Frequently Asked IPL Questions

Does it hurt?

While you will feel IPL, it is not generally experienced as pain. Each flash feels like a little tick against the skin. Obviously, some parts of the body are more sensitive than others, but it is not a painful experience on even the most delicate body parts.

Is IPL safe?

Absolutely. The light from the flash penetrates only a few millimeters into the skin and is filtered to have a very specific effect. For example, it is impossible for lymph or sweat glands to be damaged.

Are there certain instances when IPL should not be used?

IPL should not be used on clients with cancer, pacemakers, epilepsy, shingles, are pregnant, breast-feeding, running a temperature, have an infection, metals in or under the skin in the treatment zone, have fresh scars or tattoos.

Will IPL work on all hair types?

No. The hair has to contain sufficient melanin (pigment); otherwise the energy from the flash cannot be transmitted to the hair root. Blond, red and grey hairs contain little or no melanin and therefore cannot be removed with IPL.

I’ve noticed a large price difference in IPL treatments, why is it cheaper at some businesses than in others?

Not all IPL units are the same. Older equipment does not have the power and precision of today’s modern, advanced equipment. While older IPL units allow businesses to offer lower treatment prices, you will ultimately need many more treatments. This will cost you considerably more over time. The Bentlon IPL Dual Power Flash is a powerful, advanced unit used for optimum results.

How long does a treatment take?

The duration of the treatment will depend on the area being treated. For smaller areas, such as hair removal on the upper lip or wrinkle treatment on the forehead, only a few minutes are required. Larger areas, like hair removal on man's back, will take about 30 minutes.

Are results immediate?

You will not see results immediately after treatment. With hair removal, hairs are still contained in the hair shaft. It may take several days or even up to 2-3 weeks before they fall out. You will also not see instant results with other IPL treatments, because the skin has to recover. While no foreign substances are injected into the skin, it does have to work to improve itself from the inside.

Will I have to take certain precautionary measures?

No precautionary measures are required, but it is very important that the skin has not been tanned (either by sun or tanning bed). Make sure your skin has been properly cleaned and do not wear make up if your face will receive treatment.

Any special after-care required?

Sunbathing and use of the tanning bed should be avoided during these treatments. Clients should refrain from sunbathing or tanning beds for one month after the course of treatments has ended. You run the risk of permanent pigmented patches forming if this warning is ignored. It is recommended that you use sunblock if you cannot avoid the sun.

Is IPL treatment suitable for everyone?

Yes. However, it’s important to remember that in younger clients, new hair development may still take place as they have not stopped growing. Therefore hair removal is not recommended and they are advised to wait until they are older.

Is hair removal really permanent for the rest of one's life?

The body changes as a person gets older. While hair follicles that have been treated with IPL will never grow again, the body can always activate new follicles and grow hairs at a later stage that a person did not have before. For example, men experience hair growth on their ears as they get older. This hair growth is generally minimal and remains limited to downy hairs. In rare cases, the body might restore the blood supply to a hair follicle so that it becomes active again. However, this would involve a few hairs (at the most) and could be easily removed again.