For those seeking a solution to unwanted hair, there is an excellent option: a painless, definitive, and innovative solution. We are referring to pulsed light epilators, specifically IPL (Intense Pulsed Light), which, through the action of light pulses, contribute to the permanent removal of hair.
It is a professional system that has recently become available to the consumer market, enjoying considerable success despite not being low-priced. However, it remains advantageous compared to laser hair removal by beauticians, which requires more sessions and the hassle of having to visit the salon every time. Indeed, domestic epilators won’t yield the same results as professional ones, but they come very close.
We want to underline that to obtain good results. It is necessary to use and rely on high-quality “do-it-yourself ” epilators; prices will undoubtedly be higher, but the results will be satisfactory.
Among all the companies on the market, we have identified two top brands in this regard, which offer two products that are currently the reference, best sellers, and those that yield the best results. We are talking about Braun and Philips.
Both of these epilators achieve excellent results despite considerable differences from each other. However, before analyzing them to find the best model, let’s spend a moment discussing laser hair removal.
What is pulsed light hair removal?
High-intensity pulsed light effectively removes unwanted hair by “burning” it with its intense energy, without damaging the surrounding tissues. Through a beam of light, placed behind a specific optical filter, you can target the area to be depilated with versatility, speed, and safety. The supply of light is not continuous but occurs through high-speed pulses.
Any woman who wants to use epilators with pulsed light should consider that the results obtained will vary depending on the type of skin. This is because the pulsed light acts in particular, on very dark contrasting hairs on the lighter skin: as we know, the light tends to ” warm ” more the dark areas, then the hairs at the expense of the skin, admitted, that there is a certain difference in color between the two.
Individuals with light hair or very dark skin may achieve good results with the use of pulsed light. The hairs will be weakened and thinned out, but it may be necessary to repeat the process several times with the epilator.
In this particular case, where dark skin or hair that is too light is involved, the German house Braun is equipping its epilators with a handy function: the sensor “Senso Adapt,” which automatically recognizes different skin tones to adjust the intensity for a better result.
For even more secure and personalized treatment, Philips offers two types of heads: one specifically designed for the face and the other for all other areas, particularly the bikini area.
How to use a pulsed light epilator?
Before using the product, dermatologists recommend carrying out a skin sensitivity test. You can do it alone. Before applying it to the whole body, we recommend testing it on a small area to observe any potential redness or irritation. In case of a negative result, you can proceed to use the product.
Then, you can proceed to the armpits, legs, arms, groin, and chest, using the epilator as you would a traditional depilator. The Braun and Philips models feature a high-speed mode that enables the entire area to be treated in under ten minutes. It is called “Continuous Impulses.”
In any case, we recommend never passing the epilator on areas near the eyes, as the intense light could cause irreversible damage!
Braun or Philips: which one to choose?
After these brief introductions, let’s examine the characteristics of the two pulsed light epilators currently competing in the market to determine which one may be most suitable for your needs.
Braun Silk Expert
Braun proposes using the pulsed light epilator in combination with the wireless exfoliating brush after treatment for an even better result and to remove any remaining unwanted hair. This model has a duration of 300,000 pulses of light, lasting over 30 years when used on legs and arms, and up to 15 years when used continuously throughout the body.
The peculiarity of the Braun epilator is that it is equipped with a sensor that allows it to recognize the color of the skin, automatically adjusting the intensity according to this value. For larger areas such as the chest and legs, it is possible to use the fast scrolling mode, which increases the speed of impulses by covering larger areas in less time. For all types of treatment, no kind of gel should be used.
For a personalized treatment as well as automatic thanks to the action of the sensor, you can set three different modes depending on the sensitivity of the skin: the normal mode, ideal for any type of skin, the delicate mode for more sensitive skin and less light intense, up to the extra-delicate mode for sensitive skin or the first use.
Braun has thought of everything, including not using pulsed light, thus minimizing wasted impulses: the light will be activated only when both sensors are in contact with the skin. In this case, the sidelights will turn on, and the epilator will start its action. This also benefits safety, as it avoids emitting light that the eyes can detect.
Perhaps the only flaw we can identify is that the window from which the pulsed light emerges is too large to be used on small areas, such as the mustache. This results in the light not adhering well to the skin and not spilling over.
The power supply of the product operates through the current. We want to clarify this fact because our direct competitor, Philips Lumea, is cordless, allowing it to be used far from a power outlet.
>>> Where to buy Braun Silk Expert?
Philips Lumea
Let’s move on to the direct competitor. Regarding the pulses of light, the Lumea is equipped with over 250,000 pulses, capable of delivering treatment for more than 8 years. A little lower, but still good. Lumea is highly effective on light skin with light, brown, and black hair, while it is less effective on very dark skin and/or on red, blond, or gray hair.
Unlike the previous model, which was equipped with a single non-interchangeable head, Philips now provides three different heads for specific needs. For example, for the bikini area, you can use a filter that allows more light to pass through, making the light’s action more effective on even the most rigid and most resistant hair, such as that on the legs and groin.
As an alternative for sensitive areas, such as the face (remember not to approach the eye area, but only to the jaw and chin), it is possible to use a reduced filter that allows less light to pass, thus reducing the risk of skin alteration. Additionally, we can note that the application window is larger than the one used in the Braun epilator, allowing for faster treatment and a wider coverage area. Additionally, for any treatment, there is no need to use a gel.
In addition to the interchangeable filters, you can select up to 5 different light intensities, tailored to your specific skin type.
Conclusions
As you will have understood, the two epilators are very similar to each other. So, which one to choose? This question is challenging to answer, as the final results vary significantly depending on the type of skin and fur a person has. It must be noted that both models are well-suited for even the most sensitive skin, thanks to the interchangeable heads of Philips and the sensor used by Braun.
In addition, both products ensure quick and painless treatment, thanks to the quick sliding mode on the skin. However, the interval between treatments will vary according to individual regrowth.
In conclusion, if you have sensitive skin or want to use the epilator on your face, we recommend the Philips model, which, thanks to its interchangeable heads, can be customized to the maximum for each treatment. If you do not have specific needs in this regard, the Braun product is perfect and versatile, thanks to its sensor that adapts to any skin type.
