Get started with your IPL device

An IPL hair removal device works a little differently than an electric shaver or epilator. In this article, we'll explain the treatment using 7 steps:

• Step 1: prepare skin.
• Step 2: choose the right setting.
• Step 3: do a skin test.
• Step 4: pair smartphone.
• Step 5: start the treatment.
• Step 6: post-treat your skin and device.
• Step 7: follow your treatment plan.

In addition to this article, always read the manual before use.

Before using the IPL hair removal device, shave the hairs from the body parts you want to use the IPL device on with a razor blade or a ladyshave. This prevents the flashes of the device from burning your hair. Then use a white (kohl) pencil to draw a grid on the clean and dry body part you want to remove hair from. This way, you know exactly where you've been and you avoid double flashing your skin. Don't use a dark color for the grid, as this can cause burns.

Place the IPL device on your skin, so the device scans your skin tone. The device then offers you one or more recommended light settings. Select the setting that feels comfortable for you. If your device doesn't have a scanning function, look up which setting is right for you in the manual. It's important that you choose one of the recommended light settings which are adapted to your skin type. This way, you avoid skin damage, burning, and a bad result.

If you use the IPL device for the first time, it's important that you do a skin test first. To do this, set the device to the strength selected by you, as described above. Then test the flash on a small piece of skin and let the skin rest for 24 hours. If the skin reacts well, you can continue removing hair. If you see skin irritation or damage, try a lower strength. If irritation persists, we don't recommend continuing with the device.

Do you have a Philips IPL device? We recommend that you download the Philips Lumea IPL app. Thanks to the app, you get insight into the settings of your device and you receive videos on how to use the device. The app also makes a personal treatment plan for you. You can see exactly when you need to remove hair from which body part again, in order to get the best result. This way, you can be sure that you don't put too much stress on your skin and that you work safely.

After the preliminary steps, you can start removing the hair from your desired body parts. If the device has several attachments, you first have to click the right one on the device. Then, hold the IPL device at an angle of 90 degrees against the skin. Press the flash button and slowly move the machine over your body, until you've flashed every spot. You decide whether you make a sliding or stamping movement.

After use, turn off the IPL hair removal device and remove any attachments. Then clean the light window, the exterior of the attachments, and the interior of the attachments with a soft and damp cloth. Don't go into the sun for at least 48 hours after the treatment and don't scrub your skin to prevent skin irritation. If you do go into the sun, we recommend that you use sunscreen of at least 30 SPF. You can use skin-friendly deodorant or body lotion.

You'll see results right after the first treatment. Repeat the treatments according to your treatment plan between 4 and 12 weeks to get the hair follicles in rest mode. You can see your hair get thinner and softer after time. It differs per person and body part how long it takes to get a smooth result. As soon as you have a smooth result, it's important you maintain this. You can do this by repeating the treatment every 4 to 8 weeks.