Over the course of many millennia of civilization, women have struggled with excess hair in different ways, sometimes in the most ruthless and painful ways. However, modern technology does not stand still and offers affordable, painless and durable methods of laser and photoepilation using compact home devices. How do photoepilators differ from laser epilators and what is more effective?
Almost every modern girl with early years I'm worried about the problem of excess hair. Only a few lucky women can boast of naturally marvelous and delicate skin without unwanted hair. Everyone knows shaving, hair removal with wax and sugar (sugaring), enzyme hair removal with creams and gels, hair removal using electric epilators, hair removal using electric current and much more. None of these methods are durable, safe or painless, not to mention the total cost of procedures, supplies and various accessories purchased by a woman throughout her life.
After all the use of all the above hair removal methods, if not all, then most women are faced with the problem of ingrown hair. Dermatologists are increasingly recognizing that ingrown hairs are becoming a real disease, since the appearance of the first such hairs is followed by the next, then extensive subcutaneous inflammation occurs - and you can only admire the traces of the former beauty and tenderness of the skin.
Another thing is modern portable photo and laser epilators, which can be bought for home use. They replaced large medical and salon hair removal devices. Previously, they could only be used in a medical center or a professional beauty salon. Doctors and cosmetologists were specially trained in new hair removal technology, salons and centers purchased used equipment in Europe, and women paid big money for dozens of procedures. Now everything has changed dramatically. By investing once in a small and convenient device, every woman can do the required number of procedures right at home at any time. In addition, it is very convenient for friends who can buy the device and use it together.
Let's figure out how photoepilators and laser epilators differ from each other.
Laser hair removal technology uses a laser with a specific wavelength, which affects the hair itself and the hair follicle. The color pigment melanin, which is contained in the hair and gives it a particular color, absorbs the laser wave, becomes very hot, and then is destroyed along with the hair follicle. Some time after the procedure, the destroyed hair falls out, leaving behind smooth skin. Depending on the hair type, after 5-8 regular procedures, up to 90% of all hair disappears. Girls with dark hair will have to increase the number of procedures to 10-15 due to physiological characteristics.
Portable laser epilators can be budget, which act on each hair separately, and more expensive - with a scanning function, which, when pointed at the skin, themselves determine the hairs and their location and act on them comprehensively. With the help of such devices, no more than 60 mm2 of skin can be processed at a time. If you don’t have extra money and are persevering, then for home hair removal you can recommend the Rio Dezac Salon Laser device. If you would like to epilate hair with a laser with greater comfort, then you should try models with a self-guided laser and scanning function Rio Dezac X60 and Rio Dezac LAHS-3000. All home laser devices have eye protection from the laser, and they only work when the device is pressed tightly against the skin. Using them will bring you great pleasure and will completely pay off.
As for photoepilators, their biggest advantage is the area of skin treatment. In one flash you can process 6cm2, that is, up to approximately 180-200 hairs. The effect of this device is very similar to the effect of a laser epilator, but in this case the hair is exposed to a light wave, which also affects melanin, the hair structure and its root. During the epilation process, you will not feel any pain - only warmth from the light beam. The flash strength is adjusted in such a way that you will never get burned. Thanks to the photoepilation device, the procedure time will be significantly reduced compared to laser epilators. However, when purchasing such a device, you need to pay attention that after every 2-3 procedures you will need to change the lamps. Among the successful models it is worth noting HPLight, Rio IPL-8000 And Sensepil. More than 85% of customers noted significant results after the first few treatments.
If compare photoepilators and laser epilators, then the following can be noted. Laser epilator has a long service life, small treatment area and is more suitable for people with dark hair. It can be successfully used even on dark skin. Photoepilatory devices process a large area of skin in one flash; their lamp life is short, but they are recommended for use by people with fair skin and blond hair. Using both types of epilators is equally suitable for both women and men and is completely painless.
The same question is always open - hair removal. Women experience various means for hair removal so that the skin remains smooth and soft longer.
Modern technologies We are offered to use special epilators for this purpose, aimed at removing hair for a long period of time. These include laser and photoepilators. Such prospects are of course very encouraging, but what is better to choose and what is the difference between a photoepilator and a laser epilator. We will now consider this issue in detail.
