Photoepilation

Every woman dreams of clean and smooth skin without extra hairs on it. In the modern world, the beauty market offers a wide variety of products and procedures aimed at combating unwanted hair. Along with the machine, waxing, shugaring, the use of various creams for depilation, photoepilation is gaining more and more popularity among not only the female, but also the male part of the population.

Epilation is a method of hair removal that has a direct effect on the follicle, destroying it and leading to hair loss. This approach to the fight against unwanted hair contributes to the preservation of a longer effect from the procedure. One type of hair removal is photoepilation. This method of hair removal is based on the use of a high-pulse light wave.

The light wave directed from a special lamp to the hair follicles is converted into heat waves, due to which it has a destructive effect on melanin (the substance responsible for hair color).Moving along the melanin, it brightens the hair and enters the blood vessels, contributing to the coagulation of blood near the bulb, thus limiting its nutrition and leading to destruction and hair loss.

Photoepilation is used to remove hair from the arms, legs, chin, eyebrows. It is also done on the face (to get rid of the antennae above the upper lip). Removing hair in this way is almost painless. You no longer need to shave frequently to keep your skin smooth and velvety.

Compared to other known hair removal methods, the effect of photoepilation is not immediate, but cumulative. It will take several sessions to get the desired result. To avoid harmful effects on tissues, the cosmetologist selects an individual program for you (determines the required temperature and prescribes the number of procedures), based on the level of your pain threshold and on the color and thickness of the hairs.

The principle of operation of this procedure is a short exposure to a high-power light wave (flash) on the hair and on their shafts. This energy, which was absorbed by the hair cells, is converted into heat, contributing to the heating of the entire structure of the hair and subcutaneous tissues up to 80°C. Due to such a high temperature, blood coagulation occurs in the capillaries that feed the hair follicle. The result of this process is a strong destruction or death of the follicle.When the bulb atrophies, it can no longer perform its functions and the hair gradually dies off.

After this procedure, the hair falls out on its own for another 20 days. With the right approach, the effect occurs not only on the follicle itself, but also on the hair papilla. It is thanks to this that with repeated use of photoepilation, hair growth is disturbed or even stops for up to 5 years.

To date, there are several varieties of photoepilation, namely:

• IPL photoepilation;
• Elos epilation;

The first method is considered the most widely used. This is a radical method of getting rid of unwanted hair, which is based on the use of broadband light waves from 530 to 1200 nm. Melanin becomes its conductor. It absorbs a pulse of light, after which the hair shaft is heated. Through this rod, heat enters the bulb, causing it to collapse. The flash affects only the hairs that are in the phase of active growth, therefore, it is necessary to carry out this procedure repeatedly.

The main device for this procedure is now considered to be the English apparatus IPulse. It has the largest flash area (about 9 cm²), while its counterparts are only 3 cm². This scale of coverage allows minimizing the time spent on photoepilation. Also included in its package is a special nozzle for cooling, which helps to make the process more enjoyable.

One of the modifications IPL is Elos epilation. This procedure combines two types of energy (radio frequency and light pulse energy). The effectiveness of this method is not better than that of photoepilation, and the sensitivity is much higher.In the presence of swarthy or tanned skin, there is a high probability of getting a burn.

The result of the first procedure, as well as subsequent sessions, is not predictable. It depends on the individual qualities of the hair and the treated area. On average, after the first photoepilation, the hair that was at the stage of active growth (approximately 20% of the total) is permanently removed. Hairs that have not reached this phase at that time remain intact, since they did not absorb light pulses. After some time, they germinate and there is a need for another procedure. It is precisely because of the individual characteristics of each client that it is difficult to judge the exact number of sessions required.

Other factors that affect the effectiveness of photoepilation, and therefore the number of sessions required, are:

• Using a device of insufficient power;
• Lack of adjustment of the device for the desired type of hair;
• Unqualified beautician;
• Insufficient number of flashes.

On average, the recommended number of photoepilation sessions varies from 6 to 10 times. Since after epilation the hair continues to fall out for 2-3 weeks, the interval between the first should be from 3 weeks to 1 month, then - as it grows. The result of completing the full course is the complete cessation of unwanted hair growth for a period of 3 to 5 years.

Indeed, the effectiveness of this procedure is very high and the positive reviews of many people are irrefutable proof of this.On average, the effect lasts for about two to three years, but there is no single indicator here, because each person is individual and has his own characteristics that have a direct impact on the result. To significantly prolong the effect of this method of hair removal (after completing the full course), you will be helped by a preventive procedure once a year.

It is necessary to take into account the fact that if you stop attending procedures or become pregnant (which will lead to hormonal failure), then the result of the work done may come to naught.

The result is mainly affected by the color of your hairs and your skin. For light, red and gray hair, the effectiveness will be significantly reduced. The ideal combination for using this method of hair removal is the presence of light skin and dark hair.

Before the first photoepilation procedure, you need to consult a cosmetologist. It will tell you about the pros and cons of this service, select a program and focus your attention on possible contraindications for its implementation. Contraindications are of two types: absolute and relative. Absolute contraindications include:

• The presence of hypertension;
• Diabetes;
• Various cardiovascular diseases;
• infectious diseases;
• Diseases of the skin;
• Moles;
• Oncological diseases;
• Age up to 16 years;
• open wounds;
• Tendency to develop keloid scars.

