Long term hair removal with Rio Intense Pulsed Light

The Rio Intense Pulsed Light hair remover uses the latest intense pulsed light (IPL) technology. Placed gently against the skin, pulses of intense light are delivered directly to the hair follicle with enough energy to destroy the root without affecting the surrounding area. IPL delivers quick and efficient long term hair reduction and is suitable for larger areas such as legs, arms, underarms, bikini line, back, chest and certain areas of the face. The Rio IPL hair remover can be used safely on the face within the area illustrated by the white dotted line (below right). The Rio IPL hair remover should not be used around the eyes or on the lips.

 

Not all skin types are suitable for IPL

The Rio IPL hair remover is not suitable for tanned or dark skin tones, for example, those of Afro-Caribbean, black African, Indian or Pakistani decent. Even if your skin tone appears to be suitable on the skin tone chart below, do not use if close relations (parents/grandparents) have skin tones as described above as the process may not work. IPL is not suitable for red, light blonde, grey or white hair.

 

The Rio IPL hair remover is not for use on or by children under 14 years old and not for use on or by children between 14 and 17 years old without parental supervision. 

 

How to use the Rio IPL hair remover

Check for any reaction by testing a small area of your skin 24 hours before you begin treatment. This patch test will confirm the maximum power level for your skin type.

When you are ready to go, shave the area to be treated. This ensures that the light energy goes directly to the hair root and avoids hair burning on the surface.

Turn the unit on, enter the security code, press the enable button then place the wand over the area you wish to treat. Ensure the skin sensors are in contact with the skin and press and hold down the treatment button on the wand. This initiates the treatment flash.

After the treatment flash the unit will self-check, then move the wand to the next area to be treated and repeat the process. When you have finished your treatment, turn the unit off and store in a safe place away from children.

The timing for follow-on treatments is not critical. Rio recommends treatments at two-week intervals, although some people like to treat the area every week and others just once a month, depending on personal preference and on where the treatment area is. As long as the hair follicle or surrounding skin is not red, sore or inflamed, treatment can be repeated after a minimum of 48 hours.

 

FAQ about IPL

 

How should I prepare my skin for IPL hair removal?

Ensure your skin is clean. IPL hair removal is most effective on pale skin. Sunbathing, use of sun beds and fake tanning should not be undertaken for three weeks before treatment.

 

How should I prepare the hairs for IPL hair removal?

Shave the area to be treated. Minimising the length of the hair enables the light energy to go directly to the hair root and avoids hair burning on the surface of the skin.

 

What areas can I treat?

Most body hair can be removed using IPL. The most common areas are underarms, legs, chest, back and bikini line and certain areas of the face.

 

What does it feel like?

Most people experience a warming of the skin. Slight irritation similar to that of a minor sunburn may be felt if used on too high a power level, or if the area has not been shaved. Men undergoing the procedure experience greater discomfort as male body hair is generally thicker than womens', however the sensation quickly disappears.

 

Can I use IPL hair removal on sensitive skin?

Yes, the IPL reacts with the hair, so the surrounding skin should not be affected.

 

How will my skin appear after the treatment?

Usually there will be no perceptible change. A slight redness after treatment may occur but will normally fade over 24 hours. There may be some localised redness around the hair follicle--this is quite normal. However, if any redness or inflammation remains after 24 hours, this would indicate you have selected too high a power level for your skin type. Please refer to the patch test information above.

 

After IPL hair removal, is there anything to avoid?

Sun exposure or deep tanning should be avoided for at least 48 hours. Ensure natural or fake tans have completely faded before further treatments. If the skin is exposed, use a sunscreen. Also avoid using abrasive cleansers or skin peeling treatments. Avoid swimming in chlorinated water or using a hot tub for 48 hours. The chlorine in the water can result in itchiness.

 

How often can I repeat IPL hair removal treatment?

The timing for follow on treatments is not critical. Rio recommends treatments at two-week intervals, although some people like to treat the area every week and others just once a month depending on personal preference and on where the treatment area is. As long as the hair follicle or surrounding skin is not red, sore or inflamed, treatment can be repeated after a minimum of 48 hours. This gives time to see which hairs have been shed and to identify new regrowth. Choose a time which is convenient for you. Avoid excessive treatment on the same region at one time. This may cause reddening and swelling.

 

Is there any after-care routine I should follow?

If you wish, you can apply an un-perfumed soothing lotion, an ice pack or wet towel to cool the treated areas. Rio recommends not using soap on the treated areas for 24 hours. Take care to keep the treated area particularly clean for three days. When treating the underarms, avoid using antiperspirant deodorant for two to three days. Avoid unnecessary sun exposure for 48 hours.

 

What is the difference between IPL and a laser?

There are two big differences between lasers and intense pulsed light. Generally IPL covers a much larger area than the relatively small treatment spot with lasers and therefore treatments of larger areas are much quicker. The other difference is the wavelength of light produced. Lasers produce light with a specific wavelength while IPL uses a broad spectrum of wavelengths. This limits IPL to specific skin types.