They say beauty is pain… and in no category has that historically been as apparent as it is in hair removal. Waxing, laser hair removal, epilating… they may be effective, but they all put you in a world of pain.
BUT! Hair removal technology is changing, and now, it’s not all painful. IPL is an increasingly popular method that provides permanent hair removal. And compared to other hair removal methods, it’s virtually painless. Treatment is easy, comfortable, and safe to do at home with an FDA-cleared IPL device like Lumi.
Learn more about IPL hair removal pain levels, including how they compare to other popular methods you might be more familiar with.
Pain Levels During IPL Hair Removal
IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light. During IPL hair removal, a device targets unwanted hair follicles and destroys them with broad light pulses, without harming or damaging the skin. IPL hair removal is virtually painless, and some devices are cleared by the FDA to offer safe, effective hair removal at home.
Compared to waxing, IPL is a lot less painful. It involves less skin contact and less ripping – no need to rip a bunch of hairs off at the root all at once! And as for IPL vs laser hair removal, IPL is much less painful. While laser hair removal and IPL hair removal utilize similar light technology to target unwanted body hair, laser hair removal uses single-beam lasers at a high intensity. IPL devices like Lumi use broad-spectrum light pulses, allowing the device to target a larger area at once and allowing for a more comfortable treatment.
Pain levels during IPL hair removal may vary depending on a variety of factors, including skin type, hair density, where the device is used (areas where the skin is thin, like underarms and bikini area, are typically more sensitive), pain threshold, device intensity settings, pre-treatment care, and even the time of the month (skin tends to be more sensitive during menstruation).
Note that IPL (intense pulsed light) technology can also be used in photofacials and other skin treatments aside from at-home IPL hair removal. If you’re interested in using IPL to treat pigmentation, don’t use an IPL hair removal handset – visit a clinic for professional treatment.
Related: IPL Treatment Cost for Permanent Hair Removal
Patient Experiences and Testimonials
Related: Lumi Reviews
Advancements in IPL Technology that Reduce Discomfort
Recent advancements in IPL technology and at-home IPL devices have managed to reduce discomfort even further. Lumi comes with six intensity settings, allowing users to customize their treatment for faster results or gentler treatment. Most users report feeling nothing at all on the lowest setting. On higher settings, those with sensitive skin may experience mild discomfort, but many users still report no pain at all.
Lumi’s advanced cooling technology has also helped to reduce discomfort often experienced with other handheld IPL devices. Most burns occur as a result of the device’s flash window overheating. Lumi is equipped with skin-focused cooling technology that diverts heat away from the bulb.
Lumi also features a 12-foot cord, a large flash window, and a non-bulky ergonomic design to make treatment more comfortable.
Related: FDA-Approved IPL Hair Removal: 5 Reasons to Choose Our Handset
Professional Advice on Managing IPL Treatment Pain
IPL treatment is rather gentle, but there are certain precautions you can take to ensure the most comfortable treatment possible.
How to prepare for an IPL session to minimize pain:
- Check the skin tone chart to make sure you’re a candidate for IPL
- Choose a device that’s FDA-cleared for safe, effective treatment
- Do a patch test on a small area first, as instructed in your user manual
- Exfoliate the skin 24-48 hours before treatment
- Shave the treatment area the day before to minimize irritation and prevent burns
- Be sure the skin is free of any gels, creams, or topicals
- Set your device to the lowest intensity level. (We recommend starting with the lowest intensity level, then going up by one level with each subsequent session provided you don’t experience any discomfort.)
Follow treatment instructions carefully. Immediately after treatment, follow with an aloe-based body lotion like Aloe Coco Body Lotion to soothe and moisturize treated skin. Never do IPL treatment more than twice per week.
Mild side effects include redness, irritation, or itchiness at the treatment area. These usually go away within a couple of days – if symptoms persist or more serious adverse skin reactions occur, discontinue use and consult your physician.
FAQs
What does IPL feel like during treatment?
On low settings, it may feel like nothing at all. On higher settings, you may notice some sensation. Some describe it as a slight stinging or a light rubber band flick.
How does IPL feel compared to waxing?
Much gentler and much less dramatic. There’s no ripping anything off, and you’re in control of the pace and the intensity the entire time.
Are there any numbing creams that can be used with IPL?
If you receive IPL treatment at a salon, they may offer numbing creams. But we don’t recommend using numbing creams with at-home handsets – Lumi in particular was not designed to be used with any such creams. But especially on the lowest level, numbing creams shouldn’t be necessary!
What should I do if IPL feels uncomfortable?
It shouldn’t! Lower your device’s intensity or discontinue use. Review your user guide and our FAQs to ensure you’re using the device properly. And reach out to us at info@roseskinco.com if you have any specific questions, we’d love to help you out.
Related: How to Lumi
Is IPL suitable for sensitive skin?
Yes! On its lowest setting, IPL is gentle enough for sensitive skin. But be sure to do a patch test before treating a larger area to make sure your skin doesn’t have any adverse reactions.
Do different areas of the body experience different levels of discomfort with IPL?
Yes. Areas where the skin is thinner, such as underarms and bikini area, tend to experience the most discomfort.
How do cooling mechanisms in IPL devices help with pain?
Most of the pain users tend to experience when performing IPL treatment is due to the device itself overheating. IPL devices utilize powerful light pulses, and without proper cooling technology, the flash window can get very hot and burn or damage the skin. Lumi’s cooling technology prevents that from happening and allows for pain-free treatment.
Are there any long-term side effects of IPL?
Permanent hair removal is a big one! Other long-term IPL hair removal side effects are rare but may include scarring and hyperpigmentation.
