Jump to content
  • Welcome to the TransPulse Forums!

    We offer a safe, inclusive community for transgender and gender non-conforming folks, as well as their loved ones, to find support and information.  Join today!

IPL as an option during quarantine?


RobynNYC

Recommended Posts

Hi, with covid quarantine leaving everything closed for probably the next few months ☹️ I’m wondering if forum members have any thoughts on IPL for the face?  I was planning on going for an electrolysis or laser consult but that’s not an option now.   I epilate below the neck but epilation is not an option for the face.  
 

Any recommendations you all might have I’d love to hear!

 

Thanks so much,

 

robyn

Link to comment
  • Replies 54
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

  • DragonflyGirl

    7

  • Tilly

    7

  • April Marie

    7

  • KayC

    6

  • Forum Moderator

I'm not expert but I don't think the non-professional units are strong enough to do much on facial hair.  Seems like it would be a long process.   You might want to use it for other areas as you note.

 

Jani

Link to comment

I have an ipl and it has made no difference. I have given up on it and scheduled an laser appointment but the virus stopped that also.

Link to comment
  • 1 month later...

I've just ordered an IPL off Amazon. It's arriving on Tuesday and from what I've read on the reviews, I don't know how I've managed without one!

 

I'm not a very hairy person anyway, but the unwanted hair I have got is very dark and my skin is very pale so I'm very hopeful I'll see good results. Any difference at all to my facial hair will be an added bonus, but I've got a couple of bits there where the hair is all white, so I'm less hopeful in that department but not entirely pessimistic.

 

Link to comment
  • Forum Moderator
29 minutes ago, DragonflyGirl said:

I'm not a very hairy person anyway, but the unwanted hair I have got is very dark and my skin is very pale so I'm very hopeful I'll see good results. Any difference at all to my facial hair will be an added bonus, but I've got a couple of bits there where the hair is all white, so I'm less hopeful in that department but not entirely pessimistic.

 

Just be careful the first time you use it. Lasers can burn your skin if you're not careful. The IPL I've got did jack-all to me (fortunately) but I've had medical lasers give me first and second degree burns (pus, peeling, etc...). Granted I'm paper-white, but you don't want to cover yourself in sores if you don't have to.

 

Hugs!

Link to comment
27 minutes ago, Jackie C. said:

 

Just be careful the first time you use it. Lasers can burn your skin if you're not careful. The IPL I've got did jack-all to me (fortunately) but I've had medical lasers give me first and second degree burns (pus, peeling, etc...). Granted I'm paper-white, but you don't want to cover yourself in sores if you don't have to.

 

Hugs!

 

Thanks, Jackie! ??

 

Yeah, I should have said it recommends to start on a very low setting and build from there. I will be using it very carefully, as I burn in the sun really easily and I don't want to be putting myself in hospital! I'll post anything I think could be useful to anyone else thinking of trying, or important safety advice when I've had a good mess around with it! ?

Link to comment

Update:  I’m not sure it’s helping on my face.  My legs and arms and chest are responding well to epilating and hair inhibiting moisturizer.   It’s been a struggle to stay regular with the IPL treatments too but it’s therapeutic in a way.  it stings a little bit it has not harmed at all and it’s only moderately more painful than shaving (which hurts my face..).  I think I have mentioned on these boards before that finding the time for self care has been a challenge in lock down but it’s getting better.    
 

:D

 

@DragonflyGirl please let me know how it works and feel free to DM me!

 

 

Link to comment
28 minutes ago, RobynNYC said:

Update:  I’m not sure it’s helping on my face.  My legs and arms and chest are responding well to epilating and hair inhibiting moisturizer.   It’s been a struggle to stay regular with the IPL treatments too but it’s therapeutic in a way.  it stings a little bit it has not harmed at all and it’s only moderately more painful than shaving (which hurts my face..).  I think I have mentioned on these boards before that finding the time for self care has been a challenge in lock down but it’s getting better.    
 

:D

 

@DragonflyGirl please let me know how it works and feel free to DM me!

 

 

What hair inhibiting moisturizer are you using I’d like to try that 

Link to comment
47 minutes ago, RobynNYC said:

@Emily michelle TreeHut Hair Minimizing Body Butter and Don’t Grow There.  I like the body butter better.  

Thank you I will have to look for it. I have an appointment for laser for my face and the end of this month. I wish I could afford to do everything I hate my body hair.

Link to comment
3 hours ago, RobynNYC said:

@DragonflyGirl please let me know how it works and feel free to DM me!

 

 

 

Will do, Robyn! ?

 

Amazon have told me my device will be arriving Friday now! I'm really frustrated because I can't wait to try the thing! ?

