Facial hair removal: Can you use IPL on the face? | Philips (2024)

Can you use IPL on your face? Yes, you can, and it can provide a long-lasting solution. As an alternative to epilation, waxing or even shaving, IPL makes it possible to remove facial hair for longer. However, this type of facial hair removal for women is not suitable for all skin types and there are some factors that you should consider before using it for the first time. We explain what they are and what advantages IPL facial hair removal offers.

Can you use IPL on your face?

Using IPL for facial hair treatment is a great choice for many people. It’s recommended that you don’t use IPL too close to the eyes and lips, as these areas are very sensitive and can be irritated by the light impulses. Only use it below the cheekbones.

The most important factor when it comes IPL treatment on the face is to use a device that’s intended for this area. A good option is the Philips Lumea IPL 9000 Series, which has an attachment specifically for the face. Thanks to SenseIQ technology, it can select the correct settings for your skin tone, and safely remove facial hair long term, just like in a beauty salon.

Is facial hair removal with IPL suitable for all skin types and hair colours?

IPL is effective on skin tones from very white to dark brown, and on hair colours from naturally dark blonde to brown and black. It isn’t effective on very dark skin tones, or on light blonde, grey, white or red hair. Discover more about how IPL works with information from an expert.

There are also other limitations and considerations when it comes to IPL facial hair removal:

  • Acne: In dermatology, IPL is often used to treat acne and acne scars. However, you should not treat acne with an IPL device on your own. Consult a doctor to find out if you can use IPL when considering your permanent facial hair removal options.
  • Moles and freckles: You should never use IPL on or near a mole or freckle. If it’s close to the area of the desired facial hair removal, you should definitely speak to a dermatologist first. You could experience discomfort or even a burn if you treat a freckle or mole directly.
  • Permanent makeup or tattoos: If you have permanent makeup then you should avoid using IPL. Face tattoos also need to be avoided. This is because it can result in a burn and a change in skin colour. If your makeup or tattoo is adjacent to the area to be treated, consult a doctor, as you might be able to cover it up if you’re extremely careful.

If one or more of the above, applies to your skin, then you should ask a doctor for advice first. There are other ways you can safely remove facial hair that might be more suitable.

Benefits of using IPL for facial hair removal for women

If you’re looking for a permanent facial hair removal solution, using IPL offers a longer-lasting solution compared to other hair removal methods such as epilation, and you can look forward to the following benefits:

  1. Long lasting: If you’re wondering how to remove facial hair permanently, IPL facial hair removal offers a long-lasting option when you repeat the application regularly. No more daily plucking, epilating or shaving.
  2. Little effort: Since you use IPL less regularly, it saves you a lot of time in everyday life.
  3. Gentle on the skin: In contrast to epilation, waxing, shaving or plucking, IPL is gentler on your skin in the long run. It’s applied in a targeted manner and with a gap of weeks between treatments.
  4. Variable use: You can use a device like the Philips Lumea IPL 9000 Series for more than one type of IPL treatment: face, legs, the intimate area and the armpits are all covered.

So if you've been dealing with constantly hiding chin hairs or other facial hair, and have wanted to know how to remove facial hair permanently or semi-permanently, using IPL for facial hair is a great long-term option for you. If you’d like to try it out, you can spread the cost with the .

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Facial hair removal: Can you use IPL on the face? | Philips (2024)

FAQs

Facial hair removal: Can you use IPL on the face? | Philips? ›

Can you use IPL

IPL
IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light technology. Home IPL hair removal devices apply very gentle pulses of light to the hair root. This makes the hair go into its resting phase: the hair you have falls out, and gradually your body grows less hair in that area. That smoothness lasts a long time, too.
https://www.philips.co.uk › how-does-ipl-hair-removal-work
on your face? Yes, you can, and it can provide a long-lasting solution.

Can you use IPL hair removal on your face? ›

What areas can you remove hair with IPL? You can use IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) hair removal on any area of the body, including the face.

Does IPL work on facial peach fuzz? ›

In order for the treatment to be successful, that pigment in your hair has attract the laser light into the skin. Without the pigment unfortunately the procedure will not be effective. Because peach fuzz in general is lighter in colour it's not likely the laser will be able to target it successfully.

Where should you not use IPL hair removal? ›

That being said, you should avoid using your IPL on extra-sensitive areas such as the genitals, nipples, or anus, as this could cause inflammation. You can use the Braun Silk-expert Pro 5 IPL in the Pubic Area, including mons pubis, labia majora, perineum and around the anus.

