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Sun May 03, 2009 9:48 am  |
I know there's a lot of interest in these home laser/IPL hair removal devices, but they aren't cheap and people are wary about splashing their cash on something that won't work.
Anyway, I saved up quite a few Boots vouchers and decided to put them towards their Smooth Skin IPL device. I'm hoping that my experience with it will help others to decide whether it's worth buying or not, so have decided to keep a diary that I will update from time to time.
I must point out, however, that everyone's results will obviously differ, and it won't work at all for some people (skin too dark, hair too light, not enough pigmentation contrast etc).
It's also important to tell you that I've already had 6 professional laser hair removal sessions done about 2 years ago on my lower legs. This has left me with only a few hairs there, and means that it is only necessary for me to shave my legs once a fortnight.
I bought the Boots device as I wanted to top up the treatment on my lower legs, treat my underarms and try doing my bikini line (although the hair there may well be too light for it to work).
For your information, my skin is very pale. The hair on my lower legs is quite dark (my thighs have a very fine covering of short white blonde hair that isn't noticeable and doesn't need to be removed), my underarm hair is darkish brown, and my bikini line (which I think will be problematic) is darkish blonde with a slight reddish tinge.
The instructions tell you not to treat any areas of skin where either fake tanning or natural tanning have taken place within the last 30 days.
I was naughty (and I don't recommend this for anyone else). In my impatience, I have used it on skin that was fake tanned a fortnight ago. In my defence, I have thoroughly scrubbed and removed any trace of fake tan, using my Dermalogical Ultimate Buffing Cloth. It seems to have worked fine for me, but please do be careful - it may be best if you stick to the instructions instead of following my lead.
Make sure you read all of the instructions on prohibiting factors, preparation and aftercare.
Finally, you must not use any other hair removal method other than shaving. Otherwise, too much of the hair will be removed for the device to work properly.
TREATMENT #1 - 2/5/09
The device is very easy to assemble. You just attach the handset to the base with a plug-in cord, then you attach power source (transformer) with another plug-in cord to your nearest plug socket. One tube of activation gel is also included in the package.
I sat on a towel in my bedroom, having a couple of disposable cloths at hand (one for regularly wiping excess activation gel off the handset, and the other for cleaning the device afterwards). I also made sure I had a tube of 99.9% aloe vera gel with me to use on my skin after treatment. You can keep the activation gel in the 'fridge, but I'm pretty hardcore (according to my salon laser nurse - ie I could tolerate the maxiumum level with no problems and no pain relief) and didn't bother.
I wore sunglasses (although this wasn't mentioned in the guide) and closed my eyes, turning my face away each time I pressed the trigger on the handset. Even so, you can make out the flash of light.
As my underarms were still fake tanned, I shall wait a week or so until I have completely removed the tan before beginning their treatment. On this occasion, I used the device on my lower legs and bikini line only.
In preparation, I shaved all areas due for treatment, then I applied a thin layer of the activator gel to my skin - only on a small area at a time.
First of all, I treated my lower legs. This took approximately 35 minutes per leg. However, this included 5 minutes of shut-down time, as the device has to cool down after 30 minutes of constant use. There is also a small occasional cooling off period throughout the treatment time, which isn't too much of a bother.
It is necessary to place the 4 raised points surrounding the IPL window on the handset in contact with the skin. You need to wait until the red light on the handset stays on constantly before you press the trigger - otherwise the IPL will not click on. After you press the trigger (as long as you have waited for the constant red light), you will hear a click and there will be a bright flash of light. You then move the contact points on the handset to an adjacent area of the skin to be treated and repeat the process.
At first, I was disappointed, as I couldn't feel that the device was working, even though I had it on the highest setting (fair, as shown on the included colour chart - to match my skin). However, as I have previously stated, I don't have much hair left on my lower legs, so there is very little there to be treated.
Next was my bikini line. I wore a white thong in order to do this. You must not treat any delicate areas, such as the labia and around the anus as this will hurt and damage them. Instead, I used the device on the sides and top of my bikini line, hoping to remove as much hair as possible, whilst covering the more delicate areas with my thong in order to protect them. Again, I applied the activator gel before treatment.
I have to say that I noticed a BIG difference in how the device worked in my bikini area. Having never had any laser treatment there, there are plenty of hair follicles. I could definitely feel that it was working! Mind you, I didn't find it too uncomfortable at all - just like a pinging elastic band. If you have a lower pain threshold, then you might want to look into pain relief before trying IPL/laser here.
As this was a much smaller area, it only took about 10-15 minutes to treat.
My skin wasn't left feeling uncomfortable, and there was only minor redness - much less than with the previous professional treatment on my lower legs. The aloe vera gel applied afterwards is also very lovely and soothing.
So that's the story of my very first home treatment. I shall be giving regular updates (probably weekly) to let you know how things progress for me.
Remember to also keep a look out for my fellow guinea pigs who are testing other similar devices!  |
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Tue Dec 01, 2009 11:35 pm |
| majorb wrote: |
Yes, sorry, it is definitely time for an update. I meant to do so, but forgot, so thanks for reminding me.
Well, I'm afraid that I'm going to have to give this product a thumbs down. It took an awful lot of effort - in fact, I treated the areas for considerably longer than the suggested 12 treatments.
The hair growth certainly did slow right down, resulting in me only needing to shave once a week in those areas where I'd normally need to shave daily, BUT 3 months after stopping treatment, almost all of the hair has returned. There's perhaps a 5% reduction in hair. ALSO, the hair is growing almost as quickly again as before any of the treatments.
For me, this has not been worth the time, effort or money. Therefore, I don't feel able to recommend it to anyone else.
I'm now seriously considering buying some salon treatments for my underarms, since that worked so well on my lower legs.
Ladies, save your money and don't bother with the Smooth Skin. Mine is now joining photoqueen's as a paperweight. |
Majorb thanks so much for your honest feedback, this was something I was seriously considering purchasing as I am really hairy. You saved me a bunch, especially as its so much more to purchase here.
I am sorry to hear it has made it to paperweight status though  |
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