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   3 Members, 0 Anonymous, 166 Guests (See full list)

    • Sally Stone
    • Mmindy
    • MaeBe
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      80.5k
    • Total Posts
      767.2k
  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      11,941
    • Most Online
      8,356

    Miss Cormac
    Newest Member
    Miss Cormac
    Joined
  • Today's Birthdays

    1. **Angela Charlotte **
      **Angela Charlotte **
    2. Carlie
      Carlie
      (63 years old)
    3. Cbxshawn
      Cbxshawn
      (49 years old)
    4. HannahO
      HannahO
      (31 years old)
    5. JustKatie
      JustKatie
      (40 years old)
  • Posts

    • Mmindy
      Good evening everyone,   I don't think my mother ever cooked a meal that I didn't like. We also had a kitchen where mom fixed the food, dad filled your plate, and you eat it. It wasn't until our baby brother was born that we could have Pop-Tarts for snacks. Before that all snacks had to meet mom's approval, and in her opinion wouldn't prevent you from eating supper.   Well my day started off on a good note, but has become frustrating because my IT person didn't transfer my saved videos I use for teaching. Then I found out that they didn't save any of my book marks for websites I use frequently.   Best wishes, stay motivated,   Mindy🌈🐛🏳️‍⚧️🦋
    • MaeBe
      The number is relative to method of deliver, the time of the dose, and when the blood is drawn. However, I do want to keep away from DVT and other potential issues. I assume I may be getting backed down from my current dose, but my doc told me to stick with the higher dose, so? I also wonder if this has anything to do the my breast growth and mental changes that have been happening over the past few years, like I have some estrogen sensitivity so a little goes a long way or something? I don't have enough data to postulate, but who knows!   With weekly, subcutaneous, shots you expect to see big swings of serum level estradiol from shot to peak to trough. My doctor is interested in mid-week testing (for E and T levels only), which would be post-peak blood serum levels but they will be higher than trough. Most, if not all, resources I've seen online is to measure at trough (which I might do just to do it next time) along with a SHBG, LH, and other metrics.   This is from transfemscience.org for Estradiol valerate in oil, which is very spiky compared to some other estradiol combinations. It's also for intramuscular, which will have a slower uptake and is usually dosed in higher volume due to the slower absorption rate from muscles. They don't have subcutaneous numbers, which I would expect to see similar spikes but higher levels at similar doses due to the relatively higher absorption rate direct from fat.   Are you doing pills, shots, or patches? And when you do get your levels checked are you getting that done when your levels are lowest or some other time?
    • Willow
      Both of my parents were from the “North Shore” of Boston.  My mother Lynn and my father Swampscot.  They had an early 1900s Scots-Irish New England diet.  My sister and I were born in the 40s in Ohio well away from New England seafood and in an area where food was more German and Polish.  My first experience with liver and onions was during basic training.  They ate salt cod but never forced us to eat it same with oysters.  My dad ate oysters but my mother wouldn’t.  Anyone who ever ate an oyster can figure that one out.  I grew up eating lamb.  My wife won’t touch it. I love brazed ox tail, again no way. And the list goes on.  
    • KathyLauren
      My mother was German, so yes, I think it was a cultural thing.  If I'd known you when we were cleaning out my mother's place, I could have sent you her "threat jar". 
    • Adrianna Danielle
      Been taking it real easy.Another good neighbor of mine and his 15 year old son came over and cut down a couple dead trees on my property.Knew not to do it taking it easy.I had them put the wood near my fire pit in the back yard.Did it and happy where they put it.They knew I had stents put in and needed to take it easy
    • Ashley0616
      Wow that is a high number for Estradiol good grief! Testosterone levels are better than mine. I don't remember my Estradiol level but testosterone was 80. To me that is really high but it was in the two hundreds the check in before last one. 
    • Ivy
      I don't understand why this would make a difference being a "dad" I mean, as far as how they would grow.
    • Ashley0616
      I don't see why not. I have worn forms since I came out. 
    • MaeBe
      I have never worn breastforms, but I assume as long as they don't aggravate your nipples you could.
    • MaeBe
      Every week I've been excited to take my shot, so it's never been an issue. Yesterday, however, I woke up and started my usual "slow roll" and then suddenly realized I had breakfast plans that I had to rush out the door for. After, it was straight into work calls, and then I got the notification from the doctor about things being too high and all the while my mind had completely slipped that I needed take my shot.   Given that I am not asking for medical advice, but sharing my journey, I will note my results: Estradiol at 447 pg/mL and Testosterone was 23 ng/dL, up and down from 26 pg/mL and 526 ng/dL respectively before treatment. Almost flipped the bit! The doc would like my Estradiol closer to 300 pg/mL, so we'll see what Monday's tests state.   Oh, and I teased the dinner with old soccer teammates and never updated the thread! It went well. There were a couple funny moments. One guy, who I was worried about their response, greeted me with "Hey, you've lost some weight!" 😎 And a friend who lives near me picked me up on the way to dinner exclaimed, after we learned one of the invitees might show up with a date, "Wait! We could have brought women?!" To which I instantly responded, "You kind of did, bringing me!" Everyone got a good laugh out of that. 😁
    • Ashley0616
      To me there isn't that much difference other the measurement, which side the zipper is on and men's pants have bigger pockets. 
    • missyjo
      I hope this is not stupid question..I have yet to start n not sure if doc will approve..but once you start growing buds n such, can you still wear forms to get to the size you were?   I'm a dad, so when I start blossoms they will be smaller for a long time n probably need surgical augmented..that's fine. I don't want to go ddd to aa to ddd..   any ideas?   thank you
    • missyjo
      April sounds fun..I keep some boy jeans to visit mom in..fir now   hugs
    • Ivy
      I like them too.  We had them growing up.  But my father's family were Swedes.
    • awkward-yet-sweet
      Oh my!  I guess it just goes to show how different tastes can be. Since we don't live near the ocean, Seafood is a rare luxury. We absolutely love pickled herring! Especially my husband and my GF, I guess it's a Ferman/Russian cultural thing.  But most of the kids like it too, and a jar wouldn't last in the pantry for long 😆
  • 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...