STACK #209 Mar 2022

LIFE TECH FEATURE

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Personal Care

Looking for a long-term hair removal solution? An IPL device is an affordable alternative to costly clinical laser treatments, with results that last for months. LIGHT BLAST

I n 1970, clever scientists discovered another practical use for lasers – they could remove unwanted body hair. Recognising the revolutionary potential of this technique, the beauty industry seized an opportunity and funded research, and at-home laser hair removal became a reality in the 1990s. While epilators are a highly effective way to eliminate unwanted body hair, they need to be used every three to four weeks to achieve the best results. IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) hair removal devices offer a more long-term solution, reducing hair growth by up to 90 per cent and keeping skin smooth for up to three months after multiple treatments. Unlike a traditional laser, which uses a single light wavelength, IPL uses the full spectrum of visible light. A good IPL hair remover is a solid investment with substantial longevity. Its lifespan can be determined by the total number of ‘flashes’ the device will emit – the higher the flash count, the longer it will last. Most models have an average of 250,000 flashes, which equates to a lifetime of around 20 years, while some top-end devices offer double that. HOW DOES IT WORK? Simply put, an IPL device emits gentle pulses of intense light energy that is converted to heat, zapping the hair root and stimulating a resting phase in the cells beneath. Subsequently, the hair you want gone will fall out and your body will grow less hair in that area over time. Using the device once every two weeks for the first four treatments will yield visible results, with minor touch ups required every four-to- eight weeks thereafter. Permanent hair reduction can be achieved in up to three months. WHO SHOULDN ’ T USE IT? It’s important to note that IPL hair removal isn’t suitable for all hair and skin tones. It should NOT be used on very dark skin, which contains more melanin (a natural skin and hair pigment) and will consequently absorb more light, creating the potential for blistering. It’s also unsuitable for light blonde, white, grey and red hair, which contain less melanin to absorb the light. Keep it away from tattoos, too, as the device cannot differentiate between body hair colour and the pigment in the ink. Always perform a patch test first to determine if your skin and hair tone is right for IPL treatment.

GOOD BRAUN IPL SILK-EXPERT PRO 3 HAIR REMOVER Achieve permanent hair reduction in up to three months

with the latest generation IPL from Braun. Clinically tested and endorsed by the Skin Health Alliance, the Pro 3 features SensoAdapt tech that continuously reads skin tones and automatically adapts the flash intensity for safe and optimum results. It’s fast, too, with treatment to both legs achieved in a mere nine minutes. There’s also a gentle setting for beginners and more sensitive skin types, and a long lifespan of 300,000 flashes.

BETTER

PHILIPS LUMEA ADVANCED IPL HAIR REMOVAL DEVICE The Philips Lumea Advanced can reduce hair by up to 85 per cent after just three treatments, while four fortnightly sessions will yield visible results. The user-friendly device’s skin tone sensor assesses complexion and will auto stop if it’s unsuitable, while the integrated light filter makes it safe for facial areas – there are five light energy settings and a UV filter. With 250,000 lamp flashes for longtime usage, the versatile Lumea also includes specialised attachments for the body, bikini area and face, plus an on-the-go trimmer.

BEST BRAUN IPL SILK-EXPERT PRO 5 HAIR REMOVER Twice as fast as Braun’s Silk-expert 5, the Pro 5 will

leave lower legs hair-free in under five minutes, thanks to a flash speed mode that delivers faster treatment for larger areas. Compact and with a precision head for smaller and more sensitive spots, the Pro 5’s adaptive sensor reads skin tone 80 times per second and adjusts intensity levels for the safest and most efficient removal. There are ten intensity levels and three gentle modes, and a generous 400,000 flash count gives you decades of use. Guys desiring smoother arms, chest, back, stomach and legs will benefit too. Includes Venus razor and handy travel pouch.

62 MARCH 2022

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