What happens if you use IPL on stubble? ›

If you don't shave before your laser hair removal session, the light energy may not penetrate the hair follicle, resulting in an ineffective treatment. In addition, if the hair is too long there is a risk of uneven coverage which can cause patchy results. Yes, you can shave up to an hour before your IPL treatment.

Why is IPL not working on my chin hair? ›

You Have a Hormonal Imbalance Affecting IPL Treatment

This may be the case if IPL's not working on facial hair. A hormonal imbalance (especially involving a higher level of testosterone, which encourages hair growth) can result in coarser, faster-growing hair that is more difficult to remove.

Does IPL work for thick chin hair? ›

If your chin and lip hair are quite blonde, you may need 5-6 sessions to get rid of most of the hair, but if it's darker and thicker, you may achieve the results you want in as little as 3 treatments.

Can you use IPL on the upper lip? ›

It shouldn't be used near the eyes and along the forehead. It works effectively on the upper lip, chin and jawline.

Does IPL destroy facial fat? ›

Regardless of the semantics, it creates a subcutaneous heating effect which can affect fat. While not a typical effect, reports do exist like yours where facial fat has been resorbed. Whether the effect you are seeing is temporary or a long-term result is unknown.

Is IPL or laser better for facial hair? ›

IPL produces a broad bandwith of light wavelengths, whereas laser produces a single band of light. Laser is more specific to a given target than IPL, and therefore is more effective than IPL and has fewer side effects and complications. Different lasers can be used for different skin types in laser hair removal.

What happens if you use IPL too often? ›

Using IPL too often can be ineffective and painful. IPL is most effective while your hair is in the growth phase –if you treat your skin multiple times a week, your hair can become dormant and IPL treatment won't work as well. Additionally, while IPL is a gentle treatment, too much of it can be a bad thing.

Do I have to shave every time I use IPL? ›

Like any form of laser hair removal or salon Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) procedures, you have to shave. It is not advisable to wax, epilate or pluck, because IPL hair removal treatment requires the hair to be intact with the hair follicle to be effective.

Are there any dangers with IPL? ›

Redness and Skin Burns

One of the most common side effects of IPL treatments is a slight redness in the treated area. This is primarily due to the continuous exposure to heat during the procedure, which can cause minor skin damage similar to a light burn.

Can I use my IPL on my face? ›

Many experts agree IPL is best for super-sensitive areas like the thin skin on your face and your bikini line. IPL is also a good choice for permanent facial hair removal because of the extra benefits you receive from treatment.

Which IPL is best for chin hair? ›

A good option is the Philips Lumea IPL 9000 Series, which has an attachment specifically for the face. Thanks to SenseIQ technology, it can select the correct settings for your skin tone, and safely remove facial hair long term, just like in a beauty salon.

Can you use IPL on peach fuzz? ›

Try an eyebrow razor to dermaplane off the peach fuzz. IPL needs the contrast of dark hairs on lighter skin, so is good for leg stubble, armpits, bikini and any other places such as the dark chin hairs, but not peach fuzz.

Is IPL on face worth it? ›

Studies have shown that IPL can effectively reduce redness associated with rosacea and significantly improve facial skin with fine wrinkles, uneven texture, and dark spots. It is a non-invasive approach to combating wrinkles with minimal discomfort and downtime.

How many IPL sessions are needed for face? ›

For patients to get the best IPL results, it is generally recommended that patients receive, on average, 4 – 6 treatments scheduled four weeks apart. Why do most patients need more than one IPL session? Every IPL treatment builds upon the previous one, allowing the skin to react gradually.

Is IPL better than laser hair removal for face? ›

For IPL, it is often recommended to have at least 10 treatments, often one month apart. Lasers often require slightly less treatments, with results often seen between four to six sessions. With both treatments, this is dependent on the thickness of the hair being removed, as well as the skin type and hair colour.

How do I prepare my face for IPL hair removal? ›

To help you understand what to expect during your IPL therapy, here are a few tips on how to prepare for an IPL photofacial.
  1. Avoid Direct Exposure to Sunlight. ...
  2. Stop Exfoliating a Week Before Your Treatment. ...
  3. Do Not Use Any Tanning Products on Your Skin. ...
  4. Avoid Makeup on the Day of the Treatment.

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