The Only Guide You Need for IPL Laser Hair Removal Preparation
Fether's recent breakthrough IPL device has been a revolutionary game changer for at home hair removal methods. It is designed to operate similar to laser hair removal, however in the comfort of your own home and without breaking the bank.
Follow these steps before your first session to ensure safe and comfortable treatments with results you will absolutely love.
Stick to your roots
Stop plucking and waxing the treated area at least four to six weeks prior to your first treatment. The Silk Light IPL device works by identifying the pigment and targeting the roots of the hair, so it is essential that the root is present in the follicle.
The no-go zones:
- Waxing
- Plucking
- Epilating
- Bleaching
- Electrolysis
- Depilatory creams
The above methods will damage the hair follicles, leading to an unsatisfactory result.
Shave
Shave the treated area 12-24 hours before using your Silk Light IPL device so that the hair has time to show on the surface, allowing it to be easily targeted by the laser. Shaving will minimise the risk of burns by attacking the hair below the skin’s surface. Shave the day before you plan to use the device to allow recovery time from any irritation that can commonly occur whilst shaving. A clean shave with a sharp razor is essential in order to avoid the laser targeting hairs sitting above the skin, running the risk of burns.
Ban the Tan
Skip the fake tan this week and embrace the pale look. Tanned skin can increase the risk of developing dark spots and can hinder your results. Fake tan may cause unsuccessful hair removal as it increases pigment in the skin and can confuse the machine. To maximise your success rate, don’t fake tan for four weeks before treatment as the lighter the skin, the easier it is to target the hair. The energy from the laser will be absorbed into tanned skin rather than the follicle and burning or discoloration may occur.
SPF - 50
Similar to its safer counterpart, sun-tanned skin can also lead to discolouration after using an IPL device. It’s important to avoid the sun for two weeks prior to your Silk Light IPL treatment as even a minor sunburn can cause extreme pain and blistering on the skin. Sun exposure will make the skin sensitive to heat, causing hyper-pigmentation, burns and scarring from the laser. If you’re out in the sun, ensure the area is covered up or slathered in at least SPF 50 every couple hours. If treating the face, be overly cautious and wear a hat with sunscreen.
Exfoliate
Make regular exfoliation a habit before and after every session. Dry skin can form a barrier between the light and skin. Exfoliating the treated area will maximise the amount of light to penetrate the skin. Shaving can also create bumps and ingrown hair, which can be minimised through exfoliation. Use a loofah sponge or washcloth in the shower to ensure your skin can properly shed dead hair cells without irritating your skin.
Cleanse
Make sure that the area you are treating is free of any makeup, moisturiser and deodorant. The ingredients in makeup and skincare products can affect the results of the Silk Light and chemical reactions may cause mild irritation, burns or discolouration on the skin. Any products that have pigments in them e.g. foundation and concealer, could interrupt the light, making it interact with the skin, instead of the hair follicles.
Test the area
Before your first Silk Light treatment, perform a patch test on the intended treatment area to ensure that no adverse reactions may result. Zap the first section and assess for up to 48 hours. A patch test should be performed before you start on a new area of the body as different areas of your skin will react differently from each other.
Enjoy the benefits of affordable, hair treatments to permanently reduce hair growth with the Fether Silk Light.