How to use a photoepilator at home

Recommendations on how to properly use a photoepilator at home are useful to know even before buying it. With the right approach, you can achieve effective results. All aspects of operation are reduced to three main factors: preparation for the procedure, the frequency of hair removal, follow-up. An important point is contraindications for use, some of them are temporary, but there are severe restrictions.

Advantages and disadvantages of home photoepilation

There are many ways to remove excess hair from the body. And each has its own advantages and disadvantages, including photoepilation. Let’s look at its advantages first.

1. It is a non-invasive and non-traumatic procedure, without direct contact with the skin. The probability of getting some kind of infection is zero.
2. The problem of ingrown hair does not happen here, since the hair in the same place does not grow again (the follicle is completely removed).

During the procedure, the effect is only on those hairs that are on the surface. However, there are follicles in the skin in an inactive form, which then grow into hairs. To completely get rid of vegetation, the procedure must be repeated. I am glad that, despite this circumstance, the result will be noticeable almost immediately.

The photoepilator only affects the hairs in the growth phase

Photoepilation also has its weak points. Choosing for yourself a method of hair removal, you need to know the disadvantages of the procedure.

1. For a 100% result, several procedures must be done.
2. Devices for home use are low-power, so they can even leave visible hairs. Requires more passes than in the salon.
3. Photoepilation is a contraindication high skin sensitivity.
4. Facial hair appears due to systemic problems in the body, often hormonal. Therefore, after removal, even by promising methods, they may reappear. It is impossible to part with photoepilation, it can harm the thin, sensitive skin of the face, so at some point you will have to choose another method.
5. The method of photoepilation is more effective, the coarser and darker the hair. On gray, light (without melanin) hair, it does not work well.
6. In girls who are intolerant of pain, the procedure can cause discomfort. Before the first photoepilation, it is necessary to carry out sensitivity test.
7. There is evidence that radiation from the device can adversely affect neoplasms, transforming them from benign to oncological.
   

   On very light hair, photoepilation will be ineffective

How to choose a home photoepilator

If there is no reason to refuse this particular method of hair removal, it can be done at home. It is convenient and ultimately inexpensive. The device for home photoepilation looks like a travel hair dryer. The battery capacity is enough for 150 flashes of the emitter. When choosing a device in a store, you should pay attention to the following characteristics.

1. Power. For maximum effect, you need a device for 5-10 J / sq. cm. A delicate effect on the body is possible at 3-5 J / sq. cm. skin.
2. Single impact area (usually 1-6 sq. cm.)
3. Light pulse frequency. Normal speed is considered to be 0.5 pulses/sec.
4. Lamp Life. For a home appliance, 200 thousand pulses will be sufficient.
5. UV filter. Its strength is shown by a special indicator.
6. The quality of the device itself. A device designed to affect the body is better to buy from a trusted manufacturer.

Philips compact home photoepilator

Important! For the procedure, additional accessories are needed: goggles, anesthetic gel and antiseptic.

Where does epilation begin?

Each photoepilator always comes with an instruction manual or a video review, if there is none, information can be found on the official website of the seller. Requirements for preparing for epilation vary, depending on the specific model. Some manufacturers recommend first removing regrown hair with a conventional machine, while others recommend growing it up to 3-4 mm.

Two weeks before the first session, you need to stop tanning, self-tanning and solarium, as well as stop taking antibiotics. A full cycle consists of several procedures, their number varies from 5 to 10. For 6-7 weeks before the first epilation, you should not use wax, an electric epilator or do sugar epilation, otherwise the procedure will not bring results.

Before starting a session, experts advise to do trial flash on the skin. Such manipulations are dictated by security measures: there is always a risk that the skin will be too sensitive to photolamps. If there were no negative reactions, then it is allowed to use the photoepilator further.

Epilator settings

Before using the photoepilator, you need to install optimal power outbreaks. Experts advise starting to use from the minimum level, you should also read the manufacturer’s recommendations — they should be indicated in the user manual.

If you have not used such services before, the easiest way to start is with the armpits. On the one hand, you need to make several flashes at the first power level, if there are no unpleasant sensations, on the other hand, repeat the procedure at the second step.

It’s important to know! If during the session the user does not feel anything in the affected area, then the power is too low and there will be no result. It is forbidden to endure obvious pain sensations — this indicates that the power is too high.

During use, it is easy to determine which settings are necessary for an effective result. There are models where the power level is determined automatically by a special sensor — in this case, the task is simplified.

Skin preparation and first session

Before use, it is necessary to prepare the skin, as before the salon procedure, for this it is cleaned and treated with any non-abrasive peeling or scrub. At home, honey, tomato puree or a ready-made product from the store is suitable. Long hair and stubble are removed with a razor. In some cases, after depilation, you need to wait until the hairs grow to 2-4 mm. Do not neglect the rules specified in the instructions for use — this affects the effectiveness of the procedure.

The window of the photoepilator must be clean; the equipment of many devices contains a special napkin. Also, almost all modern models are equipped with touch sensor. When the device is applied correctly, it gives a sound, light or vibration signal.

After the flash, the epilator also signals that it can be removed. Experts recommend moving the device along a horizontal line and not affecting the same area twice during the procedure. Experienced owners, on the contrary, are advised to process the skin areas «overlapping». If the instructions require gel use — it must be applied, this will increase the comfort and safety of epilation. When processing large areas, it is recommended to switch to the sliding mode, if available.

How long does epilation take?

• legs — from 20 to 30 minutes;
• bikini zone — 15-20 minutes;
• deep bikini area — 20 minutes;
• armpits — 15 minutes.

Skin care

After the epilation session, in most cases, you need to use a soothing cream or gel. Slight redness is possible, and in order to avoid irritation, cosmetologists recommend refraining from saunas, hot baths and protecting the treated areas from all types of tanning.

There should be no obvious pain or burning. Sensitive skin may react to the procedure, but not feel discomfort. If you have any doubts about the condition of the skin, you should consult a doctor for advice. Most often, if itching or burning bothers you after epilation, it is enough to reduce the power next time.

Allergic reactions to flashlight occur, but are extremely rare.

Frequency of procedures

Since the epilator only removes visible hairs, the procedure will have to be repeated several times to achieve the best result. Safe intervals are listed below.

1. On average, between procedures should be 5-8 weeks.
2. Areas with darker hairs (arms and legs) can be irradiated once every 2 months.
3. Intimate areas (bikini, armpits) should be treated once every one and a half months.
4. The mustache is removed from the face once a month.
5. It is better to choose the frequency of using a photoepilator together with a specialist, individually. It should be remembered: the darker the hairs, the slower they go.

How soon to expect results

Under the action of radiation, only the bulb dies, the hair itself remains on the surface. It eventually disappears (within 10-14 days). In general, hair volume is reduced by two in 3-4 sessions. When calculating the frequency of procedures, it must be remembered that radiation works only with those hairs that are on the surface.

Already in 5 procedures, you can achieve a significant reduction in hair growth

Features of the procedure

Photoepilation has a number of limitations and nuances:

• the method is suitable for girls over 16-17 years old;
• hairs growing from molesyou can’t touch it, you can get severe burns, plus the consequences in the long term can be unpredictable;
• do not apply to damaged skin;
• during menstruation there are no medical restrictions on the procedure, but it may be a little more painful than usual;
• in the warm season, photoepilation can be done no later than 2 weeks before tanning;
• if the skin is prone to the appearance of stretch marksphotoepilation is undesirable;
• the radiation of the device does not affect the lymph nodes in the affected area (in particular, on the armpits).

Subject to all the rules and recommendations, photoepilation does not harm health and is quite comfortable.