I shave my armpits just about every other day in the shower. It's not something I absolutely loathe doing, but I don't exactly enjoy the activity, either. If given the option to just snap my fingers and pouf, I'd be able to rid myself of body hair for good, I totally would — that's just my personal preference. I've tried a few different methods of hair removal aside from shaving, like waxing, but I couldn't commit to the rigorous schedule that it requires. On the other hand, I've gotten laser hair removal on my bikini line and preferred that above all other forms of body-hair removal. The only problem: professional laser hair removal isn't the most accessible beauty treatment because of its price. I never even considered being able to do laser at home until I learned about the SmoothSkin Bare+ ($279), a newly FDA-approved at-home IPL hair-removal device.
SmoothSkin has been in the at-home laser hair-removal business for a while, but it just expanded to the US market. Its products are clinically proven and safe for at-home use. Honestly, I was skeptical at first that it would work. Having had very successful laser hair removal done at a spa in the past, I wasn't sure it would yield the same hairless results.
The SmoothSkin Bare+ is a small, handheld device just larger than my palm. It uses 100 IPL — which stands for intense pulsed light — flashes per minute to target body hair, reducing its growth over time to reveal smooth skin. (Technically speaking, IPL is not the same as a laser treatment, which uses single-spectrum light to emit a specific wavelength.)
It's cleared for use on the whole body — underarms, legs, bikini line, and even face — and all you have to do is press a single button to activate it, so it's super simple to use. The directions advise to use it on clean skin and that all visible hair should be removed through shaving prior to treating the area — this is very different from professional laser hair removal, which requires there to be short, visible stubble on the area. Once you plug it in, the device automatically powers on, and you're ready to go. To use it, you lightly press it against the area you want to treat and press the button. The device has a smart sensor and only allows you to activate the IPL if it registers a compatible surface and skin tone, which is made clear by the button turning from red to blue. Even if you press the button without the device giving you the OK, it won't work.
The first time I went to use the SmoothSkin Bare+, I was a little nervous — probably more nervous than I was to get professional laser hair removal. Even though the directions sounded pretty straightforward, I was afraid I'd mess it up or that it would hurt. I finally mustered up the courage to use it for the first time one night and was pleasantly surprised. I positioned the device against my armpit and, once the button turned blue, clicked. A burst of white light — nothing too powerful or dangerous that you need goggles — flashed against my skin, and I felt a slight warm, tingling feeling. It was nothing compared to the laser treatment I got at the salon. With the first pass done, I felt confident to continue treating my entire underarm and moving on to the other side.
The device treats an area of skin that's about an inch by two centimeters big at a time, so it required multiple passes to finish my armpit. I wouldn't describe the feeling it leaves as painful, although obviously, pain is subjective — it just feels warm. Afterward, my skin looked a little bit pink, but it was barely noticeable, and there was no lingering pain.
There are a few limits to the device — as with all lasers, you need to check that it's compatible with your skin tone and that it won't cause any irritation (the brand strongly recommends a patch test, and I second that). It also doesn't work on all hair colors (a common problem with all types of IPL hair removal) because the device can't register the super-light pigment of blond hair, so it works best for dark hair.
Still, I've been using the SmoothSkin Bare+ once a week for about one and a half months, and although I still do get some hair growth that requires me to shave, I've noticed a difference in how much and how thick it is. After about five weeks, my armpit hair started to grow in thinner, and I plan on keeping up with the treatments to see how much more progress I can make (in addition to testing it out on other areas of my body, as well). Considering treating both of my underarms takes me less than five minutes, it's not hard to fit into my routine.
So, is it as effective as professional-grade laser hair removal? No, but considering it's priced under $300 and you can treat your entire body with it, I think it's well worth the splurge.
Yes, at-home laser-hair removal devices do work, but they take consistency. Because at-home devices use lower energy levels than in-office treatments, they require continued use (think: weekly, or every time you shave) to notice similar results, says cosmetic doctor Ana Mansouri, MD.
For the best results, they can be customized to meet your requirements and particular hair colour. Moreover, with an energy output of 40 J/cm2, these machines are more potent than those used at home. They are also safe to use on any desired body part.
Skin irritation. Temporary discomfort, redness and swelling are possible after laser hair removal. Any signs and symptoms typically disappear within several hours.
Pigment changes. Laser hair removal might darken or lighten the affected skin. These changes might be temporary or permanent.
Before diving headlong into the home laser hair removal world, let's take a closer look at how these devices work. As mentioned earlier, they target hair follicles using laser or IPL technology.
The appearance of increased hair growth after laser hair removal can be concerning, but it's important to understand that this is a normal part of the treatment process. Hair shedding, hair growth cycles, and misconceptions about hair growth can all contribute to the perception of increased hairiness.
But, as with any treatment that ends with more or less permanent results, not everyone is pleased with their decision. While some feel freedom after banishing all the hair on their bodies for good, others express deep regret — especially given how the conversation around body hair has shifted in recent years.
' Yes, it is safe to laser the pubic area for most patients. It should be noted that this is one of the more sensitive areas when it comes to laser hair removal, but it is quick and effective. Many patients also believe it is overall less painful than waxing.
Hairs begin to fall out in 5-14 days and may continue to do so for weeks. Hairs may be more rapidly removed by rubbing, scrubbing, or plucking (with no discomfort after 5 days) if one desires to speed up this part of the process.
But with less power also comes less effectiveness: The at-home devices don't work as well as the pro models. More downsides: It's hard to cover a lot of territory — like an entire leg — with the small at-home devices, Dr. Ward says. And they might not be strong enough to get completely hair-free.
IPL hair removal is a progressive treatment that offers full body hair removal - but you can use IPL to treat separate areas, such as your arms, legs, or pubic area, depending on your individual needs. When using IPL, you'll hold a flashgun device that delivers a spectrum of light to the skin.
Whether you're looking to remove hair on your face, arms, legs, or bikini area, this at-home laser can get the job done. This device uses Optimal Pulse Technology (OPT)—an advancement in IPL technology—which emits higher intensity light to speed up the hair removal process.
Once the hair starts to fall off, you won't have to worry about hair removal for a long time. Regardless, it can take three to six months for at-home laser hair removal results to show. So, it is important to keep calm and not get frustrated and forgo the treatment because you can't see results immediately.
However, IPL hair removal devices designed for home use can also deliver promising results: One 2019 study found that users had an 80% reduction in hair growth (specifically on the legs, armpits, and bikini area) more than a year after they stopped using an at-home device.
Professional laser hair removal may be your best bet!
In the end, at-home hair removal devices are much more time-consuming and painful when treating larger areas. These areas need multiple sessions to treat a full body area, depending on the device's battery life.
Although both processes have the same goal, they are not the same in practice. Epilation is cheaper than laser treatment, but the latter provides a far more risk-free and permanent result. You must always exercise caution when using an epilator. The device can lead to grievous injuries when not handled with care.
Introduction: My name is Gregorio Kreiger, I am a tender, brainy, enthusiastic, combative, agreeable, gentle, gentle person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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:upscale()/2021/09/30/926/n/1922153/tmp_Nictdj_6d15ab6124f8d958_IMG_1274.jpg "I Tested an At-Home Laser Hair-Removal Device, and Having Had the Real Thing, Here's How It Compares (3)")
:upscale()/2021/09/30/926/n/1922153/tmp_hp93l7_97d8aaab4ceda38d_IMG_1282.jpg "I Tested an At-Home Laser Hair-Removal Device, and Having Had the Real Thing, Here's How It Compares (4)")
