As you may already be aware, Intense Pulsed Light is commonly known as IPL. The Philips Lumea utilizes gentle light pulses to induce a resting phase in hair follicles by targeting the hair roots, which leads to a gradual decrease in hair growth on your body. By consistently repeating this treatment over time, you can achieve beautifully hair-free skin that feels incredibly smooth to the touch. With the increasing availability of various devices on the market, many individuals are left wondering which option might be the best fit for their needs. In this comparison review, I will outline the key differences between the premium Lumea Prestige and the Lumea Advanced, as well as highlight the reasons why the Prestige stands out.
Longevity: Prestige Takes the Lead!
Both the Advanced and earlier Prestige models are designed to deliver 250,000 flashes. However, the latest Prestige versions from the 9000 series impressively offer 450,000 flashes. This substantial increase equates to over 200 or approximately 15 years' worth of monthly full-body touch-up sessions. Nevertheless, most users will find that they do not need to perform touch-ups that frequently. This is because, after treatment, your skin can remain smooth for several months, and even up to a year if you have diligently completed a year of maintenance sessions. Consequently, many users may find they only require a few touch-ups annually. Although it might seem that 450,000 flashes are significantly superior to 250,000, both models will provide more than sufficient flashes for your needs.
Design & Shape: No Clear Winner!
Both the Prestige and Advanced models boast comfortable pistol designs that make them easy to handle. Their ergonomically natural grips allow for precise positioning without strain. The trigger button is strategically placed for a secure grip, and the straightforward controls are easily accessible on the top of the device.
Weight: Advanced is the Winner!
In comparison to the Advanced, the Prestige model is slightly larger and heavier. However, the Advanced is noticeably lighter and more compact, making it feel quite different in use. This weight difference is primarily due to the Prestige's inclusion of a rechargeable lithium battery, which enables cordless operation alongside mains power. Despite being well-balanced and comfortable for maneuvering around your body, the Prestige weighs in at 560g, while the Advanced is a more manageable 370g.
Battery Power: Prestige Takes the Crown!
Both devices are powered by mains electricity and come with high-quality, approximately 2-meter long cords that are thick and flexible. These cords do not twist or tangle during use and are easy to store. However, as previously mentioned, the Prestige features a rechargeable lithium battery that allows for cordless use, giving it an advantage over the Advanced model. Each handle accommodates the power cables safely, and the Prestige's longer handle keeps the cable out of the way while you move it around your body, whereas the shorter handle of the Advanced can sometimes lead to tangling.
Power & Safety: Prestige Takes the Lead!
Both devices offer five adjustable intensity levels based on your skin tone, ranging from low (1) to high (5). These intensity levels can be cycled through via the power or flash button. The Prestige model has a slight edge in power, requiring less effort to achieve results. This means that if you have fair skin and can utilize the highest intensity settings, you may need fewer touch-ups to maintain smoothness after your initial treatment sessions. The Lumea Prestige has a power intensity range of 2.5 to 6.5 J/cm², while the Lumea Advanced operates within a range of 2.5 to 5 J/cm². The intuitive controls on the top of both devices allow for easy selection of the five IPL intensity settings.
CE Certification: No Clear Winner!
Both models have undergone rigorous safety testing for home use and have received CE certification. They include built-in UV filters and skin contact sensors that prevent unintentional flashes from coming too close to your eyes, while also safeguarding darker skin tones. In straightforward terms, the Advanced is suitable for Fitzpatrick skin types I to IV, while the Prestige is designed for light to medium dark skin tones (types I to V).
Enhanced Skin Sensor: Prestige is the Winner!
Each device is equipped with a skin tone sensor that prevents flashing if your skin is too dark. However, the Prestige features a more advanced Smartskin sensor that not only detects skin tone but also recommends the optimal intensity level out of five based on your specific skin color. Once applied to your skin, you can press the button, and the sensor will identify the ideal IPL intensity level for you, which is particularly useful if you have different skin tones across your body. Additionally, you can manually lower the intensity by one or two notches for more sensitive areas.
Professional Flash Windows: No Clear Winner!
The flash windows on both the Advanced and Prestige are adjustable to accommodate different body parts. The Advanced model is equipped with flat attachments in various sizes, including a small 2 cm² face flash window and a larger 4 cm² flat body attachment with an integrated red filter, both of which work effectively. In contrast, the Prestige features curved flash windows designed to contour to your body's various shapes for easier application.
Faster Session Times: Prestige Wins!
The operation of both devices is fundamentally similar; you simply press the flash button while the window is in contact with your skin. After each flash, you move the device to the next area, ensuring that the window overlaps slightly with the previous flash. You can maintain continuous flashes by holding down the button as you glide the window along your skin.
However, the flash rates differ between the two devices. The Prestige model operates much more quickly, delivering a flash every two seconds (when used in corded mode), allowing you to complete a full leg treatment in approximately 10 minutes and a full-body session in under 40 minutes. In comparison, the Lumea Advanced flashes every 3.5 seconds, meaning a full leg can take nearly 20 minutes, and a complete body treatment exceeds an hour.
Treatment Plans & Anticipated Results: Prestige is the Winner!
For optimal smooth skin, the Prestige requires 4 to 5 sessions, spaced two weeks apart, summing up to 8 weeks. A full-body treatment takes around 40 minutes. Similarly, the Advanced model also necessitates 4 to 5 sessions at two-week intervals to achieve smoothness, but with a full-body workout spanning over an hour.
Post several sessions, you will observe a slowed growth of hair, with hairs becoming softer, finer, and lighter during the initial phase. Shaving becomes easier without the risk of harsh stubble, irritation, or ingrown hairs. Eventually
