Although hair is more than ever in vogue, it's not out of the question to get rid of it! For those who want lustrous legs all summer long (and beyond), there's an increasingly popular solution: pulsed light. What is it? Let's find out.

What is Intense Pulsed Light?

Its name sounds intriguing and dystopian. But pulsed light isn't the result of some atomic experiment from the future - we're talking about the present, and it's working pretty well for our beauty! Intense pulsed light is a skin treatment technique developed primarily for hair removal (permanent or semi-permanent), but also for reducing pigmentation spots and the visible effects of skin aging. When used for hair removal, pulsed light ensures gentle, ultra-practical hair removal , since it eliminates hair right down to the root! In summer, you can look forward to long days lounging in the sun without having to worry about stubborn hair.

Comment ça marche exactement la lumière pulsée ? Tout simplement. L'appareil qui s'apparente à un rasoir électrique, émet une lumière intense et bleue (c'est la fameuse lumière pulsée). L'appareil est spécialement conçu pour transformer la lumière qu'il émet en source de chaleur à chaque contact avec le poil qu'il reconnaît sous la peau. Pouvant chauffer jusqu'à 70°, c'est cette énergie lumineuse qui va griller le poil et affaiblir (voir détruire) le bulbe sous-cutané. Au bout de plusieurs séances (environs trois, espacées de deux mois chacune) les poils peuvent définitivement être éliminés.

Good to know:

• Intense pulsed light does not work on down (it heats the hair and stimulates growth).
• Intense pulsed light works best on darker hairs. The device distinguishes more effectively between the hair and the skin, and the risk of burns is reduced. But devices are now being designed to meet all kinds of needs, so it's vital to pay attention to these criteria when buying a pulsed-light epilator.

What's the difference between laser and pulsed light?

When you hear about the characteristics of Intense Pulsed Light, you almost wonder how it differs from the famous laser! In fact, both methods emit light that transforms into heat, ready to eliminate hair. The first difference is in the intensity and sensation of heat. The laser is far more powerful than pulsed light (which is why it must be performed by a professional). It concentrates its beam in a single, intense direction, whereas pulsed light emits rapid flashes of light. The result for permanent hair removal is more assured and also faster. Nevertheless, the big advantage of pulsed light is that it can be used at home (or in an institute, if you prefer). There's no need to make an appointment with a surgeon or dermatologist, and you save both time and money.

How to choose the right Intense Pulsed Light hair removal device?

Intense pulsed light has been gaining ground over the past few years, and the major hair removal brands are vying with each other in terms of ideas and talent to bring us devices each more innovative than the last. With so many devices boasting the best, it's easy to lose your head and not know which one to choose. To choose the right Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) device, there are a few tips you should follow.

• First, always make sure to choose devices that are designed to European standards. Remember that this is a technological device whose use should not be taken lightly. Pulsed light, if misused, can cause burns! It is therefore important to choose a device that meets CE standards and is approved by medical professionals, even if it comes at a cost.
• Second: pay attention to your skin color and the nature of your hair. Blonde hair, white-brown hair, or black hair. Pulsed light is effective when it best distinguishes the hair from the skin. To achieve this, the latest generation of devices are specifically adapted to black and dark skin as well as white and light skin. The same goes for the nature of the hair (more or less fine or thick, more or less light or dark). All these small details are essential, and they must be taken into account to ensure effective and safe hair removal.
• Third: Set a budget. A pulsed light device requires a certain budget. Most standard devices range in price from €200 to €600. It's an investment.

Intense Pulsed Light hair removal tips

A pulsed-light device can be used on just about any hair-removal area on the body, except the face! (By the way, we explain how to remove eyebrows at home). In general, pulsed light is used to remove hair from half-legs (it seems that pulsed light isn't very effective on thighs), underarms, face and bikini line. The area around the labia minora should be avoided, as the skin there is much thinner and more fragile. Precautions must be taken according to skin texture, whether it contains moles or lesions (eczema, psoriasis, pimples or temporary wounds).

Comment se préparer avant une épilation à la lumière pulsée ? Avant chaque séance d'épilation à la lumière pulsée, il est recommandé de se raser la zone concernée. Pourquoi ? Ça peut sembler étrange, sachant que le but même de la lumière et de se débarrasser des poils ! En fait ça prend tout son sens quand on sait que la lumière pulsée agit sous-cutané. La lumière chauffée élimine le poil à la racine sous la couche superficielle de la peau. Pour repérer au mieux le follicule pileux (et éviter de nous brûler) elle doit pouvoir distinguer le poil de la peau. En effet, lorsque le poil est rasé sa base s'épaissit et devient donc plus reconnaissable pour l'appareil. C'est astucieux et surtout très efficace !

How many sessions are needed before I can say goodbye to hair for good? From the very first pulsed-light sessions, the hair bulb is weakened. Regrowth is already slower. In general, we recommend three or even four pulsed-light sessions (each spaced two to three months apart, so as not to weaken the skin too much) before the results are more or less definitive (90% of hair is eliminated). After each Intense Pulsed Light session, don't hesitate to apply a soothing cream to the depilated areas to soften the skin and avoid any feelings of tightness caused by the heat of the light. 

• Practical information: IPL hair removal devices can last up to five years with regular use. The higher the flash reserve, the more active it will be!