What is the difference between the devices
A laser epilator and a photoepilator are two devices that emit light waves aimed at destroying hair. More specifically, the heated wave is aimed at destroying melanin in the hair structure, which leads to the destruction of the hair follicle.
Laser epilator
Produces a laser beam of a specific length. Its action is concentrated on a specific area. It is worth noting that the laser heats only the hair, that is, there is no threat of burning the skin, because it is not exposed to heat.
The principle of operation is as follows: the beam is aimed at indicating melanin and focuses on the destruction of the hair root. Those with light skin and dark hair are best suited to this procedure. Situations when a person has red or gray hair are considered more problematic. Black people are also more difficult to undergo this procedure. However, observations regarding skin color and hair itself do not indicate that the procedure will not be effective.
Benefits of laser hair removal:
- The procedure goes quickly.
- The device does not directly contact the skin, only the laser.
- The body easily tolerates the procedure and recovers quickly.
- There are no burns, scars, wounds or other damage to the skin after the procedure.
- In fact, the procedure is not difficult.
Disadvantages of laser hair removal:
- The cost of equipment for such a procedure is quite high.
- The effect is not permanent - temporary.
Photoepilator
It produces a larger number of light rays compared to a laser epilator, so the area of effect is larger. All of them different lengths and are aimed at a larger amount of hair, but because of this the effect is somewhat reduced. Such features require repeated procedures. True, there are improved models of devices that are capable of automatically selecting the length of these waves. In this case, the short ones will disappear and only long rays will be used and the effect will be better. Photoepilation effectively removes hair over a large area.
When choosing this device, it is worth paying more attention to people who have certain diseases and who take medications. In this case, using a photoepilator may not be advisable. Therefore, it is better to consult a doctor.
It should be noted that the photoepilation device itself contains special lamps. They need to be changed from time to time. Therefore, when purchasing, pay attention to this fact and inquire about their availability for sale. There are models that have been discontinued and it is impossible to find replacement parts for them.
In general, using a photoepilator is easier in the sense that it covers a larger area of action.
Advantages of photoepilation:
- Does not damage the skin and leaves no traces of contact.
- Speed of the procedure. You can achieve maximum effect even at home.
- The effect lasts a long time if the procedures are followed in accordance with all recommendations.
- The condition of the skin improves significantly; it appears more elastic and soft.
Disadvantages of photoepilation:
- High cost.
- Unpleasant (painful) sensations may occur if a person has increased sensitivity.
- Possible negative consequences: burns due to improper use of the device or low-quality gels. The cause may also be too thin skin.
- Possible contraindications.
Which device is better to choose and why?
We delved deeper into the issue of comparing both devices and generally understood how a photoepilator differs from a laser epilator. It can be noted that on the market they are in approximately the same price category. They also have almost the same principle of operation, with minor differences. Photoepilator and laser epilator have their advantages and disadvantages. So which one is better to choose is a very individual question.
In particular, the following points should be taken into account:
- For which area (part) of the body do you choose the device? After all, a photoepilator can handle larger areas faster than a laser device.
- Your natural skin sensitivity. Do you have any allergic reactions, what kind of reaction do you have from sun rays? Photoepilation in this regard will have a more severe effect, unlike the action of a laser.
- Features of the state of health, taking medications. In specific cases, it is strictly contraindicated to combine photoepilation, taking into account the specific health conditions and medications taken.
- Skin color, hair color. There are various statements on this matter. However, there is an opinion that a photoepilator copes better with light and gray hair, unlike a laser device.
It is impossible to say specifically which will be the best of both devices, since each person is individual in his own way and should be selected taking into account his own characteristics and wishes.
Women and girls breathed a sigh of relief - finally at the market household appliances Devices have appeared that allow you to remove excess hair painlessly and almost irrevocably. The name of these miracle devices is laser epilator or photoepilator, and their manufacturers claim that today you will not find better devices for salon and home procedures. Surely you are eager to find out which technique has proven to be the most effective and safe?
