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? ›

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.

Can IPL hair removal be used on the face? ›

IPL is also a good choice for permanent facial hair removal because of the extra benefits you receive from treatment. Not only will you be getting rid of annoying facial hair, but you'll be rejuvenating your skin as well. However, laser hair removal is much more effective in places like your legs and chest.

Why doesn't IPL work on facial 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.

Can you use IPL on 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.

What is the best IPL for facial hair? ›

Philips Lumea IPL 9900 Series

It was particularly effective for facial hair removal, with one tester saying they saw satisfying results here in just four weeks. Others were impressed with the lack of regrowth, with one user saying they hadn't used it for three weeks and still "can't see much hair".

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 I use IPL on my face without shaving? ›

Shaving before your IPL hair removal treatment helps the light beam to focus in on the hair root. When using IPL, you'll need to shave less and less as your treatments go on. As the hair follicles will be empty, you'll notice fewer ingrown hairs and less stubble 'shadow'.

Why is IPL not working on my chin? ›

Some patients have less satisfactory results because of hormonal factors, skin or hair type, or because an optimal treatment series was not completed. Hair must be treated during the active (anagen) phase of the growth cycle.

Can you use IPL on the upper lip? ›

Answer: Braun Skin i·expert Smart IPL is safe for use on the face below the cheekbones. It shouldn't be used near the eyes and along the forehead. It works effectively on the upper lip, chin and jawline. We recommend doing a patch test before use.

Does IPL cause stubble? ›

After laser hair removal treatment, the treated area may look and feel like it has stubble. This is a typical response to laser treatment. The hair follicles are still present, but the hair is damaged and falls out over time.

How to get rid of old lady facial hair? ›

No surprise there are many methods to get rid of it: you can epilate, tweeze, wax, sugar, thread, burn, shave or bleach; use creams, lasers, IPL, electrolysis or make-up. Surface removal methods like shaving are quick and easy, but stubble grows back fast.

Can I use IPL on eyebrows? ›

You will find that the KENZZI IPL Handset is very easy to use and gentle on your skin. Pros: The laser used in treatment is very precise, so it is a great way to shape and define your brows. Destroys the follicle for permanent hair reduction.

How can I stop hairs from growing on my chin? ›

things you can do at home to remove or lighten the hair – such as shaving, waxing, plucking, hair removal creams or bleaching. a prescription cream to slow hair growth on your face (eflornithine cream) taking a contraceptive pill if you've not been through the menopause yet – this can help control hormone levels.

What is better than IPL for face? ›

BBL treatments not only diminish signs of aging, but they improve the health of the skin and can even be used to control chronic conditions like acne and rosacea. Unlike IPL treatments, BBL is proven to slow, and even stop, the gene expression associated with aging.

Can you use home IPL on your face? ›

Can you use IPL on your face? Yes, you can, and it can provide a long-lasting solution.

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? ›

Most patients are recommended to undergo at least three sessions of IPL therapy scheduled at four-week intervals. While the four-week intervals may seem arbitrary, they are in fact specifically timed match the skin's natural regeneration process.

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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