Photodepilation: how it works and how much it costs

Creams, razors, waxes, tweezers, epilators: for years these have been the tools most used by women to combat, albeit temporarily, the unsightly problem of unwanted hair. For some years, however, a new technology has been established that promises, if not miracles, at least an alternative and decidedly more lasting resolution. We are talking about photodepilation, a modern method that uses the physical principle of selective photothermolysis to counteract the regrowth of unwanted hair.

How does it work

As it is easy to guess from the name, photodepilation (IPL or Intense Pulsed Light technology) uses the energy produced by light, which is specifically transformed into heat when it hits a specific color, in our case the melanin of the hair. However, the goal is not to burn the hair, but to convey the heat to the matrix located at the base of the hair follicle which causes continuous regrowth but which, if heated beyond a precise thermal threshold, is deactivated for a long time, and sometimes forever.

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It is good to consider that only the hairs in the growth phase (the so-called anagen phase) can be destroyed with this system and since the hairs do not grow at the same time, you will have to take into account that it takes several sessions to destroy them all as they grow.
The duration of a hair cycle, as well as the percentage of hairs in the anagen phase at any given time, as well as the density of the hairs, the diameter, the angle and depth of implantation of the hair, and their growth rate, are variable according to the anatomical area considered.
Areas such as the groin and armpits, which usually have thick, dark hair, will respond more quickly than others, requiring additional photodepilation cycles.

Before subjecting the skin to pulsed light, a special gel is applied which acts as a skin protector. The pulses of light are then sent, emitted by a special handpiece at regular intervals. Thanks to the availability of handpieces of various sizes, all areas of the body can be treated, both extended areas - such as the legs - but also limited areas such as the upper lip or the chin area.The results will be much faster the greater the contrast between light skin and dark hair because, thanks to the contrast, the ray better identifies the hair that may fall in the same session or in the following 10-15 days. At the end of the treatment a soothing cream will be applied to prevent any redness and in the following days it will be useful to apply a cream to further protect and moisturize the skin.

Contraindications and side effects

Photodepilation does not damage the surrounding tissues and is not painful - there is a slight tingling - even if sensitive skin may show a temporary redness, which disappears after a few hours from the treatment.
However, there are cases in which this method is contraindicated: in pregnancy, for example, or if you use medicines that prohibit exposure to sunlight with a range from 515 to 1200 nm., If you are already tanned, if you suffer from diabetes and if you have previous keloid scars.
The side effects are almost nil, but it is still necessary that the beauty center you are contacting is equipped with "adequate equipment and specific professional training.

For further information: all the articles on hair removal

Costs

Obviously the costs vary enormously from structure to structure and sometimes also according to the area of ​​the body to be treated. As a rough guide, consider about 50/100 euros per photo-hair removal session, you can still find packages at more advantageous prices that already include a certain number of sessions. However, our advice is to always rely on serious and accredited professional centers as it is a delicate treatment, to be carried out under strict control by qualified personnel.