What is better for home: a photo epilator or a laser epilator?

The "torture" that women had to undergo when removing unwanted hair in the past has been replaced by innovative techniques. Thanks to them, the epilation procedure has become as painless and effective as possible.

Nowadays, to remove hair from the body, you can do without even visiting expensive beauty salons. The devices required for this are freely available, and modern manufacturers guarantee their safety. Nowadays, photoepilation and its laser analogue are especially popular among the available methods of hair removal.

The above methods of hair removal have a similar mechanism of action. However, each of them has its own specific application and effect on the human body. Before you get any epilator for home use, you need to understand how it works. And then choose the one that suits you the most.

• The principle of operation of photoepilators is the effect of high-pulse light rays on the hair, when absorbed by the cells of the epidermis, thermal energy is released. With the help of this energy, the destruction of the hair shafts and follicles occurs. Photoepilators are equipped with filters that cut off ultraviolet rays, thereby preserving the integrity of the surrounding tissue.
• With laser hair removal, the effect on the hair follicles is carried out using infrared rays. They are directed directly to the bulbs, which are burned by the heat.

Let's consider how photo epilation differs from laser epilation.

• The method of photoepilation began to be used much earlier than laser beams.
• The laser beam acts on the skin intently, selectively. However, the flash of the photoepilator is wider. On the way to the hair follicle, it has a concomitant effect on the skin and blood vessels of the epidermis, which significantly reduces its effectiveness - by about 20% (according to international studies).
• For laser hair removal, it is necessary that there is a sufficient amount of melanin (dark pigment) in the hair structure, but the skin is light. Swarthy women are at risk of getting burns during the procedure. Photoepilation can be performed on women of any skin type and color.
• The diffused flash of light during photoepilation is less aggressive to hair follicles when compared to a laser beam. Therefore, it is often necessary to conduct additional sessions.
• The cost of a photoepilator is an order of magnitude lower than its laser counterpart. But if you take into account the effectiveness of the procedure, the price difference will be insignificant.
• The action of the laser covers a much smaller area on the skin. Therefore, the session of laser exposure is longer.

It is believed that the laser epilator is safer due to the point effect on the hair follicle. However, this view is erroneous. The photoepilator is equipped with filter elements that protect the skin from powerful light rays, and make the effect on the epidermis as gentle as possible. As a result, the safety of these two methods for removing unwanted hair is at the same level.

Modern devices have been modernized in such a way as to minimize any pain during their use. Judging by user reviews, the procedure with a photoepilator is less painful, during its process there is minimal discomfort that occurs against the background of a slight burning sensation of the skin. But subsequently, the device has a more severe effect on the skin. Therefore, one should not relate unequivocally to the opinion of users - the pain threshold is individual for each person.

Laser epilators are equipped with special elements that have a cooling effect on the treated area of ​​the skin, thereby minimizing pain. The feeling of discomfort is inevitable when epilating especially sensitive areas (for example, the bikini area).

The pain threshold for hair removal with epilators is determined by the following factors:

• the size of the treated area of ​​the body;
• an area of ​​increased sensitivity (for example, armpits);
• individual perceptions of pain;
• technical characteristics of the device (power, intensity, and so on).

The moral and physical preparation for the procedure is of great importance. A mentally stable person will experience minimal discomfort, without focusing on pain.

It is not yet possible to give an exact answer to the question of which of the devices is more efficient. Each of the epilators performs the functions assigned to it, but at the same time it has its own advantages and disadvantages. The effectiveness of the device depends on what tasks it will solve with its help.

• A photoepilator is best suited for removing hair on a large area of ​​skin. At the same time, the laser copes better with pinpoint hair removal.
• Photoepilation has the ability not only to remove hair, but also to rejuvenate and tone the skin. In addition, it helps to remove pigmentation.
• To completely remove hair, the photoepilator requires more sessions than its laser counterpart.
• None of the devices will be effective if a person has problems with hormonal activity.

Both devices have almost the same principle of operation. Therefore, the question of choosing the most effective epilator option in each case should be decided individually. When purchasing a device for use at home, the following factors must be considered:

• what is the size of the areas of the body that are most often subject to hair removal;
• the degree of skin sensitivity, its tendency to irritation and allergic reactions;
• possible health-related contraindications to the use of the device;
• hair and skin color.

Portable devices are intended for home use. Before purchasing an epilator, you should consult a dermatologist.