 

At least it's another few days to grow the condemned hair out a bit!

Link to comment

I've heard nothing but bad things about ipl, mostly that it doesn't work. But if any of y'all have a good experience let us know! 

 

I keep getting ads on Facebook for ipl units. Actually I came here to make a thread asking about it then saw this thread already here lol. I SO want to try it! 

 

~Toni

 

Ps I miss the sting of the laser. I can't wait until quarantine is over so I can resume my treatments...

Link to comment

My IPL has arrived, but either it doesn't work or I'm an idiot. Everything lights up and the fan comes on, but I seem to have no laser! ?

 

Yes, it does have an instruction book. It's all in tiny writing that I can't read. ?

Link to comment
  • Admin

Non FDA approved IPL units are at best marginally useful for female hormone hairs.  The actual IPL machines need to be operated by a TRAINED and LICENSED electrologist for real safety reasons.  Their prices are much more than a non professional person can invest in and will not be sold to unlicensed personnel.  The maximum power of the home machines is virtually the OFF position on the FDA approved machine.  I have several friends who do the IPL and one of them buys the home types just for comparison and as an electronics type, just the power sources say the home type do not have the real power needed. 

Link to comment

I think I figured out how to get mine to flash.

 

Problem is it gave me a heart attack and I've thrown it across the room.

 

I'll see if it still works later when I'm feeling more brave. ?

Link to comment
  • Forum Moderator

I have shined literally everything I own with a laser in it directly into my eyes at some point or another. I'm beginning to think that it's a problem with me.

 

If it's anything like mine, you'll find it surprisingly durable. I was really impressed with the heft of the thing.

 

Second time's the charm. Maybe after some soothing tea.

 

Hugs!

Link to comment
  • 2 months later...

I'm no longer scared of my IPL and have mastered its use, I think!

 

The results over a couple of months have been fantastic. I won't be surprised if I don't have to use it any more by Christmas! It's the best money I ever spent!

 

I use it weekly and it's really going to town on my unwanted hair follicles. The first couple of weeks, I wondered if it was actually doing anything because the hair appeared to grow back, but I've since learned that it was just the dead follicles pushing themselves out.

 

It's absolutely fine for facial use and some people (including me now!) IPL their whole faces because the laser has anti-aging effects. I don't worry about developing a shaving shadow during the day any more, which really is a HUGE weight off me. I can't exaggerate how wonderful that feels. Beard growth is something that makes me feel absolutely sick about myself and I'm praying that continued use of my IPL can keep it away for good.

Link to comment
  • 1 month later...

I had good results with IPL as well, at least a current version.  I tried it about 7 years ago and that one was almost useless.  This one I noticed a reduction in hair on my legs after the first use.  Plus I know it is working because I get the burnt hair smell.  I backed off on treatments in the summer because I am out cycling and such in the summer sun and IPL and sun exposure don't mix.  I am back into treatments again.  HRT also reduced hair growth over the summer so the two things are working together.  I am glad you got one of the ones that work.

Link to comment

My beard hair is still coming through, but I can shave most of it with a dry Bic these days, so I know I'm winning. The big problem now is an annoying patch of white hairs on my chin which are as tough as they ever were and won't be reduced by continued use of IPL.

 

HRT probably has had a significant input into nuking my body hair. If it eventually reduces these chin hairs to a degree where I can just brush them off with a Bic, I'll be well happy.

Link to comment

Hello,

 

I have the white hairs to.  My understanding is that the only way to get those is from electrolysis.  Some people think that electrolysis is the only way to go for all facial hairs.  The problem is that everyone's skin and hair is different so there is no one universal solution.

 

This tans woman, who is a frequent contributor to this site, has some experience and training in hair removal and has gotten me wondering if I am using the best method in the long run. 

 

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcyEcbwO2w3r0clHQ5UJ_6Q

 

Either way I know I need electrolysis for the grey hairs.

Link to comment

My home IPL has been fantastically effective in just 2 months use (once a week).  My rather hairy legs are about 80-90% done.  Hardly have to shave after 2 or 3 weeks.  Arms are next.  Pubic area will take a few more weeks but its about 60-70% done.  And yes @Calist L and @DragonflyGirl the few white hairs that were on my chest are still there.  Electrolysis for those someday.

 

I am not sure about using it on my face, and the cautions don't recommend it.  Also, I wear laser protection glasses while using just to be extra cautious ?

Link to comment
  • 2 months later...
On 6/7/2020 at 4:35 PM, DragonflyGirl said:

I've just ordered an IPL off Amazon. It's arriving on Tuesday and from what I've read on the reviews, I don't know how I've managed without one!