Figure out what's what
In fact, the laser hair removal method can only be called a novelty with a stretch, since it has been gaining recognition in the cosmetic products market for several years now. It is worth noting that it was quite successful. Photoepilators appeared a little later. Despite the external similarity and similar operating principle (destruction of melanin in the hair), these are still fundamentally different devices. To understand which epilator is better, you will have to remember something from high school physics.
Good old laser
The name “laser” speaks for itself - this type of radiation is used in the device. Its characteristic difference is monochrome, that is, each laser generates invisible light with only one wavelength. This property is widely used in medicine, since each tissue of the human body is capable of receiving rays only of a certain range, and being destroyed under their influence.
Photoflash
In new alternative epilators, developers used krypton lamps. Their operating principle is reminiscent of photo flashes (hence the name). Krypton lamps, unlike laser devices, emit light energy over a very wide range. To protect human health from dangerous ultraviolet radiation, manufacturers supply epilators of this type with various filters.
Laser epilator or photoepilator - determining which is better will not be easy
And all because there are a lot of parameters for comparison. Details about the disadvantages and advantages of all points:
Speed
- The narrow focus of the laser epilator beam allows you to treat only small area skin (about 0.5 sq. cm). So those who want to do hair removal on their legs using a laser device need to be patient.
- The photoepilator is capable of covering a significant area of the body (up to 6-7 sq. cm), so the speed of the procedure increases significantly. For comparison, hair removal on the upper lip with a laser device can be done in no less than 15-20 minutes, and manipulation with a photoepilator will take less than 7 minutes.
Results
- The precision of the laser hitting the hair follicle guarantees maximum effect from the procedures. This does not mean that after the first session you can forget about unnecessary vegetation once and for all - in any case, you need to do several of them.
- According to reviews, photoepilation requires more procedures. The scattering of light radiation does not allow it to cover all the hairs in the treated area at once.
Resources
- Laser epilators rarely require component replacement.
- In photoepilators, after a certain number of flashes it is necessary to change the lamps. Their price is not particularly hard on the wallet; the difficulty is that it is difficult to find a lamp for outdated models.
Price
- Home photo and laser epilators can be purchased at about the same price, and on the electrical goods market you can find both relatively budget devices and premium ones. The latter are equipped with increased power or additional functions. For example, some laser epilators have a hair scanner, which allows you to find the location of the “target” as accurately as possible.
- If we talk about salon procedures, then again, you will pay less for laser hair removal. This is due to the versatility of devices of this type. Hence the opportunity to use them in different industries cosmetology. The narrow specialization of photoepilators does not allow reducing the cost of procedures.
Possibilities
- Home hair removal devices mainly use diode lasers. Its wavelength is 808 nm. This beam is absorbed only by the hair and hair follicle, so it is absolutely safe for the skin. But! Since this ray affects the coloring pigment melanin, it is able to “neutralize” dark hair rather than light hair. And one more thing: it is desirable that the skin color be as light as possible.
- After using light filters, the “corridor” of light waves in photoepilators ranges from 560 to 1200 nm. This feature allows you to work on hair of different color intensities, including light and red.
Dangers
- Laser radiation can damage the tissue of the eye, so all models of such epilators, without exception, are equipped with special protection - they begin to work only if there are no gaps between the nozzle and the skin.
- The rays from the spectrum of the photoepilator are absorbed not only by the hair, but also by the skin, so the risk of irritation, redness, and in very rare cases, scars (if the filter is selected incorrectly) increases. True, for safety reasons, home photoepilators are produced with low power, so you still need to be able to get burned by this device.
Efficiency
If you understand the difference between a laser epilator and a photoepilator, then you can talk about the similarities. These devices have one common feature– you won’t be able to completely get rid of body hair forever with either one or another new-fangled device. Nature turns out to be stronger than technology in the end, no matter what the manufacturers promise you. Yes, the growth of vegetation on the body will stop for a while, but it will certainly resume after a while. Which one depends on individual characteristics body.
Are you still faced with a choice - laser epilator or photoepilator? It's up to you to decide what's best for you. The answer to this question depends on what exactly you prioritize - the speed and efficiency of hair removal or the health of your skin.
