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Philips Lumea Bikini - Głębokie I Długotrwałe Rozwiązanie Dla Gładkiej Skóry
Can blondes and redheads use IPL?
IPL works best on those with naturally dark blonde, brown or black hair, but sadly white, grey, light blonde or red hair does not contain enough melanin in the hair follicle for it to absorb the light and therefore IPL simply cannot give the right results. The same limitations apply to skin tone too – IPL is most effective for those with very light to dark brown skin tones, however it is not suitable with those with very dark skin tones (Fitzpatrick skin type VI).
Although on the outside IPL and laser may seem very similar, there are some key differences in not only the technology of these hair removal methods, but also the cost, who can do it and where you can do it.
Let’s start with the technology first! IPL and laser do have some key things in common - their functionalities are based on light pulses, they both are effective treatments in removing and reducing unwanted hair and neither offer permanent hair removal (top-up session and treatments will always be required to keep re-growth at bay).
However, as you look a bit closer, you will notice that the technological details differ. Whilst both use high-energy light (which is absorbed by the melanin in the hair follicle to bring the hair into a resting phase), IPL is made up of a wide spectrum of light – like that of a light bulb – which can treat larger areas of skin, whereas laser technology is based on a single, concentrated wavelength that penetrates the skin point by point.
Now we’re done with the tech differences – lets talk cost and ease.
Both IPL and laser can vary widely in cost depending on the provider, but both are usually considered as investment purchases. However, one of the key differences is that laser can only be conducted at a dermatologist or in a salon which usually comes with a high price tag and the hassle of travel to and from the location. With IPL, this can also be conducted in a salon, but you can also buy an at-home IPL device like the Philips Lumea 9900 series – which allows you to safely remove your hair with IPL, from the comfort of your own home and at a time that suits you.
IPL: bikini area and intimate area
- Test skin tone: Test your skin tone one day before treatment with the Philips Lumea IPL 9000 Series. Lumea's SmartSkin sensor determines the correct intensity of light pulses for you. This prevents injuries caused by using impulses that are too strong, while also avoiding substandard results from the impulse strength being too weak.
Slight redness can occur after use. However, many users have found that any redness in the bikini area disappears shortly after. So be patient with the first applications. Above all, avoid re-using the Lumea on an area that has already been treated in order to prevent more severe skin irritation.
IPL bikini line shaping
For both your intimate area and bikini line, IPL hair removal provides an opportunity to get creative and do some styling – so you can really notice the difference between your IPL-ed bikini line, before and after use! It’s all about contours and shapes:
- Contours: To achieve a clean contour along the bikini line, you can either use the IPL device freehand along the groin or use a template. The latter is used to cover hair that’s not to be removed, so that the IPL does not reach the hair follicles there.
- Shapes: There are no limits to your imagination when it comes to shapes. You can laser the bikini area with IPL using a template or stencil. Will you choose the famous landing strip, a heart, a lightning bolt, an arrow, or will a different shape take your fancy?
As you can see, it’s as straightforward to have a go at IPL hair removal – bikini area or otherwise – as it is to shave, wax or epilate. However, unlike those other hair removal approaches, with the Philips Lumea IPL 9000 Series you have longer-lasting results, so you’re always ready for the beach or the pool. Why not try it out yourself with the Philips Lumea Try & Buy programme? Pay it all off in one go, pay monthly, or return it – the choice is yours.
What is your recommended IPL aftercare?
The great thing about IPL is that there’s no ‘down-time’ or recovery time needed. However, I do have a few tips and recommendations on how you can best look after your skin post IPL treatment.
Directly after using Philips Lumea, your skin will be more sensitive. Therefore, we recommend you wait at least 24 hours or until all redness has disappeared before exposing treated areas to the sun and would avoid using any actives (like retinol) straight after treatment on the face. Adding a layer of your favourite moisturiser post treatment is also a great way to complete each session to keep your skin feeling smooth.
Logging each of your treatments in the handy Lumea app will help keep you on track as it sends you helpful reminders on upcoming treatments, as well as hosting a wealth of additional tips and guidance support.
For most of us, IPL is an investment so to keep it in great condition you should be keeping your IPL device clean, giving it a wipe down after every use and pop it in the storage bag.
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Emma Gritt is the Multiplatform Director of Women's Health UK.
I am passionate about all things "woo", beauty gadgets and treatments, cooking, travel, spa visits, gardening, lusting over homeware, animals and nature. I'm also a huge bookworm, and always have at least two books on the go!
When I'm not working, I enjoy playing tennis, swimming, cycling, pilates, and looking for new treasures to sell in my antiques cabinet.
Prior to joining WH in 2022, I worked as a digital journalist and senior editor at national newspapers, radio stations and at international content agencies.
Philips Lumea Prestige review: Use
Okay, so how do you actually use the Philips Lumea Prestige?
When you first get the Prestige you'll want to download the Philips Lumea IPL app. This will walk you through using the machine and set up a treatment plan. It's a simple, well-designed app that's easy to use.
Initially, you'll need to IPL your chosen body part/parts every two weeks for eight weeks (four sessions). The app will remind you when a treatment is due.
You can use the device corded or cordless, which is useful if you want to sit comfortably away from a socket, but you can access higher settings when using the Prestige corded.
Once you're ready, simply place the device against your skin and pull the trigger. The bulb won't flash unless there's a seal between your skin and the light window – this is to protect your eyes and to ensure correct placement.
For smaller, trickier areas you can then move the Lumea and pull the trigger again, or, for larger areas such as your legs, you can glide the device slowly along your skin holding the trigger for a continuous run of flashes.
It can take a fairly long time to do your legs (around 15-20 minutes) as the light window area is quite small. I think this is perfectly bearable, especially as you can do it from the comfort of a sofa, armchair, or bed.
Describing the sensation of IPL is quite difficult – it's certainly not painful, but, occasionally, you can feel an odd stinging sensation, like a small insect bite that goes away after a few seconds. It's certainly much less painful than waxing or epilating.
I've found a close shave prior to your IPL treatment is key to minimising these stings.
After the initial phase, you need to complete top-up sessions every six to eight weeks. Again, the app will remind you when a treatment is due.
