AndThere is a solution for those who are tired of the usual waxing appointment at the beautician: lpulsed light at home. It is not painful and there are many tools on the market that promise professional results in a matter of weeks.
Pulsed light at home: how does it work, how does it remove hair?
At the basis of the operation of the pulsed light is the photothermolysis: the light impulses, like real flashes, reach the hair follicle hitting the hair pigment so as to avoid its regrowth. Pulsed light does not act only superficially by hitting the germinative part of the hair, but therefore goes deep destroying the hair bulb over time.
For this reason, unlike the classic waxing – in fact defined as “depilation” -, the pulsed light has a value of “epilation”. Another difference from waxing is the irrelevance of length of the hair, which can also be treated rather short.
Very smooth legs (and not only) with pulsed light (Instagram/@mirandakerr)
Compared to the definitive hair removal treatment done in the salon, home tools are, however, less powerful. This does not compromise the effectiveness of the sessions but it still extends the time needed to obtain the first results. An epilation definitive takes a few weeks and lasts from 18 to 24 months.
How an IPL treatment at home works
Pulsed light at home must respect hair regrowth and must be performed twice a month, no more, with a three-week interval between one treatment and another. But how to proceed? To facilitate the work of the device you need remove all superficial hair, preferably with a razor, so that the pulsed light acts directly on the bulb.
When the appliance is placed on dry skin, it emits light flashes which, once turned into heat, directly hit the root of the hair. Devices of this type can be used on multiple zonesincluding mustache and chin, but not around the eyes. The most difficult areas of the body? Bikini and underarms because you need patience to see the first results.
By affecting the melanin of the hair, the success of the pulsed light depends a lot on the phototype: having less melanin, light, blond, red, gray or white hairs are not properly intercepted by the tool and therefore epilation is more summary.
The contraindications of pulsed light at home
Convenient and practical, pulsed light at home has no particular contraindications. But it is a treatment not recommended for expectant mothers, if you are breastfeeding, if the skin is damaged or if you are undergoing special drug treatments. Better to avoid it too in cases of moles, birthmarks, tattoos, scars or hyperpigmentation problems.
Not only that but in the 24 hours following the treatment it is better to avoid the application of any product that can irritate the skin, including scrubs that are too intense, cosmetics that are too perfumed and tight clothing.
Finally, winter is the ideal time for pulsed light while it is to be avoided in summer, especially if there is a tendency to develop sunspots. A caution: in the 48 hours before and after the session, it is better to avoid exposure to the sun.
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