Tired of shaving and painful sugaring and waxing procedures? Then you should pay attention to the latest developments in the field of hair removal on the face and body. After all, now you can buy just one kit for home hair removal using light energy - and the hairs will disappear forever! The well-known European company Rio presents its innovative developments: laser and photoepilators for home use. Choose and buy an epilator in the online store “Constellation of Beauty”, take a course of hair removal - and you can forget about the annoying hairs that only interfere with your life!Home hair removal: laser hair removal.
Laser hair removal is an already proven and popular method of hair removal using the finest beam of light. The light energy transmitted by the laser beam accumulates in the hair follicle, which leads to its death. This means that the hairs stop growing and no longer bother you. However, it should be remembered that the laser only removes dark hairs, and this does not happen in one procedure; a course of exposure is required. And now this method has “moved” from expensive salons to apartments, because with the help of portable Rio devices, everyone can carry out procedures right at home. Such home epilators are aimed at maximum results, while manufacturers are especially concerned about safety and ease of use.
Features of laser hair removal:
- Removing dark hair on light skin,
- Painless skin treatment
- Possibility of hair removal on body and face,
- Affordable prices for epilators,
- Several degrees of protection,
- Compact and convenient design of devices.
IPL technology – photoepilation for everyone!
Along with laser treatment, getting rid of hair using a targeted flash of light (IPL = Intensive Pulsed Light), which allows you to immediately treat a large surface of the skin, is becoming increasingly popular. The flash of light carries such a large supply of energy that all hairs in the affected area stop growing after a course of procedures. Photoepilation is very convenient because the procedure itself does not take much time, it can be carried out at any time. Unlike laser hair removal, photoepilation is not recommended for the face, as this can lead to pigmentation, but it is extremely convenient for treating arms and legs! So if you intend to permanently remove hair on your arms, legs, armpits and bikini area, then you should buy a Rio photoepilator for home use. Features of photoepilation:- Large leather processing area,
- Excellent for removing dark hair on light skin.
- Designed to work on the body,
- No painful sensations
- The procedure takes only a few minutes.
It's a shame when a pretty face is spoiled by noticeable hairs on the cheeks or mustaches above upper lip. You don't always have time to shave your armpits every day if you've signed up for a sport. The pain when doing wax or sugar depilation can be unbearable. But you can simply not create additional problems for yourself and delete excess hair in the salon using a laser or photoepilator. Everything is simpler there: procedures are less frequent, pain, if any, is tolerable, and the results last a long time. The only question is the price.
Removing hair from the face and body using light irradiation is possible due to the coloring pigment contained in the skin and hair. A person’s phototype depends on the amount of melanin in the body and its form. Hair and eyebrows are light, brown or reddish in color in people whose body is dominated by phenomelanin. Dark-haired people have more zumelanin in their skin and hair. The appearance of gray hair is explained by a decrease in the active synthesis of melanin in the body. During light hair removal, the compounds of the coloring pigment are destroyed intentionally, the only difference is which ones - in the skin or hair.
If the problem area is illuminated with a laser, it is the hair itself that suffers first of all. The melanin they contain absorbs the light wave, the hair shaft heats up, then the heat is transferred down to the root. Since the temperature is quite high, almost 70–80 o, the thermal reaction proceeds quickly; the vessels that delivered blood to the bulb become clogged; nutrition stops, hair atrophies and falls out.
Photoepilation is the treatment of a problem area of the body (or face) with high-intensity pulsed light (IPL), which acts on skin cells with a high content of melanin. The effect is also thermal - the tissues warm up, as with laser hair removal, the follicle gets burned and the cells that produced the pigment die.
Do these procedures differ in effectiveness?
After the first procedure, be it photo or laser hair removal, within a week you can get rid of only 15–20% of body hair - those that were in the active growth phase. Irradiation does not affect “dormant” bulbs. Another 8–10% of hair will fall out naturally during this time. New ones will grow in about 2–3 weeks - this is how long the transition from the sleep phase to the growth phase lasts. As soon as the hair appears and has grown at least 2-3 mm, you can go for a repeat procedure.
Thus, in several sessions - on average, 5-6 for laser hair removal and 5-10 for photoepilation - all the bulbs in the problem area are processed. In total, the course of treatment takes 1–1.5 years. Only women aged 40+, who have decreased hormonal activity after menopause, can remove hair faster and permanently.
