Choosing a photoepilator

Photoepilator is a device for removing unwanted hair from the face and body of men and women. The equipment is offered in a wide range - we sell household models for home use, as well as professional solutions for beauty salons. Before buying, you need to familiarize yourself with the principle of operation of the devices, their advantages and disadvantages, selection criteria.

Photoepilators are of several types. They differ in design features and technical characteristics. The models are classified according to the type of power supply. They are subdivided into network and battery devices.

Appliances for 220 V require connection to an outlet. They are dependent on a source of electricity, which is why they cannot be called mobile. Their advantages include the provision of constant power throughout the entire period of operation and higher technical parameters.

For portable models, the built-in rechargeable battery is used as a power source. The advantages of mobile devices are complete freedom of movement, independence from a 220 V outlet. Wireless devices have several significant drawbacks due to which they are not in great demand among buyers:

• long time for recharging (at least 1.5-2 hours);
• limited service life of the built-in power supply;
• decrease in power when the battery is discharged when removing hair.

Portable equipment will cost more than network equipment. In addition, it will periodically need to change the battery on it - replacing a worn out battery will cost about 30-40% of the cost of a new device.In addition to the type of power supply, the devices are classified according to the type of photoepilation technology. There are 2 systems:

• IPL;
• Elos.

The first ones affect the growing hairs due to a light pulse. To achieve the desired result, IPL photoepilators must be used for 8 months, while the skin will remain smooth for 2-3 years (depending on the physiological characteristics of a person).

In devices with Elos technology, a combination of light pulses and bipolar currents is provided. In appearance, such devices resemble a small station that can only operate on 220 V. They are suitable for any type of hair and skin. They are allowed to be used on dry, sensitive and inflamed integuments.

All types of photoepilators have a similar principle of operation. They have built-in special krypton lamps designed to generate light pulses. They have a certain power and different wavelengths. When the equipment is turned on, the flow of energy actively acts on the hairs and surrounding tissues - they gradually heat up, as a result of which the bulb dies over time.

There are 2 important technical parameters of photoepilators, after understanding which, it will be easy to choose the optimal model for yourself. The main characteristic is the number of lamp flashes. For each heat source, it is limited - the average rate varies from 50 to 300 thousand. It should be borne in mind that not every device can change the photo lamp. There are many devices, the resource of which is limited by the number of flashes. Equipment with replaceable lamps is preferred.

Another key characteristic is flash power. The indicator is measured in J / cm². The more powerful the equipment, the more effectively it will affect the treated area. The average value of this parameter is 4-5 J / cm². There are also more powerful devices - from 10 J / cm² and more.

Any device for hair removal has its advantages and disadvantages, and the photoepilator is no exception. The equipment can be used at home without resorting to the help of salon masters, this will significantly save money. The devices are safe to use, their use does not require special skills - for independent operation, you must read the instructions from the manufacturer.

The benefits also include:

• the possibility of exposure to light flashes on any zone (the devices can be used for deep bikini, removal of antennae, hairs from armpits, arms, abdomen, legs and intimate areas);
• the ability to remove follicles, regardless of the depth of their location under the skin;
• painlessness of the procedure, which is especially important for people with a low pain threshold;
• minimal damage to the skin during the procedure, eliminating the risk of irritation of the integument due to the absence of mechanical influences;
• long-term effect;
• the speed of the procedure - usually it takes no more than 30 minutes to remove hairs from 1 zone.

After reviewing the benefits, you might think that photo epilation is the best method for removing unwanted hair, but it is not. The procedure has many disadvantages and contraindications. Its cons:

• low efficiency in people with light and soft hair, dark skin;
• the need for regular use of a photoepilator;
• risks of hyperpigmentation of integuments when exposed to light rays on melanin;
• removal of moisture from the skin, which leads to dryness and flaking.

The photoepilator cannot be used for mechanical damage to the integument, varicose veins, oncology and diseases of the cardiovascular system. Photoepilation is prohibited in case of diabetes mellitus, various infectious diseases, as well as in the presence of a pacemaker. It should not be used during pregnancy and lactation.

Manufacturers offer professional photoepilators and options for the home. The former are more powerful and more expensive; they often provide various additional functions. Household devices are much weaker, which is why they do not have a pronounced effect. Their main feature is high safety, due to which the risks of getting burns during hair removal are practically reduced to zero.

The range of household hair removal devices is extensive - it includes both cheap models and more expensive ones with a set of useful options. Let's consider the most popular devices.

• Lumea Prestige BRI950 from Philips. Equipment with IPL technology. Versatile model that can be powered from an electrical outlet or rechargeable battery. Equipped with a skin type detection sensor, supports the function of protection against accidental flashes. The maximum power is 5.9 J / cm², the number of photo lamp flashes is 250,000.

• SmoothSkin Bare IPL Hair Removal English-Danish production from the Cyden brand. Network equipment with unlimited cartridge resource (unlimited). Equipped with a work indicator, skin type detection sensor. It has a low power - 3 J / cm2, the coverage area is 3 cm2.

• Planta PLH-330 Advanced Touch. One of the most budgetary photoepilators. Equipped with 2 attachments for removing hair from the face and body. The maximum power is 5 J / cm², the resource is limited to 330,000 flashes, this is enough for several years of operation by 1 person. Has 5 working modes. The model is equipped with a long cord.

