Intense Pulsed Light
Intense Pulsed Light technology (IPL)
IPL technology works by applying gentle pulses of light to the hair. As a result, the hair sheds naturally and regrowth is prevented, leaving you with silky-smooth skin.
How IPL works
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is a treatment in which gentle pulses of light are applied to the hair. The light is absorbed by the melanin (pigment) in the hair, and converted to light energy. This light energy then travels down to the hair root, stimulating the hair follicle to go into its resting phase.
As a result, the hair falls out naturally and regrowth is discouraged, leaving you with silky-smooth skin.
Clinical studies with Lumea IPL Hair Removal System have shown you can obtain significant hair reduction after two months or 4 treatments. For optimal results, simply repeat the treatment when needed, based on your individual hair growth pattern.
Philips Lumea IPL Hair Removal System and your skin
Before buying or using an IPL device, first make sure that it is suitable for you. Philips Lumea IPL Hair Removal System has four light energy settings to ensure gentle but effective treatment across a number of different skin tones and hair colors. See if these include your own.
Why choose Lumea IPL Hair Removal System?
It discourages hair regrowth - and lets you benefit from IPL treatment in the privacy of your own home.
IPL and different skin types
IPL and different skin typesIPL and different skin typesAs with other light-based treatments, IPL's effectiveness depends on the level of melanin in the hair. Melanin is the color pigment that absorbs IPL. Due to the low levels of melanin in light-blonde, white/grey and red hair, light-based hair removal treatments are not effective on these hair colours. IPL treatment is also not suitable for women with naturally dark skin tones.
Take care with tanning
After tanning, wait for the recommended period of time before you use Lumea IPL Hair Removal System, and do not use it if you have sunburned skin. Be aware that all types of tanning darken the skin, so always check the Lumea skin/hair color table. If appropriate, adapt the light intensity to a lower setting to avoid skin reactions and side effects.
Your skin will be more sensitive directly after an IPL treatment. Wait for the recommended period of time or until all redness has disappeared before you expose treated areas to the sun. Cover treated areas when you go out into the sun or use a sunblock (+30 SPF) in the two weeks after treatment.
For more information, please check the user manual provided with your Philips Lumea IPL Hair Removal System.
Using Lumea
Using Lumea IPL Hair Removal System is simple, straightforward and comfortable. You can achieve hair-free, silky-smooth skin after just a few treatments. There are no replacement lamps to buy.
How long does it take?
Treatment times depend on the area to be treated and the light intensity used. You can see the average treatment times per area.
When to not use Lumea IPL Hair Removal system
Philips Lumea should not be used by women with medical conditions such as skin cancer, lesions, epilepsy, vascular disorders, immunosuppressive disorders or skin allergies to light. If you take medications that cause photosensitivity or other reactions, please consult your doctor before use and follow your prescription's instructions.
Do not use Philips Lumea IPL Hair Removal System if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, and do not use the appliance near any piercings, tattoos, injection sites (e.g. for insulin), pacemakers or implants.
Does it hurt?
In clinical trials with Philips Lumea IPL Hair Removal System, no women rated the experience as painful, providing the correct settings according to skin tone and hair color were followed. Some women did describe experiencing a 'warm sensation', 'prickling' or 'itching', but in most cases these disappeared within a few minutes or an hour.
To get accustomed to Philips Lumea, it is recommended that you make test flashes near the area you intend to treat, using the lowest recommended light setting. Once you are comfortable with this, you can increase the light setting, but it should never become uncomfortable.
Expert advice
Philips Lumea IPL Hair Removal System is the result of more than 10 years of research carried out together with expert dermatologists. Devices were tested on over 2,000 users during dozens of trials in several countries. This extensive research provided us with the knowledge to ensure that IPL with Lumea truly meets your needs.
Meet the experts
Ask the dermatologist
Awards
Appliances from the Philips Lumea range* have won a number of prestigious international awards for its innovative technology and efficacy.
*The availability of the full Lumea range varies per country
Tips & FAQs
Find out how to make the most of the benefits of long lasting hair removal with IPL.
Tips & Tricks
Tips & Tricks