 

I'm not a very hairy person anyway, but the unwanted hair I have got is very dark and my skin is very pale so I'm very hopeful I'll see good results. Any difference at all to my facial hair will be an added bonus, but I've got a couple of bits there where the hair is all white, so I'm less hopeful in that department but not entirely pessimistic.

 

 

Hi DragonflyGirl! I'm wondering how you're feeling about IPL seven months down the road?

Link to comment
  • 1 month later...
  • 2 weeks later...

What is the correct way to use IPL at home , Once a week , starting from D 2 ,  then in each month 1 degree is added ? 

 

thank you for sharing this information 

Link to comment

Update from my previous post -

@Rania (Welcome!!) I've had an IPL for about 4 months.  I started with once a week (mostly on legs, pubic, and stomach).  The manual said to use it once a week for 10 - 12 weeks.  It worked so well I stopped/cut back for a while after 6 weeks, but then noticed hair growth was less in volume but coming back. (so I think the 10-12 weekly sessions recommendation was accurate)

Since then I have just concentrated on areas that seem to be harder to control.  Pubic area is definitely one, and for some reason around my knees (even though my thighs and calves are close to hairless now).  I also started on my arms 4 weeks ago and have seemed to get moderate results so far.

 

Be sure you have some decent eye protection.  Buy laser approved dark glasses (but don't count on those alone).  I look away, close my eyes and use a towel if I can to help cover the areas around my glasses that let the light in. 

Link to comment

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
  • Who's Online   2 Members, 0 Anonymous, 152 Guests (See full list)

    • Karen Carey
    • MaybeRob
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      80.7k
    • Total Posts
      768.4k
  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      12,026
    • Most Online
      8,356

    JamesyGreen
    Newest Member
    JamesyGreen
    Joined
  • Today's Birthdays

    1. Anyatimenow
      Anyatimenow
      (23 years old)
    2. Aria00
      Aria00
    3. Ava B.
      Ava B.
      (24 years old)
    4. Claire Heshi
      Claire Heshi
    5. CrystalMatthews0426
      CrystalMatthews0426
      (41 years old)
  • Posts