• Medisana IPL 805 - German photoepilator, which provides 5 operating modes. Network equipment with 120,000 flashes and 2.7 cm2 coverage. The model turns off automatically after 10 minutes of operation.

• Beurer IPL5500. Another German development. The model has a maximum light pulse intensity of 5 J / cm² and an impact area of ​​3.1 cm². The lamp resource is designed for 200,000 flashes, the interval between which is 1-3 seconds. The device is equipped with a skin contact sensor. To operate the device, you need to provide a mains voltage of 100-240 V.

Hair removal machines used in a beauty salon are expensive - most models cost several hundred thousand. Buying such equipment for home use is impractical and unsafe. The devices are intended for use by qualified craftsmen.

Among the owners of beauty salons, the Ella DPL model is popular. In it, a powerful xenon lamp with an energy density of up to 25 J / cm2 acts as a source of light energy. The lamp has a lifespan of 150,000 flashes.The system has the ability to produce 2 types of light radiation: SMART and D-Light. The advantages of the device include an intuitive interface, ease of maintenance, a built-in self-diagnosis system, a large exposure area - 12x47 mm, and the presence of safe modes.

Another popular professional model is the IP-200 + photoepilator from the Czech manufacturer Alvi Prague. It is an intelligent multifunctional platform that provides:

• removal of unwanted hair shafts;
• skin treatment and rejuvenation;
• correction of aesthetic defects on the skin.

The model is equipped with a xenon lamp, the warranty of which is 150,000 flashes with a range of 1 to 10 Hz.

CosmoWorld MONA ONE SHR 950B is another reliable professional photoepilator with the option of removing hair from the body and face, photorejuvenation, elimination of cosmetic defects (scars, freckles). The equipment is equipped with 2 handpieces (with a sapphire prism and cooling elements for anesthetic effect). A foot pedal is provided to activate the device.

Having bought a home photoepilator, you can refuse to go to salon masters for hair removal. With the purchase of an efficient and reliable device, it is easy to solve the problem of unwanted vegetation on your own.

In order to choose high-quality equipment and not be disappointed in the purchase over time, you need to consider a number of important parameters.

1. Number of flashes. The number of procedures performed will depend on it. It is best to give preference to products with a replaceable lamp or with an unlimited flash resource. Before purchasing, you need to ask the seller about the analogs of photo lamps and their cost. It often happens that budget models are equipped with expensive consumables and vice versa.
2. Flash power. It is best to give preference to equipment with a capacity of 4-5 J / cm² for dark hairs. Models with a value of no more than 10 J / cm² are more suitable for removing light hair.
3. Power regulator. Some devices provide the ability to change the power, adapting it for specific purposes.
4. Type of food. Networked or combined devices are preferred. Portable devices need to be charged frequently, which is not always convenient.
5. Weight and ergonomics. The device should be easy to use. It is difficult to epilate with bulky and weighty devices. If you plan to treat large areas of the body, it is best to opt for a compact and lightweight solution.
6. Additional protective functions. Useful options that increase the safety of using the equipment include prohibiting aiming the light beam in the eyes, blocking from unauthorized use (relevant if there are small children in the family). Photoepilators equipped with various sensitive sensors are preferable; they independently determine the type of skin, automatically selecting the optimal working mode for it. Some models are equipped with UV filters to protect the skin from negative effects.

Each specific model of the photoepier is accompanied by detailed instructions for use and technique for hair removal. For example, some manufacturers advise to remove hairs with a razor before using the device, while others advise to grow them up to 3 mm. There are several general rules that must be followed before using any type of photoepilator.14 days before the procedure, you cannot sunbathe naturally or in a solarium, use cosmetic products for self-tanning. Stop taking antibiotics 2 weeks before the expected date.

Before proceeding with hair removal, it is recommended to make a test flash with the device on the selected area - this way you can understand the level of skin sensitivity to lamps. In the absence of negative reactions, you can safely use the device. Before using the device, you need to set the optimal power using the regulator. Salon masters recommend starting with a minimum value. In the absence of unpleasant sensations, the parameter can be increased by another 1 step.

Before use, manufacturers recommend cleaning the window of the photoepilator - for these purposes, special wipes are included with the device. Most modern models have a sensitive touch sensor - if the device is applied correctly, it will give a signal (it can be a sound or light effect, vibration). After a light flash, the device will signal that it can be moved to another area of ​​the skin.

Masters advise to smoothly move the device horizontally, avoiding double exposure to the light beam on the same area of ​​the skin. After epilation, a “soothing” cream should be applied to the treated area. To reduce the risk of irritation, you should refuse to visit the sauna or bath in the near future after the procedure, and you should also not sunbathe.

So that the photoepilator does not fail prematurely, it must be handled with care. It is also important to follow the care recommendations:

• before each cleaning, the device must be disconnected from the power source;
• for care, you should use soft napkins, the use of chemically aggressive compounds is unacceptable;
• it is forbidden to immerse the equipment in water;
• self-parsing of the device is not allowed.

Hair removal at home using a photoepilator is one of the most effective methods of dealing with unwanted hair shafts. Basically, the buyers of such devices are satisfied with the procedure and its result. They note:

• painlessness and speed of epilation;
• smoothness of the skin and the absence of ingrown hairs;
• easy and safe operation of the equipment.

Among the buyers there are those who were unhappy with the result of the procedure. As a rule, these are people with dark skin and coarse hair. And also some consumers complained about the high price of the equipment.

For an overview of the photoepilator, see the next video.