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Porównanie Philips Lumea - Wybierz Najlepszy Model Dla Siebie
Philips Lumea Prestige vs Braun Silk-expert Pro 5: which is the best IPL machine?
It's the battle of the IPL titans, but which is better, Philips or Braun?
When it comes to the best of IPL devices, the Philips Lumea Prestige vs Braun Silk-expert Pro 5 is a clash of the titans. Of course, there are loads of great options out there for a variety of budgets - and you can check out our best IPL machine buying guide for some of the best – but both of the models are the brand’s top offerings and packed with the latest hair busting technology.
But what is IPL exactly? It stands for 'intense pulsed light', and unlike laser machines, it uses different wavelengths of light to target pigment within the hair, effectively putting it to sleep. Once the light reaches the pigment, it’s heated to a level that kills the growing cells, eradicating the hair.
The Philips Lumea Prestige IPL and Braun Silk-expert Pro 5 can both be used in a similar way: Users simply remove hair by shaving, epilating or waxing. They can then select the right setting for their skin tone on their device, before holding it at a 90-degree angle and pressing the button while moving it over the area they want smooth. With repeat use, it’s quick and effective.
Philips Lumea Prestige review: What is IPL?
IPL stands for 'Intense Pulse Light'. It uses multiple wavelengths of light to heat pigment within the hair – killing the growing cells and stopping the hair from regrowing.
With that in mind, it's a good idea to start your IPL treatment a few months before you need smooth, hair-free skin.
I have pale skin and dark hair – which is ideal when it comes to IPL. These machines are less effective if you have grey hair, red hair or light blonde hair, or if you have a darker skin tone. Below is a graphic from Philips which shows which hair and skin types are compatible with IPL:
It's worth noting that this is an issue with all IPL machines, not just the Philips Lumea Prestige.
Philips Lumea Prestige vs Braun Silk-expert Pro 5: Power Settings
The Lumea Prestige has five energy settings, but there’s no need to go manual, because the device is designed to detect your skin tone with its SenseIQ technology. This means it can select the most comfortable light setting for that tone, to give you the most comfortable and effective results. If that’s not enough, the three attachments further adapt programs tailored for each body area.
The Braun model has the edge when it comes to the number of power settings. There are 10 intensity levels and three comfort modes. Just like the Lumia, the Silk-expert Pro 5 has tech to read your skin tone. Called SensoAdapt, it means the device continuously reads the skin tone and adapts the flash intensity accordingly, for what Braun says is the safest and most effective permanent visible hair removal.
So, when it comes to power settings, the Braun wins, but both make getting the right setting simple with some seriously clever technology.
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Philips Lumea Prestige vs Braun Silk-expert Pro 5: Verdict
Whether you choose the Braun or the Philips model really comes down to whether you place more importance on flexibility or power and speed.
The Philips Lumea Prestige offers more flexibility with its cordless design and three attachments, whereas the Braun offers fewer options. So, if you like your tech targeted – and to be able to do hair removal wherever you like in your home – you might want to go with the Lumea.
However, the Braun Silk-expert Pro 5 has the edge when it comes to power and speed. It has 10 intensity levels and is faster when it comes to removing leg hair, although both devices are speedy at blitzing body hair and come with clever tech to choose the best power intensity for the job.
So really, both devices are packed with tech and a potential game-changer when it comes to managing unwanted hairs. Which one you choose comes down to personal preferences. You might find that picking the right one, is a little like splitting hairs.
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.
