How does IPL work on scars, burns, moles and more

1. Can you use IPL on dark skin?

IPL-based treatments are generally most effective on very light to dark brown skin tones and aren’t as suitable for very dark skin.

That’s because the light pulses that reduce the regrowth of hair are absorbed by the hair's melanin (colour pigment) beneath the skin. If there is a high level of melanin in the skin, then it attracts the light. Dark and very dark skin tones are more prone to absorb the light, and this can cause skin damage like burns, discolouring or blisters.¹

2. Can you use IPL on scars?

On the whole, it’s okay to use IPL on scars. In fact, dermatologists often use IPL to effectively treat scarring, and it’s been found to reduce the thickness and improve pliability of damaged skin.²

That being said, when it comes to hair removal, scars can impact your results. This is because IPL relies on colour contrasts to effectively target hair follicles. If your scar is very light or very dark, it may be too similar to your hair colour.

With the Philips Lumea 9900 Pro, you can make IPL at home easier, even with scarring, by using the SmartSkin sensor. This clever tool recommends the right light intensity based on skin tone. To use the Philips Lumea 9900 Pro on scars, follow these tips:

1. Hold the device over your scar to test the area using the SmartSkin sensor
2. Avoid using the Philips Lumea 9900 Pro on raised, irritated, or healing scars
3. Ensure your skin is clean, dry, and free of hair before starting
4. Monitor the scar after your first session and stop using it if you see any adverse reactions

If in doubt as to whether to use IPL on your scars, speak to a dermatologist for more advice.

3. Is it ok to use IPL on moles and birthmarks?

It’s not recommended to use IPL hair removal on moles or birthmarks. Like hair, birthmarks and moles get their colour from melanin, and are often darker than your actual skin colour. This can cause the device to heat the mole or birthmark instead of the hair, leading to pain, IPL burns, and long-term texture changes.

For IPL and birthmarks, cover the area while carrying out hair removal. For large birthmarks, speak to a dermatologist before IPL to discuss your options in more detail.

4. Do freckles prevent IPL treatment?

Whether you use IPL on your freckles depends on their colour and the amount you have.

If you have dark freckles or a lot of them, it’s best to steer clear of IPL on these areas. Freckles are essentially the same as birthmarks and moles (concentrated areas of melanin), so you can see the same issues if you go ahead with IPL.

If you only have a few or very light freckles, it should be okay to carry on with IPL as normal. Just be sure to use a lower light intensity and keep tracking your freckles for any changes or adverse reactions following your IPL hair removal sessions.

5. IPL: when does the hair fall out?

If you’re trying IPL and the hair doesn’t fall out straight away, don’t panic - this doesn’t mean that IPL does not work. You won’t see hair falling out at all after your first session, largely because you’ll be carrying it out on smooth, hair-free skin.

Instead, you’ll start to see your hair fall out as it pushes up through the skin. This typically takes up to 3 weeks, though it can happen sooner or later depending on your hair growth.

After your second session of IPL, you should start noticing a clear reduction in hair growth. The Philips Lumea 9900 Pro, for instance, offer more than 80% hair reduction in just two sessions*, making it our most efficient device.

6. Does IPL burn?

The risk of burns occurring after an IPL session is very low, as long as the IPL device is operated correctly. Side effects of IPL are rare, and when they do occur, it’s most often in the form of moderate redness and pain.¹

It’s crucial, though, that you use your device correctly to avoid burns after IPL treatments. The Philips Lumea 9900 Pro makes this easier thanks to the SmartSkin sensor, ensuring each flash is perfectly tailored to your skin.

You can also use the real-time coaching to guide your sessions, giving you the confidence that you’re carrying out at-home IPL correctly. The built-in coaching includes:

• Skin contact guidance, helping you get the right position for the best results
• Audio and video motion guidance to perfect your technique

After sessions, track your progress and get tips to improve your hair removal via smart progress reports. Together, these features make the Philips Lumea 9900 Pro quick and convenient to use, helping you enjoy up to 30% faster sessions** from the comfort of your home.

The best way to find out how IPL hair removal works safely is to read the operating instructions. If you’re new to IPL, you can try it out with the Philips Lumea Try & Buy programme.

While hair removal on scars, moles, and birthmarks is definitely daunting, knowing what you can and can’t do makes it a lot easier. Remember, IPL is generally safe on scars, but should always be used with caution around moles and birthmarks. To avoid burns, use the Philips Lumea 9900 Pro for advanced SmartSkin technology and real-time guidance.

*Median results on legs

**Vs S9000 with body attachment