When I think of the amount of time I have spent on hair removal during my life…yikes!
Over the years I have waxed, sugared, sanded, shaved, plucked, bleached and used hair removal creams.
I’m so glad that young women today are doing their own thing and choosing whether to remove their natural body hair or not.
Personally I choose to remove but the price of that is a time-consuming and sometimes painful task.
I’ve recently discovered how the Philips Lumea hair removal device offers a more convenient and effective solution. I invested in one of these Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) devices for its ease of use and long-lasting results. Here’s a detailed look at what the Philips Lumea is, how to use it, its benefits, and some useful tips for beginners.
What is the Philips Lumea?
The Philips Lumea is an IPL hair removal device designed for use at home. It uses light pulses to target the hair follicles, gradually reducing hair growth over time. This device is suitable for various body parts, including the legs, arms, underarms, bikini area, and even the face.
Ease of Use
One of the standout features of the Philips Lumea is its user-friendly design. The device is ergonomically shaped, making it easy to hold and maneuver across different body areas. The treatment process is straightforward:
- Shave the Area: Before using the Philips Lumea, shave or wax the area you plan to treat. This ensures the light pulses can effectively reach the hair follicles.
- Select the Right Setting: The Lumea comes with adjustable intensity settings. Use the built-in skin tone sensor to determine the appropriate level for your skin.
- Treat the Area: Place the device on your skin and press the flash button. Move the device to the next spot and repeat until the entire area is covered.
Benefits Compared to Other Hair Removal Methods
Long-Lasting Results: Unlike shaving or waxing, which need to be repeated frequently, the Philips Lumea can significantly reduce hair growth after a few sessions, with results lasting up to six months.
Pain-Free: The IPL technology used by the Lumea is generally pain-free, with most users describing the sensation as a warm pulse.
Cost-Effective: While the initial investment is higher, the Philips Lumea can save money in the long run by reducing the need for regular salon visits or purchasing disposable hair removal products.
Who Can Use the Philips Lumea?
The Philips Lumea is most effective on darker hair colours (black, brown, dark blonde) and light to medium skin tones. It’s not recommended for very dark skin or very light hair (such as white, grey, light blonde, or red), as the device relies on the contrast between hair colour and skin tone to target the hair follicles effectively.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages:
- Convenient: Can be used at home at your convenience.
- Safe: Equipped with safety features such as a skin tone sensor.
- Versatile: Multiple attachments for different body areas.
Disadvantages:
- Initial Cost: Higher upfront cost compared to razors or waxing kits.
- Not Suitable for All Skin and Hair Types: Limited effectiveness on very dark skin or very light hair.
- Time-Consuming Initial Treatments: Multiple sessions are required to see significant results.
Tips for New Users
- Read the Manual: Familiarise yourself with the device and its settings by reading the user manual thoroughly.
- Patch Test: Conduct a patch test on a small area of skin to ensure you do not have any adverse reactions.
- Consistent Use: For best results, follow the recommended treatment schedule (typically every two weeks for the first few months).
- Sun Protection: Avoid sun exposure on treated areas to prevent skin irritation and discoloration.
There is a really useful app that keeps you on track with your treatments and offers lots of useful tips and videos! It’s very user friendly and has made the process much more straightforward for me with it’s reminders.
Expected Results
Most users start noticing a reduction in hair growth after 3-4 sessions, with significant results visible after 6-8 sessions. Maintenance treatments every 4-6 weeks can help maintain smooth, hair-free skin.
In conclusion, the Philips Lumea offers a convenient and effective solution for long-term hair removal. With its user-friendly design and impressive results, it stands out as a superior alternative to traditional hair removal methods. By following the recommended guidelines and tips, you can achieve smooth, hair-free skin in the comfort of your own home.
Where Can the Philips Lumea Be Used?
The Philips Lumea is designed for versatility, making it suitable for use on various parts of the body. It can be effectively used on the legs, arms, underarms, stomach, bikini line, and even on the face below the cheekbones, such as the upper lip and chin. One of the standout features of the Philips Lumea is its ability to be used on intimate areas, including the bikini and Brazilian lines. The device comes with specially designed attachments that cater to these sensitive areas, ensuring comfort and precision. When using the Lumea on intimate areas, it’s crucial to use a lower intensity setting to avoid discomfort and ensure safety. This adaptability makes the Philips Lumea a comprehensive hair removal solution, offering convenience and effectiveness for nearly all parts of the body.
My Experience of Using the Philips Lumea
I bought my Philips Lumea ages ago and didn’t use it straight away, I kept putting it off which was silly. Well, I’m glad I finally decided to get on with trying it. I have used the device for several weeks now and am seeing positive results. It is easy and comfortable to use, I find the sessions quick and painfree. Already I am shaving much less in between the treatments, which are carried out two weeks apart.
After 3 sessions on my face, bikini area, legs and underarms, hair growth is noticeably reduced. I’m absolutely delighted and wish I’d invested earlier. I am not hair free as yet, but even this reduction has made a great difference to me. To think I may only have to top up once per month soon is actually very freeing. I’m not having to plan outfits around whether I have time to shave or not. I can just put on what I want. Underarm hair is virtually non-existant. Legs, face, bikini are all noticeably reduced and I’m hopeful for even more progress soon!