Item descriptionThe area should already be shaved before the treatment begins.  To start, a cool gel is applied.  The IPL applicator is then placed on to the skin and short pulses of light are released as it is moved around the treatment area.  Specifically targeted light energy is absorbed by melanin, the pigment in hair, heating it and destroying the hair follicle. Protective eye goggles are worn during the treatment.

Many people describe the sensation as similar to the snap of an elastic band.  Although some areas are more sensitive than others, no pain relief is required other than skin cooling, and most people describe the discomfort as tolerable.

Yes, test patches are used to determine the best treatment settings and to judge how your skin might react to a full treatment. A test patch is a small trial and allows me to assess how well the light energy is being absorbed and whether the skin is responding as would be expected.

Shaving is the only hair removal you should do between sessions.  You should shave the night before each treatment session (except before you come to your consultation as I need to check your hair first). Waxing, plucking, or threading should be avoided, as the hair needs to be in the follicle for the treatment to be effective.

After a treatment, the hair typically remains in the follicles and sheds after 1-3 weeks as the top layer of the skin renews.  It may seem as if the hair is still growing during this time but in fact it is being pushed up and out by the new skin growth.  Only hair that is currently growing will be affected, so multiple treatments are necessary, every 4-6 weeks.  The number of sessions needed varies, but typically you will start to notice results after a few treatments.  You may notice your hair growing through finer and more slowly as the sessions progress. 

A consultation will be used to discuss the treatment and determine your suitability for the treatment. This is a good opportunity for you to discuss your treatment goals and to ask any questions you may have. A small test patch will also be carried out to assess the best treatment settings for you and to see how your skin may react to a full treatment.  A full treatment can be booked a week after the test patch.

You may experience some redness immediately after treatment, and the hair follicles may be swollen and bumpy, but this will subside within a few hours. 

You should avoid strenuous exercise for 48 hours post-treatment.

Avoid strenuous activities, hot baths/showers, sauna, steam, massage and anything that could irritate the skin until any redness subsides.

Use a high SPF during your treatment course and protect the skin from direct sunlight for at least a month after treatment ends to protect against hyperpigmentation.

Lynton are a UK company that originates from work conducted at the University of Manchester.  Their medical-grade equipment is multi award-winning and they are the only IPL supplier to the NHS.  Their IPL technology is fully customisable, ensuring fantastic treatment results.

IPL hair removal is not suitable for people with light, white or grey hair, as the hair does not have the melanin needed to absorb the energy from the light.

Although I check people’s medical history and conditions carefully during our consultation before any treatments, generally IPL hair removal is not suitable if:

• You have had prolonged sun exposure or used a tanning bed in the month before treatment

• You have ever used tanning supplements

• You have very large lesions or skin markings on the area being treated

• You have tattoos on the area being treated.

Before treatment, I perform a small patch test to check that you do not have adverse reactions to the treatment.

You would need to avoid waxing, plucking, hair removal creams and bleaching for at least 7 days before treatment.

Immediately after treatment, your skin may be red and slightly swollen, but this will subside very quickly. You may experience a superficial tingling feeling on the skin and you may see a darkening of pigment spots before they flake away - this means the treatment has worked perfectly in providing you with a more even, flawless skin tone.

You should use SPF 50 sun cream between treatments and for a month after your last treatment as your skin will be more sensitive at this time.