look directly into the light source.
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers on Safety of IPL Machines
How Long IPL Hair Removal Can Last?
No one can assert how long it will take for any hair removal machine using IPL technology can last, how long depends on a dime dozens of factors. The maintenance level, brand, features, specifications and how frequent you use it determines how long it can last. However, with the right maintenance culture, your IPL hair removal machine can last for months, a year or more.
Where Can Buy IPL Hair Removal Machine?
You can yourself an IPL hair removal machine from the internet even without leaving the four corners of your room. IPL machine can be purchased from Amazon through the links provided in-between this post.
Does IPL Machines Really Work?
Yes, a hair removal machine that makes use of IPL technology really works. However, the majority of those who these methods favour are people that lack patience, proper knowledge and commitment. As said, the IPL method of hair removal is not a quick method of hair removal, you need patience. Check out the comment below.
I used this on my underarms and it basically stopped the hair growth the first time. I only have sparse hairs that are like peach fuzz now. The bikini area takes more time, but I no longer have razor bumps from the constant shaving. I am confident with continued use that it will eliminate all hair growth. This product is definitely worth the money and I highly recommend it.
Is the IPL Method of Hair Removal the same as Laser Hair Removal?
To be frank with you, IPL method of hair removal is nothing near to laser hair removal, it is not the same even as both use light energy targeted to the melanin at the base of the hair. IPL method of hair removal is different from the laser in the sense that IPL uses a broad light spectrum and laser while laser makes use of individual wavelengths.
How Long Have IPL And Laser Hair Removal Been Around?
The first use of IPL documented in academic literature took place in a study in 1997, where hair loss was found to be a side effect of skin treatment with IPL. This study used an IPL device called Photoderm VL and looked to treat facial port-wine stains (birthmarks). Researchers found that the lesions responded well to the first treatment and completely cleared up after the fourth.
Soon after this study, the authors published two cases of permanent removal of facial hair.
The same author also published an article that successfully used IPL to treat essential telangiectasias (ETE), which is another skin condition. Since then, the technology has vastly improved and resulted in the creation of more powerful and predictable IPL devices.
Laser hair removal, on the other hand, was first developed significantly earlier, in 1960. Initial designs were sadly slow and resulted in burns, but the technology quickly progressed, with the first FDA-cleared laser for hair removal becoming available in 1964.
Laser hair removal increased in popularity after that, and the FDA finally cleared an at-home laser hair removal kit, the Tria Laser 4X for permanent hair reduction in 2008.
Can I Switch From IPL to Laser Method of Hair Removal?
Yes, you can switch from IPL to the use of a laser hair removal machine for hair removal. But you need to leave a gap of 4 to 6 weeks to prevent skin problems.
How often should you get an IPL facial?
Most people go for IPL facial between three and seven sessions. However, it depends on the condition you should ask questions from the technician in charge before commencement.
Conclusion on finding out if IPL machines are safe
Here on MyBeardGang, you have read on the authenticity of using IPL machines for hair removal, the side effects of using IPL machine for hair removal, reviews of different hair removal machine on Amazon that makes use of Intense Pulsed Light technology and many others.
I believe with you all you’ve read here, you will be able to make your decision on whether you are compatible with the use of the IPL machine and face the results.
So do you have anything to ask on “Are IPL machines safe?”. You should make use of the comment box to ask questions, share your experience or complaints on any of the products reviewed above.
Check out these other articles:
Best Laser Hair Removal in Miami
Laser Hair Removal Consultation Questions
Best Laser Hair Removal For Brazilian Hair
List of Best At-Home Laser Hair Removal 2020
Best Professional Laser Hair Removal Machine