In young women, follicles usually recover, although not quickly. Experts say that after laser hair removal, the result lasts for 1–2 years, the experience of women who have undergone this procedure is even more positive - they say that the skin remains smooth for up to 3–4 years, but this is with timely correction. When photoepilation is done, they initially promise 5–7 years without hair, and reviews confirm this.
Hair that grows back after any light hair removal completely changes its structure, becoming softer and thinner.
It is believed that only laser is suitable for removing light, gray and red hair; photoepilation is carried out on fair skin and dark hair. Modern technology disproves this. The SHR photoepilator, a relatively new invention, will “take” and blonde hair- this is what the manufacturer assures.
How does a session work for a patient?
Using a laser, you can remove hair from any part of the body and on the face - everywhere except the eyebrow area. Infrared radiation is dangerous to the eyes, and during any laser treatment session - no matter what area you are treating - you will be asked to wear protective glasses. For photoepilation the same restrictions: the working surface area of the photoepilator is about 5 cm2 - they cannot correct the shape of the eyebrows. In addition, exposure to radiation near the eyes is dangerous to health.
Before starting the hair removal session, the cosmetologist thoroughly cleanses the skin and covers the area with a cooling gel. For modern laser models, an anesthetic is not necessary - a cooling system is built into the head of the device, and its effect is sufficient, the patient only feels a slight tingling sensation. Photoepilation devices do not yet have a cooling system, so the use of a cream or gel with an analgesic effect is mandatory.
The difference in how you will feel during a photo or laser hair removal session is determined only by the capabilities of the salon, including technical ones
During the procedure, both the client and the master wear protective glasses. Laser hair removal involves targeted irradiation of follicles with a light beam. During photoepilation, the problem area is illuminated with an intense light stream - like a photo flash. The readings of all devices are adjusted individually: the frequency and strength of the flashes is selected for each individual patient. In terms of time, one hair removal session can last up to 40 minutes (time indicated for legs). During outbreaks, a burning and tingling sensation is felt, for some it is mild, for others it is stronger. If the pain is unbearable, do not hesitate to tell the master about it. A girl online recently told how after one session of photoepilation she got a scar and age spots on your feet. She remembers how severe the pain was during the procedure and how the master told her that this was how it should be. The girl then underwent treatment for several months, but traces remained.
Hair falls out not during the session, but within 2-3 weeks after it.
Hair removal in the salon: doctors talk and show - video
What equipment do photo and laser hair removal specialists use?
Photo and laser hair removal equipment have different operating principles.
How and on what is laser hair removal done?
Hair removal lasers differ in two main characteristics: power and wavelength. Salons work primarily with alexandrite, diode and neodymium lasers with wavelengths from 500 to 1200 nm. Ruby hair removal is outdated, just as contactless hair removal is outdated in principle. Modern equipment uses a contact attachment that can work with dark and light hair and skin of any tone.
Since 2014, Russia began to work on the IPLASER system. It is created similar to the IPL, ELOS, SHR photosystems - on a discharge lamp, but has a narrow spectrum of light, like a laser. The light wavelength is from 755 to 1064 nm, and it destroys pigment in both skin and hair. The radiation is delivered in three pulses per flash, which reduces the pain of the procedure.
The AFT (Advanced Fluorescence Technology) fluorescent technology, which is not yet widely used in our country, is considered the safest for the skin. The laser attachments use a special system uniform distribution radiation, so that the beam is not “peak”, but rectangular. During one illumination, several tufts of hair are irradiated, so the total exposure time to the lamp is shorter, which means the risk of getting burns is reduced.
How photoepilators work and how they work
IPL photoepilation technology is widely used in Russia, which is based on the transmission of pulses of powerful light flux (Intensive Pulse Light). The manufacturer uses light energy from krypton lamps in the devices, emitting pulsed light with a wavelength of 500–1200 nm. In this range there is ultraviolet light that is unsafe for humans, so the devices are equipped with filters made of special protective glass.
The working life of the released models is different, measured by the number of flashes. For an average-cost device, the productivity is limited to approximately 50–80 thousand; with constant use of the unit, this resource can be exhausted in about a year, then the lamp needs to be changed.
