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

Get started with your IPL device - Coolblue (2)

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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Article by:

Gaby IPL Hair Removal Expert.

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Get started with your IPL device - Coolblue (2024)

FAQs

How do you use IPL for the first time? ›

If it's your first time doing IPL treatment, we suggest starting on the lowest setting and increasing the intensity once a week as your comfort level allows. (IPL treatment is virtually painless, but the flash heat from the IPL does deliver a tingling sensation that might take some getting used to.)

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 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 many IPL flashes per area? ›

6- If there isn't any pain or discomfort, use the device in the highest energy setting and go over the same area 2 to 3 times but avoid flashing the exact same spot repeatedly.

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 many minutes should I use IPL at home? ›

Start Doing IPL At Home Often

(Self-care Sunday, anyone?) It's quick, easy, and painless. It only takes about 30 minutes to do a full-body treatment. Plus, if all you need is a quick pit hair removal sesh (no judgment here) or want to zap away some unwanted upper lip hairs, treatment only takes a few minutes.

Which IPL is best for intimate areas? ›

Private part hair removal with IPL: what you need to know

It's common to wonder whether using IPL for pubic hair is safe. As long as you use an IPL pubic hair removal device like the Philips Lumea IPL 9000 Series correctly and according to its intended use, there's no need to worry.

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 happens if I use IPL without shaving? ›

You need a small amount of hair visible at the surface of the skin for the IPL light to effectively destroy the follicle. Shaving the area being treated will help the laser focus beneath the skin and improve the results. If there's a lot of hair on the surface, a lot less light energy makes it deep into the follicle.

What are the downsides of IPL? ›

One of the most significant concerns associated with IPL treatment is the risk of burns or skin discoloration, particularly in people with darker skin tones. This risk stems from the procedure's reliance on light absorption, which can lead to excessive heat in areas with higher melanin concentrations.

What is the strongest at home IPL device? ›

Best IPL machines 2024: Jump Menu
  • Best overall: Braun Skin i-Expert Pro 7.
  • Best cordless: Philips Lumea Prestige IPL.
  • Best for permanent removal: Braun Silk Expert Pro 5.
  • Best for device longevity: Sensica Sensilight PRO.
  • Best for beginners: Philips Lumea Essential.
  • Best for cooling: Ulike Air+ IPL.

Does IPL tighten skin? ›

While IPL is especially useful for reduction of pigmentation in the skin, the heat it generates can stimulate cell turnover and collagen production in the skin This can have the effect of tightening areas of loose, crepey or lax skin and smoothing fine wrinkles.

Does IPL leave stubble? ›

After laser hair removal treatment, the treated area may look and feel like it has stubble. This is a typical response to laser treatment. The hair follicles are still present, but the hair is damaged and falls out over time.

How can I make my IPL more effective? ›

To maximize your IPL treatments' effectiveness, you can do a few before and after to optimize your results. The treatment area mustn't be tanned or exposed to direct sunlight two weeks before your procedure. Sun exposure encourages the production of melanin, which can interfere with your IPL's results.

How do I choose an IPL device? ›

When choosing the best IPL device to invest in, the key things to consider are as follows:
  1. 1) The lifespan. First and foremost, it's important to check the number of 'flashes' your device will emit. ...
  2. 2) The power. ...
  3. 3) The speed. ...
  4. 4) The treatment heads.
Mar 21, 2024

How do I 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. A treatment schedule can help you maintain this rhythm. This is especially helpful if you're treating different areas of your body.

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

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.

Do you have to remove hair before IPL? ›

You need a small amount of hair visible at the surface of the skin for the IPL light to effectively destroy the follicle. Shaving the area being treated will help the laser focus beneath the skin and improve the results.

Does IPL work the first time? ›

In general, patients can expect to see some improvement in their skin after the first session of IPL treatment. However, the full results may take several weeks or even months to become visible.

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