In today’s world, the quest for effective hair removal has led many individuals to favor the use of Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) handsets. These devices are not only convenient and safe to use but also provide remarkably swift results. With an IPL device, you can perform hair removal in the comfort of your home, eliminating the need to pay steep salon fees that can run into the hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
However, as you may have noticed, the market is flooded with various IPL brands, each one striving to outshine the others through aggressive marketing and promotional tactics. Consumer feedback indicates that many products do not live up to the claims made in their advertisements. Indeed, some reviews from independent sources suggest that certain IPL devices may not yield any results at all. Therefore, whether you are contemplating your first IPL experience or have previously encountered disappointment with a device that failed to meet your expectations, this article aims to guide you.
Before delving into the specifics, it is essential to understand why some individuals may experience subpar results with IPL, despite its proven effectiveness. Let’s first explore what IPL truly is.
What is IPL?
Source: MikeMurphy
IPL, or Intense Pulsed Light, is a cutting-edge technology employed by beauty professionals and dermatologists for the removal of unwanted body hair and the treatment of various skin conditions. This method involves emitting high-energy light across a spectrum of wavelengths into the skin through a specially designed handset, which is manufactured by a range of companies. These light pulses penetrate the skin and specifically target the pigment known as melanin.
Melanin resides within hair follicles, meaning that the light must also reach these follicles to be effective. Once the light interacts with melanin, it produces heat that disrupts the hair growth cycle, weakening hair roots and causing surface hairs to fall out. Naturally, this process requires time to yield visible results.
Reasons Your IPL Handset May Not Be Effective
If you have felt let down by an IPL device you purchased, several factors could explain this outcome. For newcomers to this technology, these points can serve as crucial insights to enhance effectiveness.
Incompatible Skin/Hair Tone
While IPL technology is generally effective for hair removal across various skin types, it does not work equally well for everyone. For instance, individuals with darker skin tones have higher melanin levels, which can lead to excessive light absorption and potentially painful sensations. Conversely, extremely light skin may contain insufficient melanin, resulting in minimal absorption of the light energy necessary for effective treatment.
To address this, most IPL manufacturers provide charts to indicate compatibility with different skin and hair tones. For example, Braun has a compatibility chart available on their website that can assist you in making an informed decision. Moreover, many modern IPL handsets feature smart sensors to identify skin compatibility, preventing operation if it is deemed unsuitable.
Source: Braun
Neglecting Usage Guidelines
Each IPL handset comes with specific usage instructions designed to maximize effectiveness. Typically, it is recommended to shave the area before using the device to ensure that the light can effectively reach the hair roots. Additionally, guidelines regarding the frequency of usage and post-treatment care vary by brand. Failing to adhere to these instructions may result in suboptimal outcomes.
Brand Quality
It is important to recognize that not all IPL handsets are created equal. Some devices deliver significantly more energy than others, leading to faster and more effective hair removal. Additionally, certain brands incorporate innovative technologies that minimize pain and prevent adverse effects post-treatment. While these premium brands may carry a higher price tag, opting for a lower-cost alternative could be the reason for your dissatisfaction.
Lack of Patience
Achieving meaningful results with IPL devices requires a degree of patience. Manufacturers often create advertisements that present enticing timelines, which can mislead consumers regarding the reality of the results. For example, you might read claims such as, “Results visible in four weeks,” while long-term hair reduction may take up to twelve weeks. It’s crucial to manage your expectations and understand that significant changes usually manifest over longer periods.
Now, to evaluate the two IPL devices in question, we will compare them based on several criteria, with the one that excels in more areas emerging as the superior option. Let’s proceed with the comparison.
Lux Skin vs. Kenzzi: Which One Reigns Supreme?
Design & Display: Kenzzi Takes the Lead
The design of an IPL handset is crucial for ease of operation and overall user experience. Although the designs of the Kenzzi and Lux Skin devices are somewhat similar, Kenzzi boasts a distinct advantage with its fully digital display. This feature allows users to monitor essential information such as remaining flashes, intensity levels, and battery life. In contrast, Lux Skin lacks a digital display, which limits the availability of such critical information.
Pricing: Lux Skin is More Affordable
When it comes to price, every sensible consumer looks for the best deal possible. In this regard, Lux Skin excels, offering an impressive value with its low price point. Originally priced at $160, it has now been reduced to an astonishing $79, making it one of the most affordable IPL devices of its kind on the market. Additionally, purchasing directly from the company’s website grants customers access to an extra gift that further enhances the results from the handset.
On the other hand, the Kenzzi IPL PRO Handset retails for over $300—approximately four times the cost of Lux Skin. If both devices deliver similar outcomes, why spend more when you can opt for the more economical option? This prompts the question: Do they provide comparable timelines for effectiveness?
Timeframe for Results: Kenzzi is Faster
Time is a pivotal factor in the hair removal process. Not everyone has the luxury to wait months for hair removal, especially in sensitive areas like the bikini line. An excessive timeframe can also suggest that a device lacks efficiency.
Kenzzi claims users can expect to see results within 2-4 weeks; however, substantial improvements typically appear around the four-week mark, with nearly 90% hair reduction achievable after approximately eight weeks. Conversely, the Lux Skin Premium IPL Handset requires up to 12 weeks to achieve desired results, although some evidence of effectiveness may start to show by the four-week point, where you should notice a reduction in hair growth.
Pain Level: Neither is Superior
Without intervention from IPL manufacturers, these devices tend to cause a warm sensation as the light interacts with melanin in the skin. Many users mitigate discomfort by adjusting the intensity settings, with lower levels causing less irritation but requiring more time to deliver results. Some brands have innovated additional cooling technologies that significantly reduce this warming sensation, leading to a more comfortable treatment experience.