The following are considered safer photoepilation technologies:
- E-Light, it combines the effects visible light and radio waves.
- SHR (Super Hair Removal), it involves treating the problem area with light with a wavelength of 800 nm, low temperature and high frequency. Manufacturers say that the SHR type photoepilator also removes blond hair, although it is generally accepted that photoepilation does not work on blond hair. But the technology is new and has not yet been tested in practice.
Is it possible to do photo or laser hair removal at home?
Both photo and laser hair removal can be done independently; portable devices are available for home use. If you prefer a laser, it is better to look for a diode laser, which has long been recognized as the “gold standard for hair removal.” But keep in mind that any such device has low power, the beam penetrates shallowly, and its effect is short-lived. It is not convenient for them to work everywhere - due to the fact that the device must be held strictly perpendicular to the body. In the bikini area, for example, it is quite problematic to direct the beam directly at the hair, and not at an angle; it becomes necessary to ask someone for help.
A home photoepilator, like a salon one, is equipped with a double filter that protects the skin from too intense irradiation. The device has a small sensor through which the directed energy flow is transmitted, and in general it is easy to process even individually growing hairs.
Pros and cons of each technology - table
As it turned out, there are no serious differences that would allow us to say that laser hair removal is an order of magnitude more effective than photoepilation (or vice versa).
Contraindications and possible consequences of hair removal
Excessive hair growth is recognized as a disease (in both women and men) and is called hypertrichosis, and purely female hair growth is called hirsutism. The reason is usually either heredity or hormonal imbalance; this should be clarified in consultation with an endocrinologist before visiting the salon.
Contraindications for hair removal are:
- photodermatosis (allergy to light);
- chronic skin diseases;
- any neoplasms;
- herpes in the hair removal area;
- varicose veins;
- moles, nevi, birthmarks and age spots in the epilation area;
- the presence of metal implants/piercings in the hair removal area;
- folliculitis.
It is not advisable to do photo and laser hair removal for people suffering from high blood pressure, coronary heart disease and hypertension, diabetes mellitus, pregnant and lactating women, persons under 18 years of age. The use of some is not indicated medicines and antidepressants - the patient is asked about them at preventive medical examination. The procedure is not performed for viral and infectious diseases. Whether you personally have any contraindications for hair removal can be found out at a preliminary consultation with a cosmetologist in the salon - therefore, it is important that the specialist has a medical education. Pay attention to this when choosing where to have the procedure done.
How to prepare for a visit to the salon
There are no restrictions on the time of year for laser hair removal, but doctors advise starting the first photoepilation sessions in late autumn. The general course is quite long; if you start the procedure in spring and summer, it is easy to tan and damage the skin.
During the period of preparation for the procedure, visit a dermatologist; young women are recommended to visit an endocrinologist. Some also visit a gynecologist, and sometimes a preventive examination and subsequent treatment eliminate problems without spending extra money on the procedure.
A cosmetologist in the salon will determine the general condition of the skin and give the specialist recommendations for preparation. It is usually necessary to replace your usual method of hair removal (sugaring, waxing) with shaving for 3–4 weeks so that at least the hair roots grow back. The laser beam acts on melanin, and if there is no hair in the follicle, the procedure loses its meaning. There are no such restrictions for photoepilation.
3 days before visiting the salon, you should avoid scrubbing and peeling for the part of the body that you will epilate.
If you are going to remove facial hair, you do not need to do it a month before the procedure. chemical peeling and any laser procedures.
Skin care after hair removal
As a precaution during three days After the procedure it is better to refrain from physical activity and visiting the bathhouse, do not take a hot bath. Try to keep the sun away from the skin in the epilation area, use sunscreen with SPF 50 or higher before each time you go outside, and do not visit the solarium for 7-10 days after each procedure. A softening body cream will help relieve skin irritation.
In between procedures, the only possible way to remove hair is shaving; sugaring and waxing must be abandoned in order for laser hair removal sessions to produce results. You can speed up the loss of atrophied hairs by regularly rubbing your skin with a hard washcloth and scrubbing. You can only start doing this no earlier than 3 days after hair removal.