    • Willow
      Good Morning    well it’s Friday for most, pay day for some.  For me it’s pay day but not Friday.  I work the same opening shift tomorrow.  I typically have Friday on Saturday and Monday on Tuesday.     @KymmieL it does sound like your shop has an issue and you are smack in the thick of it.  The new gal or guy often is.  We have an issue with new people not getting fully trained before being turned loose on customers.  Some struggle through it and some quit because of it.  I try to get them working with customers as quickly as I can but I stay right with them observing, helping, even jumping in when things are getting backed up to keep the stress down.  Not everything comes up during training so when things do, even later after trying is done, I try to help and explain.  Our ASM feels that once she has you scanning barcodes and taking money she is done training.  Generally, refuses to train me on things that she does, and questions why I’m doing something that she normally handles when I’ve been told to do it as part of my advancement training.     She and the cashier involved both keep trying to toss the manager under the bus over a hours of work issue and shifts.  I tell her I realize her issues and I’ll work what ever she needs.  Because of that I tend to get a better more consistent schedule.   Well, time to say Happy Trails to you, until we meet again.   Hi ho Silver, away   Willow
    • Maddee
    • Birdie
      That does get you the 'starting point' for cup size, but manufacturers, style, breast shape, etc... will effect the results.    Step one is of course finding the proper band fit, then figuring out the approximate cup size with the calculations. Of course you need to try on a few styles after that in different cup sizes close to your measured result until you get the perfect fit.    I have bras in a DD that fit just like my bras in DDD both from Torrid but different styles.    I have some DDD's that fit awesome and some that are a bit loose, but I measure a 46G. It's not wonder that 80% of women are wearing them wrong bra. 
    • Carolyn Marie
      https://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/man-arrested-accused-of-beating-to-death-transgender-woman-outside-miami-city-ballet/3293404/     May Andrea rest in peace.  If the person in custody is found guilty, hopefully he'll get the punishment he deserves.   Carolyn Marie
    • violet r
      I firmly believe I drank entirely to much for about 25 years. Got drunk every day. This was my coping mechanism to keep hiding deep inside that I was a woman. I miss a lot of signs over the years. Now I drink mabye 1 or 2 beers a day don't even get a buzz anymore. totally accept myself and on regret is that I hide that part of my self which  truly makes me happy being violet 💜. I wasted a lot of time before  being self destructive and had no clue I was just hiding th real me
    • Adrianna Danielle
      Service manager at goes through that here.One was a belt change in a 2019 Kenworth.It was written on the work order including a service done and I seen it.Customer was a complete a-hole.I did it and said he did not want that done.Shown him the original work order and finally said the service manager was right.My boss had to get rid of two customers,always complained about their bill being a little high.Price of parts went up due to inflation and had to explain this to them
    • Tiffany 838
      Well it not morning and I haven’t been on her for a while but it’s nice to be back.  Did some catching up on everyone.  I do have a question, how is Toronto Canada for a get away? Is it a safe and friendly area for us to go.  The wife and I are looking for some where to go to allow me to be my true self.     thanks in advance
    • KymmieL
      Hey, everyone. my life is going down the tubes. at least I think. So, today. A customer called about his car, I told him that the oil change was done. The parts to fix the check engine light are ordered. He can come and get it. For the weekend if he wants. Customer says I didn't want an oil change. it was check the engine light and check for an oil leak. Checking the work order says oil change. The boss wrote the vehicle up. checking with the customer on services wanted.   Being that I wrote down the appointment in the book. and clearly states oil leak. She is complaining because she can't read my small ish writing. It seems she read oil and assumed it as an oil change. It seems like she is blaming me.  She wound up going home because she was too upset. She is stressing about an eye problem she has, she has to get eye surgery it seems she has a tear in her eye.    I feel that I am short for this job. because of the BS they are blaming me on. Plus I am still upset about the trust issue. If either one of the bosses start their Shite tomorrow. I am walking out.    
    • Davie
    • Abigail Genevieve
      "I love you so much,"  Lois said.  They met in the driveway. "I could not live without you." "Neither could I." "What are we going to do?" "Find another counselor?" "No. I think we need to solve this ourselves." "Do you think we can?" "I don't know.  But what I know is that I don't want to go through that again.  I think we have to hope we can find a solution." "Otherwise, despair." "Yeah.   Truce?" "Okay,  truce." And they hugged.   "When we know what we want we can figure out how to get there."   That began six years of angry battles, with Odie insisted he could dress as he pleased and Lois insisting it did not please her at all.  He told her she was not going to control him and she replied that she still had rights as a wife to a husband. Neither was willing to give in, neither was willing to quit, and their heated arguments ended in hugs and more.   They went to a Crossdressers' Club, where they hoped to meet other couples with the same problems, the same conflicts, and the same answers, if anyone had any.  It took them four tries before they settled on a group that they were both willing to participate in.  This was four couples their own age, each with a cross dressing husband and a wife who was dealing with it.  They met monthly.  It was led by a 'mediator' who wanted people to express how they felt about the situation.  Odie and Lois, as newcomers, got the floor, and the meeting was finally dismissed at 1:30 in the morning - it was supposed to be over at 10 - and everyone knew how they felt about the situation.   There was silence in the car on the way home.   "We aren't the only ones dealing with this." Odie finally said.   "Who would have thought that?  You are right."   "Somebody out there has a solution." "I hope you are right."   "I hope in hope, not in despair."   "That's my Odie."    
    • Abigail Genevieve
      The counseling session was heated, if you could call it a counseling session.  Sometimes Lois felt he was on Odie's side, and sometimes on hers.  When he was on her side, Odie got defensive. She found herself being defensive when it seemed they were ganging up on each other.   "This is not working," Lois said angrily, and walked out.  "Never again. I want my husband back. Dr. Smith you are complicit in this."   "What?" said Odie.   The counselor looked at him.  "You will have to learn some listening skills."   "That is it? Listening skills?  You just destroyed my marriage, and you told me I need to learn listening skills?"   Dr. Smith said calmly,"I think you both need to cool off."   Odie looked at him and walked out, saying "And you call yourself a counselor."   "Wait a minute."   "No."
    • Ashley0616
      Just a comfortable gray sweater dress and some sneakers. Nothing special today. 
    • VickySGV
      I do still carry a Swiss Army knife along with my car keys.  
    • Timi
      Jeans and a white sweater. And cute white sneakers. Delivering balloons to a bunch of restaurants supporting our LGBT Community Center fundraiser today!
    • April Marie
      Congratulations to you!!!This is so wonderful!!
  • Upcoming Events

Contact TransPulse

TransPulse can be contacted in the following ways:

Email: Click Here.

To report an error on this page.

Legal

Your use of this site is subject to the following rules and policies, whether you have read them or not.

Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
DMCA Policy
Community Rules

Hosting

Upstream hosting for TransPulse provided by QnEZ.

Sponsorship

Special consideration for TransPulse is kindly provided by The Breast Form Store.
×
×
  • Create New...