What is IPL hair removal? everything you need to know
Answering your questions about the light-based hair removal technology
IPL is still relatively unknown, especially when compared to its light-based hair removal cousin, laser hair removal. The best part of IPL if you ask us? That you can do it from the comfort of home, all for a fraction of the cost of a laser hair removal session.
Lets get beneath the surface of IPL hair removal.
What is IPL hair removal?
IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light, a light-based hair removal method. It targets the melanin (pigment) inside the hair to interrupt the hair growth cycle, preventing regrowth.
IPL uses a broad spectrum of light, targeting a larger area than laser for faster treatment times that are just as effective. For more information about the technology and how it works, visit our What is IPL page.
How does IPL hair removal work?
IPL works in 3 simple steps to break the hair removal cycle:
The pioneers of IPL hair removal
Where it all began. Originally founded to develop the technology for medical and salon-use, we have a long history with light-based hair removal technology. We wanted to bring the salon experience to the comfort of home, and in 2009, we launched the first at-home IPL hair removal device in Boots.
Things looked a little different back then, but one thing hasn’t changed. Our commitment to providing clinically-backed technology that works.
2009
2024
Does IPL hair removal work?
Yes, SmoothSkin is clinically proven to remove up to 99% of hair in 12 weeks. As the experts in IPL, we have 40-years’ worth of expertise in light-based skin technology behind us.
To date, we’ve completed over 5500 clinical treatments in the safety and efficacy of our products. Take a look at some of our clinical results:
52%
of hair removed after 2 weeks*
Up to 99%
of hair removed after 12 weeks*
up to 99%
of hair removed after 12 weeks*
In fact, 9/10 of women recommend SmoothSkin to a friend (and we’re sure the others are keeping it their little secret). View our real-user results and testimonials here.
Does IPL hair removal work?
Yes, SmoothSkin is clinically proven to remove up to 99% of hair in 12 weeks. As the experts in IPL, we have 40-years’ worth of expertise in light-based skin technology behind us.
To date, we’ve completed over 5500 clinical treatments in the safety and efficacy of our products. Take a look at some of our clinical results:
In fact, 9/10 of women recommend SmoothSkin to a friend (and we’re sure the others are keeping it their little secret). View our real-user results and testimonials here.
Is it safe to use?
In short, yes IPL hair removal is safe. At SmoothSkin, we take an evidence based, science-backed approach to skincare. We of course, want technology that is effective, which is why we dedicate our time to research and development, but also to clinical testing. SmoothSkin has been clinically proven to be safe and effective.
As the pioneers of the technology, we’ve been at the forefront of many of the firsts in IPL, including being the first brand to integrate automated skin safety sensors, meaning our devices will not flash on skintones that cannot safely receive treatment.
- Personalised to your skintone: our Pure Fit and Pure Adapt devices have patented technology that adapts each and every flash to your unique skintone, so you’ll always receive the safest and most effective treatment
- 4-point skin contact sensors: SmoothSkin devices will only flash when in full contact with your skin, preventing accidental flashes
- UV filters protect your skin at all times
How to use IPL hair removal
Shave, flash, repeat for long-lasting salon-smooth skin.
1. Before treatment: remove visible hair with a razor. This ensures that the light can target your hair follicles beneath the skin.
2. During treatment: place, press, pulse it’s that simple:
Place: place the device against the area you wish to remove hair from
Press: press the button to activate
Pulse: pulse along the treatment area
3. After treatment: follow up with your favourite moisturiser.
For full results, repeat the process once a week for 12 weeks, or until you see your desired results.
Looking for advice on how to use your specific SmoothSkin product? Visit our user guides here.
Where can you use IPL hair removal?
SmoothSkin devices are FDA cleared for body and face. With a full body treatment taking just 10 minutes, once a week you’re in full control of how many, or little areas you wish to treat.
Check out our real-user results on face, bikini line and underarm here.
Conclusion
Wondering why you’ve not started IPL yet? us too. Check out our award-winning devices on Amazon.