The Best at-Home IPL Hair Removal Devices for your Smoothest Skin
Hair removal isn't exactly a procedure we would have fun with, but it's one we have to endure if we want to have silky smooth skin. While COVID-19 limited our ability to access in-salon laser options, many found it the optimal time to embrace at-home alternatives. Here, Marie Claire's guide to perfect the process of DIY hair removal. How Does IPL hair removal devices Work? IPL uses light energy to target accurately and remove pigmented or damaged skin cells or hair follicles. Using a handheld device, a medical professional will target multiple wavelengths of light onto the skin. This light heats cells in the skin and breaks them down. The body then removes the damaged tissue naturally. Is At-Home IPL hair removal devices Safe? At-home IPL hair removal devices are created with lower levels of energy output than those you would find in a salon to ensure that they are safe in the hands of non-professionals, however, caution is always recommended when performing this style of procedure on yourself. While the decreased energy levels are a mandatory safety measure, this does mean you will generally need to increase the frequency of your at-home hair removal 'appointments', as the results offered by DIY devices won't be as long-term as the ones you would obtain from a salon visit. What Precautions Should Be Taken When Using Hair Removal Devices At Home? When using hair removal devices at home, we recommend beginning the process by patch testing on a small area. It's best to allow 24 to 48 hours before continuing on the remaining skin to ensure no complications or skin irritations arise as a result of use.