Summer is fast approaching which means bikini season is too, and we’re already getting started on our hair removal prep. Whilst some might not be bothered about removing their hair – personally, during the summer months we love being as hair-free and silky smooth as possible.
This is where Braun’s Skin i·expert IPLcomes in. As the world’s first IPL system to provide a personalised experience, Braun’s Skin i·expert adapts to your skin and hair needs for effective hair reduction and removal. Whilst at-home IPL seems a little scary (we were definitely apprehensive at first), this device has a partnering app which helps you feel fully supported during treatment and keeps track of progress.
Now, we know that investing in an at-home IPL device isn't cheap, so we put it to the test to let you know whether it's worth it or not. And spoiler alert.. we're SO impressed with the results.
Braunwww.boots.com
After three weeks I'm already loving the results and can't wait to see the difference after the full eight sessions.
What actually is IPL?
IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light and it essentially works by pulsing light to the root of your hair to slow down and eventually stop regrowth. Braun’s Skin i·expert IPL comes with four head attachments for use on different areas of the body - standard, wide and two precision heads. The app lets you know which head to use for which area of the body, so you'll never be left questioning whether you've got the right one. The device is also constantly checking your skin tone and adapts the flash level to suit, which means there is no worry of burning.
Does at-home IPL actually work?
As someone who has previously invested hundreds of pounds into salon laser hair removal treatment with lacklustre results- I was dubious about whether this at-home device would be effective. However, having used the Braun’s Skin i·expert IPL for just over three weeks now- I can honestly say it’s a game changer and I’m already loving the results. After week one I didn’t notice a massive difference in the reduction of hair growth, but between weeks two and three I spotted a real difference and can see that it’s working.
How often do you use at-home IPL?
The length of treatment varies depending on each body part. Most areas like arms, legs and glutes take around six weekly sessions to complete treatment, whereas areas like the bikini line and underarms take eight weekly sessions. After you’ve completed the initial course of treatment you can just go in for top up sessions as and when you feel like you need them.
Braun Skin i·expert IPL: My honest thoughts
Week one
After my first session using Braun’s Skin i·expert IPL, I didn’t really notice too much of a difference in the hair growth, so was a little disappointed. I was able to see a slight difference in my legs - however I could see that I had missed lots of spots with the device so needed to be a lot more thorough and take my time on my next session. This really is a crucial thing to note – slow and steady really wins the race with at-home IPL. Make sure to really take your time so you don’t miss any spots.
Week two
After week two I could really tell that it was working. Obviously, it hadn’t completely stopped my hair from growing but I could see that it was growing back a lot slower than usual. These results were particularly evident on my lower legs and bikini line. I also found that my skin was tolerating the feeling of the IPL a lot better, there was almost no discomfort at all.
Week three
Week three was the real turning point for me! Hair growth has slowed down considerably and found that I had little to shave with my razor before going in with the IPL. I also feel like I have my technique for using the device down now - the key is to go slow and hold the device almost vertically over the skin so it makes full contact.
Does it hurt?
Generally, no! I did find that different areas of the body were more sensitive to the feeling or if I accidentally went over an area a couple of times during a session it would hurt more. I found the feeling comparable to the snapping of an elastic band. My legs and arms were completely pain free, but I did find my underarms quite sensitive - but the feeling is over before you know it. Overall, I wouldn’t say it’s painful at all - just a little uncomfortable at times.
Can you use Braun Smart IPL everywhere?
Pretty much, yes. On the app you can select which body parts you want to use the IPL on- I went for lower and upper legs, bikini line, abs, arms and underarms.
Can anyone use IPL?
The Braun Smart IPL can be used on most hair colour and skin combinations but essentially the more contrast between your hair and skin tone - the better results. As someone with naturally dark hair and a relatively pale skin tone, I was the ideal candidate. If your hair is lighter than your skin, IPL won’t be as effective.
How to prepare for at home IPL?
Before using the Braun Smart IPL device you have to make sure that your skin is freshly shaven and hair free - this is so the laser can get right into the hair follicle. I found shaving in the evening and then using the IPL device in the morning worked best for me as it gave my skin time to settle down after shaving before going in with IPL.
Lucy Brown is a Life and Style Writer covering everything travel, celeb wellness and fashion and beauty across both print and online for Closer, heat, Bella, Take a Break, Yours and That's Life.