The relative reasons why photoepilation is dangerous to your health include:

• Pregnancy;
• Allergy
• Tattoos;
• Tanned skin.

Also, photoepilation can be dangerous when breastfeeding. The main reason for this is the presence of any stress on the body of a newly-made mother. The so-called pain syndrome also belongs to such loads. Due to the fact that photoepilation is not a completely painless procedure, the resulting stress can cause premature loss of milk, so it should be abandoned for a while.

Another reason is the incomplete normalization of the hormonal background, which can cause more time and effort to be spent on the procedure without obtaining the proper result. After the background is restored, the hair will begin to grow again. Therefore, during lactation, it is necessary to refuse to carry out photoepilation until the normalization and restoration of your body.

There are a number of rules and recommendations for the preparation and conduct of photoepilation, the observance of which will help you avoid trouble, enjoy and maximize the effect of the procedure.

Before the epilation itself, a consultation with a cosmetologist is held, during which you undergo an examination, and the master will draw up your questionnaire with personal data.

Based on them, he develops an individual photoepilation program for you. You will then be tested to see if your skin is sensitive to flashes. Only then does the procedure begin.

The client is put on special glasses or just a blindfold to protect them from unwanted light exposure. The cosmetologist himself performs his work in tinted glasses.

A gel (often with aloe vera) is applied to the desired area of ​​the skin.In case of high sensitivity of the skin to light flashes, it is recommended to apply an anesthetic cream at least an hour before the procedure so that it does not hurt.

The next stage consists in the fact that the master with a special manipulator, which is connected to the device, passes over the skin. There will be an unpleasant tingling at the exposure site (its soreness depends on your pain threshold). It is at this point that the right program is important.

The procedure ends with the application of an anti-inflammatory agent and a compress with a cooling effect on the entire area that has undergone epilation.

Despite the safety in use and painlessness of the process of photoepilation, in order to avoid possible negative consequences, proper skin care and adherence to certain recommendations before and after the procedure is necessary.

Rules to be followed before the procedure:

• It is forbidden to remove hair using various means, with the exception of the machine, two weeks before photoepilation
• It is forbidden to sunbathe (including self-tanning) at least two weeks before the procedure. The skin due to melanin (thermal conductor) acquires a brown tint. Having received irradiation with light energy and its transformation into thermal energy, melanin will become its conductor not only to the follicle, but also to the skin itself. The result of a neglectful attitude to this rule can be burns of varying severity.
• It is necessary to stop using antibiotics and tranquilizers two weeks before the procedure.

Rules to follow after the procedure:

• You can not take baths, go to baths and visit pools and spas during the week;
• Try to avoid direct sunlight (therefore, it is undesirable to carry out photoepilation in the summer);
• It is necessary daily during the week to moisturize and nourish the skin with various creams, oils and lotions;
• Refuse to visit the solarium, because even after photoepilation there is a risk of burns on the treated areas of the body;
• Try to create less friction between the treated area and various rough types of tissue, so as not to cause even more damage to already irritated skin.

In addition to burns, the possible consequences of photoepilation include:

• The growth of keloid scars (if there is a predisposition to their formation);
• The occurrence of allergic reactions;
• The appearance of folliculitis;
• Violation of skin pigmentation.

There are also portable devices for photoepilation at home.

Removing hair with a flash of light at home has both its pros and cons. The advantages of hair removal at home include:

• Thanks to the power regulator installed on devices for photoepilation at home, the risk of burns, as well as pain during the procedure, is reduced to nothing.
• The effect obtained when using a home device for photoepilation does not differ from that obtained in the salon. After completing the full course of photoepilation (6-10 procedures), the hair will stop growing for a long time.
• Its application does not require additional knowledge. Each portable device has a clear interface, detailed and accessible instructions.
• Most home photoepilators have special modes and attachments for removing hair from any part of the body, including the most sensitive areas, such as the face and bikini. To minimize getting a burn or other skin damage, you need to understand the mechanism of the device and choose the best mode for you.
• The use of this device is harmless to your health. The device affects only the top layer of the skin (about 5 mm), so the internal organs will not be involved.

Also, the procedure for photoepilation at home has a certain number of disadvantages. The main ones include the following:

• High risk of various allergic reactions and other problems. Due to the lack of a professional preliminary consultation, diagnosis of any contraindications, etc., you can cause great harm to your body.
• A big problem when carrying out photoepilation at home can be the selection of high-quality preparations to protect the skin from light exposure.
• Achieving the desired result may take a longer time.
• Due to the high cost and the need to replace the lamp after a certain number of procedures, the price of a home photoepilation device will be equal to the cost of a salon photoepilation, but you will not get advice from a professional master.

Reviews about this procedure are different. There are both positive and negative.

Among the negative reviews, the most common are those that note:

• the inability to achieve visible results after the first procedure;
• high price for photoepilation;
• the need for multiple visits to the salon;
• pain during the session in the absence of anesthesia;
• low qualification of masters in salons;
• the need to limit their habitual lifestyle.

Despite all the arguments against, the vast majority of women note:

• High efficiency of the procedure;
• Painlessness;
• Process safety;
• Long lasting results that last for several years.

From the foregoing, we can conclude that photoepilation is indeed an excellent, almost painless and highly effective method for removing unwanted hair. Otherwise, she would not have been able to get such a wide circulation and win millions of hearts not only for women, but also for men.

How photoepilation works, see the following video.