There are so many different ways to remove hair nowadays that it’s hard to keep track of which option does what.
More and more people would prefer trying something at-home than at a clinic for a variety of reasons. And even better if you can get permanent, or nearly permanent, results.
This is where laser hair removal, or IPL (intensed pulse light) comes in. To better understand the difference between the various types of permanent hair removal, take a look at this article: What’s the difference between laser, IPL, and electrolysis?
Intense pulse light works pretty much like it sounds. While laser hair removal is more direct, IPL uses quick pulses of light to prevent future hair growth. These days you don’t even have to find a salon to do IPL for you, because you can do it on your own at home.
Philips listened to reviews of over two thousand women and worked with skin care experts for over ten years to create an innovative type of IPL. They took the same laser hair removal machines that are used in salons by experts and adapted it to be safe for people to use at home.
The real question is if Philips Lumea Comfort IPL is right for you, and to figure that out we’re going to break it down for you.
Review: Philips Lumea Comfort IPL – Laser Hair Removal Machine
+ Low pain levels
+ Skin tone sensor for safety
+ Can be used anywhere on the body
+ Lasts for 200,000+ flashes
+ Slide and Flash function for ease of use
– Time consuming
– Can be expensive initially
– Corded
Philips Lumea IPL – What’s in the box?
When you buy the Philips Lumea Comfort IPL Hair Removal System you will receive:
- Philips Lumea Comfort IPL Hair Removal Device
- 24V adapter
- Quick start guide
- User manual
Unlike a lot of at-home hair removal systems, the IPL Hair Removal System is ready straight out of the box. You won’t find any replacement lamps or parts or attachments, so there are no extra things you’ll need to get later that will sneak up on you. This is a high quality device, that is intended to last at least four years!
Philips Lumea Comfort IPL Design & Features
It’s designed for easy and comfortable use. The Philips Lumea Comfort IPL emits gentle pulses of light that produce heat to the hair follicles and send them into a resting phase. The hair will shed naturally and will keep skin smooth and prevent regrowth.
The Philips Lumea Comfort offers five different light energy settings so you can figure out which one works best with your skin. Many IPL devices are not safe for use on darker skin or very light hair. For your safety, a built-in skin tone sensor detects your skin tone. If your skin is too dark for the machine to work safely, it will automatically stop pulsing. This is a great safety feature!
Plus, filters protect your skin from UV rays and safety systems prevent any unwanted flashes, since there are a limited number of flashes in the machine’s life span. Don’t worry though, Lumea Comfort IPL offers over 200,000 flashes of light so it’s intended to last.
The skin tone limitations are one of the biggest issues people have with the Philips Lumea Comfort IPL, and their frustration is understandable. But really, this is for their protection. If someone it’s not intended for uses it, it could cause burns or skin pigmentation. Most laser hair treatments are the same – they work best for naturally dark blonde, brown, and black hair. Those with red, light blonde, or white and grey hair should avoid this product. And it’s intended to work on light to medium skin tones.
It’s crucial to follow this chart for your safety. This chart is also available in the user manual. If the Philips Lumea is not a fit for your skin type, check out our comparison of the top at home laser hair removal devices, to find one that is!
Usage & Impressions of IPL Device
Does IPL hurt?
Honestly, it’s hard to find a single hair removal option that doesn’t hurt someone. The truth is, everyone is different. Everyone has different skin sensitivities and hair types and skin types. We’re not all the same, so why would we assume hair removal should all be the same?
But yes, some women have claimed that it hurts or burns, while others say the pain is barely noticeable compared to other hair removal treatments. Some women even mentioned a small tingling sensation. Mostly, the overall consensus is that it doesn’t hurt very much!
When do I use the IPL device?
First and foremost, you must follow directions. You absolutely must shave beforehand. A lot of women who mentioned experiencing pain admitted to not shaving or waxing before using it. You have to follow directions. It’s going to take time too. You probably won’t notice any huge changes immediately but that doesn’t mean it isn’t working. After the first use, it’s already starting to prevent hair regrowth.
The Philips Lumea Comfort IPL is not as powerful as the laser machines they have in clinics (and if it was it wouldn’t be safe to use at home), so be prepared for to a long process. However, because it can be used at home, it’s a great alternative to actually going to laser clinics.
When used bi-weekly and correctly, this laser hair removal machine will keep your skin smooth. Although it takes awhile to notice, most women see significant reduction after just four bi-weekly treatments, or 3 months.
It works all over: on legs, the belly, bikini area, underarms and armpit, even the face! As long as you follow directions, it can work anywhere, even the bikini area.
The time ranges from one to two minutes for areas such as the bikini or the armpits, but roughly eleven minutes for each lower leg. Although it may take a while, unlike some other at-home treatments, you won’t have to hold it in one place and press a button. It has a wonderful slide and flash function that allows you to have easy and continuous application.
Over time, hair will grow back slower and thinner. Philips claims the Lumea Comfort IPL will reduce up to 75% hair reproduction after only two months or four treatments. It’s a really great product if you’re looking for something that will work on the entire body.
It is corded, so you’ll have to use it somewhere close to a plug.
How expensive is the Philips Lumea Comfort?
Of course, initially it can be expensive. But really, the price of the Lumea Comfort IPL is just a fraction of the cost of getting laser treatments at a salon. And customers have noted that it gives very similar results compared to other treatments. So it’s really worth the price!
Final Thoughts on Philips Lumea Comfort IPL Hair Removal System
Ultimately, the Philips Lumea Comfort IPL Hair Removal System is a great value. It’s a bit expensive up front and requires a lot of patience and dedication. But if you’re in it for the long haul, and want a convenient solution that is more permanent than the salon, this product is a perfect choice.
Make sure it works best with your skin tone and hair type, follow the instructions, and we think you’ll love it!
Still considering your laser hair removal options? Check out our detailed comparison of all the top laser hair removal devices.
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Philips lumea says
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