Is IPL safe to use on legs? This is how IPL for legs works

Many people regularly shave, epilate or wax to remove leg hair, but wouldn't it be fantastic to reduce the number of times you had to do this? Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) can help. High-energy light impulses heat the hair roots, which causes the hair to fall out and grow back much more slowly – giving you more time for the beautiful things in life. So, is IPL safe to use on your legs? Find out why it’s perfectly safe and explore other benefits IPL brings right here.

Common IPL & leg-related questions

If you want to remove hair using IPL for legs, you’ll probably have a few questions. Is home IPL safe? Does it hurt? How long does it take? Does it result in permanent leg hair removal? We’ve answered the most common questions here:

• Is IPL laser hair removal safe on legs?
  Yes, as long as you use a quality device and follow the instructions carefully.
  

• Is IPL for legs painful?
  The light impulse of the IPL device heats the hair root, which can warm up the skin around it, but it shouldn't hurt. Legs tend to have fewer sensitive areas of skin than, for example, underarms, where IPL can feel a little more uncomfortable.
  

• How long does an IPL legs treatment last?
  To begin with, as not every hair is in the same growth phase several initial applications are necessary at intervals. But in the long-term, legs can remain hair-free for up to 6 months with IPL.
  

• How does IPL compare to shaving?
  Simply compare your skin after shaving and after IPL: before and after legs pictures can help with this! The legs are exposed to less irritation compared to daily shaving or even epilation.
  

• Can you achieve permanent leg hair removal?
  While IPL doesn’t provide permanent hair removal, legs will be hair-free for longer compared to other options like shaving, waxing or epilating. Just whip out those IPL: before and after legs pictures to notice the difference!
  

• How long does an application take?
  With practice, it's possible to remove hair on your calf in about 8.5 minutes with an IPL lower leg treatment.

• Is IPL laser hair removal safe? Does IPL irritate the skin?
  Yes, it is safe! The light pulse resembles a flash, and the heat only lasts for a brief moment. Since you don't treat the same area of skin multiple times in a row, it doesn't irritate the skin on your legs too much. Shaving, epilating or waxing causes more skin irritation because you do it more often.

• What do you have to watch out for with IPL?
  The most important thing is that you handle the IPL device as described in the operating instructions. In addition, skin tone and hair colour must work with IPL, and you need to avoid IPL on birthmarks, moles, scars and other skin conditions. It’s also important to prepare the legs first, so shave on the day, or alternatively you can epilate or wax the day before, and wash and dry well before the treatment.
  

• Is one application enough?
  More than one application is necessary in the initial treatment phase to achieve smooth legs. But if you follow the treatment plan, you can find up to 92% less hair on your legs after just three treatments.
  
  

Long-lasting IPL is a great option for those looking for permanent hair removal on legs, and you can use the Philips Lumea IPL 9000 Series in the comfort of your own home. It’s easy with at-home hair removal tips.