How to effectively use your IPL at home
Before you start, Trish notes that effective use of IPL at home will differ from device to device, so best to check with your instruction manual for specific uses. Keep reading for her step-by-step guide to achieving the best results with your at-home IPL.
Shave the treatment area cleanly. Dry your skin afterwards and make sure it’s completely clean and product-free.
Do a patch test if it’s your first time using a device. On a small area, check that your skin tone is within the safe range using your device’s built in sensor or the included chart. Flash once and wait 24 hours. If there’s no redness, irritation, or unusual reaction – you’re good to go.
Most devices have multiple intensity levels. Start on the lower end, particularly for sensitive areas like the bikini line, underarms, or face. You can increase the intensity over the following sessions as you see how your skin responds.
Place the light window fully flush against your skin. Most devices won’t flash unless there’s full contact, as that’s a safety feature. Don’t press down hard, just maintain good, even contact.
Work in a grid like pattern so you’re not missing patches and not overlapping too much either. For the Bondi Body V2 Laser, we recommend moving the device in 1cm increments across the treatment area. It’s okay to let the device double flash before moving to the next spot. Some people mark sections with a white eyeliner pencil, but you can just work systematically from top to bottom too.
Once you’ve finished, apply a soothing, fragrance-free body moisturiser or aloe vera gel to help cool your skin.
How often to use IPL at home?
The all-important question: how often to use IPL at home? Again, this can vary depending on the specific device you’re using as well as your hair and skin type, but Trish offers some general advice to follow as a rule of thumb.
“For face, neck and intimate areas (bikini line, Brazilian, Hollywood), IPL can be used to once a week for 12 weeks,” she says. “Legs, arms, underarms, stomach, chest and back can be treated up to twice a week for 12 weeks.” After the 12-week mark, she recommends using the device once monthly to remove any new growth that may have appeared (if at all).
While it might be tempting to use your IPL at home more often to see faster results, overuse can result in irritation, hyperpigmentation and permanent skin damage – including scarring from blisters and burns.