In December 2022, I shared my experience after using the Philips Lumea IPL hair removal device over a span of ten weeks. According to the manufacturer, the device is expected to reduce hair growth by 85% after just three applications. However, after ten weeks of bi-weekly usage, my results were close to what was promised, albeit not exactly as stated.
Now, after four months and six months from the initiation of my treatment, you might be wondering about my final assessment and the long-term outcomes. Let’s delve into these results.
To start this update, I'll provide an introduction to the Philips Lumea IPL device for those who may be unfamiliar. Having used this product for a full ten weeks, I can offer insights into what you might expect if you decide to purchase it. For those interested, I have included a link to my results, along with before and after photos below.
### What is Philips Lumea IPL?
In summary, the Philips Lumea is an Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) hair removal device designed for plug-in use, featuring two interchangeable heads—one tailored for facial application and the other for body use. I purchased mine on Amazon for £200, benefiting from a special offer, as its regular price was higher.
Currently, the device is listed at £279 on Amazon UK, but it’s advisable to check for better deals directly from the manufacturer or through other retailers. In the U.S., a comparable model on Amazon is priced at $370.
This device offers five treatment settings. You position the head over the area you wish to treat and press the trigger to release the light. For larger areas, you can hold the trigger down and keep it moving after each pulse to expedite the process.
Personally, I primarily used the third setting for comfort. While using the device, you may feel a slight pulse of warmth; however, on more sensitive areas, the sensation can be quite intense. That said, I've gradually adapted and now often utilize the fifth setting, which is the highest.
The technology works by targeting melanin, the pigment in your hair, which absorbs the emitted light and induces a resting phase in the hair growth cycle. It’s important to note that this treatment is less effective on blonde or red hair and darker skin tones, as it primarily targets darker hair on lighter skin due to its pigmentation focus.
Philips has developed a comprehensive guide detailing the various hair and skin types that are best suited for this device, which you can find outlined below.
### Recap
After consistently using the device every two weeks for ten weeks, I achieved satisfactory results, as illustrated in the accompanying images. Following this initial phase, I transitioned into a maintenance routine, applying the device approximately every three to four weeks to sustain my results.
Treating both legs, along with bikini lines and underarms, can be quite time-consuming; a full leg treatment takes at least ten minutes. I must confess that, despite my commitment to monthly usage, I haven't always meticulously treated every single area each time.
#### Also Read: Philips Lumea 9000 vs. Prestige: Which IPL is Better for You?
### How to Use Philips Lumea IPL
Before beginning your treatment, it’s essential to shave to ensure the light can reach the hair roots effectively. If I notice any patches of hair on my legs, I shave those spots and treat them along with nearby areas. I consistently treat my bikini line and underarms fully.
So, what have my results been six months later?
The positive news is that hair growth in my underarms has nearly disappeared. The same can be said for my bikini line, where the device is particularly effective on coarser, darker hair. However, the finer hair can be more challenging to treat.
The situation is a bit different for my legs, especially around the knees. I recently took a picture ten days post-treatment, revealing small patches of hair around my knees and some sparse hair scattered over the rest of my legs. While there has been significant improvement, I still find it necessary to shave or wax before wearing shorts or a bikini. If I decided to swim right now, it would take only about a minute to eliminate the remaining hair.
Consequently, while it hasn't completely removed all my hair, the results have been impressive. It’s difficult to determine whether continued use of the device every two weeks for an extended period could have led to complete hair removal, as the instructions suggested transitioning to monthly maintenance after the initial weeks—something I adhered to.
In my view, this has been a worthwhile investment. I could have opted for clinic treatments, costing over £1000, and still achieved minimal hair reduction. Instead, I spent £200 and have significantly decreased my hair growth.
### A Couple of Additional Points
As with many products, proper maintenance is key to ensuring the device’s performance and longevity. This means cleaning the glass after each use; it's necessary to detach the head and wipe down the glass with a slightly damp cloth.
You might notice small white spots on the glass from the smoke generated by any hair that remains on your skin post-shave. Cleaning these off is crucial for optimal results.
Additionally, it's important to be aware that operating the device continuously over large areas can lead to overheating. If this occurs, the device will stop working, and you will see a series of flashing lights instead of a steady one. When overheating happens, turn it off and allow it to cool for about ten minutes before resuming use.
After six months of usage, I've observed it takes significantly longer for the device to cool, suggesting a decrease in efficiency over time.
### Philips Lumea Advanced IPL Device: My Final Verdict
In conclusion, my experience with the Philips Lumea Advanced IPL device has yielded positive results. My razor has seen much less use; I now only require an electric shaver for the occasional stray hairs. This has made my hair removal routine simpler and confirms that it was a smart purchase.
I hope you find this update informative. Many of you have inquired about the progress of my IPL treatments over time, and I'm pleased to share these insights with you.
#### Also Read: Ulike IPL Hair Removal Device Review (6 Months Results Update)