Wondering what to expect after an IPL treatment? You’re on the right page! Many of us are tired of shaving and waxing to get rid of unwanted hair. IPL is a semi-permanent hair removal technique that is gaining popularity. Shaving and waxing only remove hair from the skin's surface, whereas IPL treatments use concentrated light energy to destroy hair follicles. In this blog post, we answer questions that people frequently ask before undergoing IPL hair removal treatments.

What is IPL?

IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) hair removal is a non-invasive method of removing unwanted or excessive hair from various parts of the body. This method uses light energy to target unwanted hair on the surface of the skin and remove it. IPL therapy typically involves multiple treatment sessions, and each one delivers pulses of light that penetrate into the skin, targeting and destroying the follicles that produce individual hairs. The light energy is made to not only stop the hair follicle from growing but also to stop hair from growing in the future. 

During treatments, patients may feel a slight snapping sensation in their skin; this can be managed with topical anesthetic cream or cooling gel if needed. As with most treatments, the results will depend on your skin type, hair color and thickness, the area being treated, and your lifestyle, among other things. Most of the time, though, you need more than one session to get the best results. It's also important to remember that not all hair can be permanently removed, but IPL can usually make it less noticeable if it can't be completely removed.

How does IPL Hair Removal Work?

IPL hair removal is a safe and effective way to get rid of hair permanently. It is often used on the face, arms, legs, bikini line, and underarms. IPL works by delivering a continuous spectrum of light energy to the targeted area. The light energy goes through the skin and is absorbed by the melanin in the hair follicle. This causes thermal damage to the follicle and prevents it from producing new hair. The procedure is typically done in multiple sessions because different parts of the body require different levels of intensity and may need additional treatments for the best results.

During each session, a handheld device will be moved over the treatment area. It will send out pulses of light that heat up the hair follicles. The surrounding skin remains cool due to its ability to disperse heat more quickly. Depending on your skin type and the settings you choose, you may feel a slight tingling or some pain during the treatment. This varies from person to person, but usually goes away after each pulse.

IPL hair removal is much better than traditional methods like waxing or shaving because there is almost no downtime after each session. This is in contrast to waxing, which removes layers of skin with hot wax, leaving redness and irritation that can take several days to go away. Additionally, with IPL, there is no risk of ingrown hairs or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which are common with other methods like electrolysis or chemical depilation creams.

What to Expect After an IPL Treatment?

After an IPL hair removal treatment, you can expect a few different reactions from the skin. The treated area may be a little bit red and a little bit swollen right after the treatment. This is normal and should go away within a few hours. You might also feel a little pain during or after treatment, like when you get sunburned. It's important to do what your doctor tells you to do after a procedure, as this can help reduce any uncomfortable side effects.

In the days following an IPL hair removal treatment, you may notice that the hair in your treated area begins to thin out or fall out entirely. After each session, it's normal for these hairs to fall out for up to four weeks. You shouldn't exfoliate or wax the treated area during this time because it can irritate the skin and slow down the healing process. 

It is also recommended that you stay out of direct sunlight and use sunscreen when exposed to it for at least one week following your treatment. Avoiding hot baths or saunas, as well as overly strenuous exercise sessions until your skin has had a chance to heal, can also be beneficial. 

Lastly, most people need more than one IPL treatment before they are happy with the results. Depending on the specific case, it may take anywhere between four and eight treatments spaced out over several months in order to fully remove unwanted hair growth from a given area of the body.

IPL Aftercare Tips

Now that you know what to expect after an IPL treatment, here are some aftercare tips to ensure your skin heals beautifully and smoothly after each treatment. 

1. Because the treated follicles were heated, the area may feel irritated for a few minutes to a day after treatment. Aloe vera, Aquaphor, a cool compress, or an ice pack can be used to soothe skin that is sensitive, red, or swollen.

2. Apply a soothing ointment, such as hydrocortisone cream or Aquaphor, to the treated area if it is itchy.

3. Avoid using hot water for at least 24 hours after your treatment. Hot showers, baths, steam rooms, and saunas are all examples of this. Tanning activities such as tanning beds and excessive sun exposure should also be avoided.

4. You will notice hair loss a few days to a few weeks after your treatment. Use a loofah or a washcloth to gently scrub the area to help get rid of dead hair from the follicles. Pull out any strands that are still attached.

5. You can shave or trim in between treatments to keep your skin smooth, but avoid waxing or plucking any new layers of hair as they grow in. For your next treatment to be effective, the follicles must be intact.

6. Wear protective clothing and apply SPF 30 or higher sunscreen daily. When skin is exposed to the sun for a long time, a sunblock with an SPF of 50 or higher should be used. Unprotected sun exposure may result in skin discoloration.

What are the Perks of Using At-Home IPL Devices?

At-home IPL hair removal devices provide a simple and hassle-free way to reduce unwanted body hair. The main benefit of using these devices is that they are easy to use at home and don't usually require any special preparation or help from a professional. Aside from this, there are several other perks worth considering.

One of the most prominent benefits is the cost savings over time; at-home devices come at an affordable one-time price, making them much more economical compared to regular treatments done at salons. In addition, if you purchase this device, you will be able to achieve long-lasting results after only a few sessions, rather than having to go in for waxing or laser treatments several times. 

Also, IPL devices that you can use at home are thought to be safe and effective for all skin types and tones. This means that anyone can use them, especially people with sensitive skin that gets irritated by other treatments like waxing and shaving. In addition, unlike other forms of hair removal that may cause razor burns or ingrown hairs, IPL doesn't result in any physical pain since the light pulses are gentle on your skin. 

Finally, most at-home IPL devices feature adjustable settings that allow you to customize each session according to your individual needs; this means you can adjust the intensity level based on your sensitivity while also targeting different areas like your face or legs with ease! So, depending on your own preferences and treatment goals, you can adjust each session to get the best results.

Final Thoughts

IPL hair removal treatments are becoming a more common way to get smooth, hairless skin with little effort. We hope that this article provides helpful insight into the procedure and will help you understand what to expect after an IPL treatment.