Frequently Asked Questions about IPL

About IPL

Bare Basics Co uses IPL Technology.

IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light. It emits light energy which is absorbed by the melanin in the hair, which then turns to heat and destroys the hair cells.

This makes the hair go into its resting phase: the hair you have falls out, and gradually your body grows less hair in that area.

Both laser and IPL (intense pulsed light) use light to heat the hair follicle and prevent regrowth. Both methods target the melanin in the hair follicle and permanent results can be expected from both. The key difference between laser and IPL is the type of light. IPL can give the same standard of results as laser-treatments, as long as you follow the prescribed treatment regime.

During the procedure, people may feel a pinching sensation. Some individuals have described this as a feeling similar to an elastic band being “snapped” on the skin.One of the biggest advantages of IPL over other types of laser is that it is far less painful.

IPL-based technology is generally considered a safe procedure as the light is less concentrated than laser, and so can be used at-home risk-free for long-lasting results. There have been numerous worldwide studies that demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of IPL for hair removal.

IPL is able to treat an extremely broad range of skin tones, and choosing the correct energy level for your skin and hair type is very important to achieving the best results. If the energy is set too high on dark skin tones, too much will be absorbed by the skin. If the energy level is set too low on light skin tones, not enough energy will be absorbed by the hairs.

The user guide that comes with the device shows more information about this.

Due to the nature of IPL relying on melanin to target the hair follicle, it is not effective on very light blonde, red, or grey colored hair. For blonde hair the treatment may take longer to take effect but will work with time and consistency, any shade darker will work perfectly!

The user guide that comes with the device shows more information about this.

Although IPL treatments will permanently reduce the total number of body hairs, they will not result in a permanent removal of all hair. Touch-up sessions are recommended every half month or so to maintain the area.

Bare Basics Devices

The main things that make the two models different are the improved cooling system and power level. While Glow+ works well, the Pro model provides a stronger and more intense experience.

Glow+ is the upgraded version of Glow. It offers a much higher number of flashes, almost triple the amount with 999,999 flashes. Additionally, Glow+ introduces an Auto mode feature that was not available in Glow. With Auto mode, you don't have to manually press the flash button. Simply set the device to auto mode, and it will automatically flash when it senses your skin.

Results will vary greatly from person to person, due to several factors including; skin tone, hair color, hair growth cycles, frequency of use, and the way your body responds to IPL. Stick through the first 24 treatments using your treatment tracker.

If you're still not happy with it, we have a 90-day money back guarantee on all our models. See this link to learn how to avail of this.

Bare Basics Co products have a 12 month warranty that covers any manufacturer faults. Please contact us at warranty@barebasics.co with the details at the back of your user guide to claim the warranty.

Bare Basics IPL is extremely gentle on the skin. Even users who can't shave due to extremely sensitive skin can still use our at-home IPL devices with comfort.

Results will vary greatly from person to person, due to several factors including; skin tone, hair color, hair growth cycles, frequency of use, and the way your body responds to IPL. But some users have seen visible results as early after 3rd to 4th treatment. Some needs to finish the 24 treatments.

We recommend using your handset thrice a week for the first 4 weeks. After this period use your handset twice a week until the 8th week. To maintain hairless smooth skin, continue with touch ups every half month or so.

  • Weeks 1-4: 3x a week
  • Weeks 5-8: twice a week
  • Weeks 9-12: once a week
  • Weeks 13 onwards: touch-up phase, every half-month or so

Bare Basics hair removal is effective for all body parts but isn’t intended for areas of the skin near an open orifice (nose, ear, etc.) and also not for eyelids, eyebrows or surrounding areas.

As there is heat involved, slight blackening on/around the light window is normal and will not affect your handset, how it works or the results at all.

Yes, in some cases the hair will be burned during treatment and may frazzle. This does not mean that if there is no burnt hair that the treatment has not been efficient. Please ensure that you have prepped the skin correctly, and that the skin is completely shaved before starting your session.

Cleaning of the handset is advised after each use. You can use an alcohol wipe, or any antibacterial product to clean down the handset and the light window after treatment. Ensure your handset is powered off, and not plugged in before doing so. You should then store the handset in a cool, dry place after use (once the handset is completely dry).

The Bare Basics Glow has 350,000 flashes, if used regularly it will last you 10+ years while the Bare Basics Pro has 999,999 flashes (20+ years if used regularly).

Most of our clients only do touch-ups after the first 12 treatments, the flashes thereafter are not used as often anymore, thus the device could last you a lifetime.

Our handsets have 5 different levels of intensity that ranges from 1.5-4.9J/cm2 with our Bare basics Glow handset, and 2-4.8J/cm2 with the Bare Basic Pro handset.

No. There is absolutely no need for replacements or refills. Sulit!

Our handsets are not cordless, and will need to be plugged into the power supply at all times of use.

Our handsets have 2 modes:

  • Manual mode - where the handset will flash as you press the trigger button.
  • Auto mode - where the handset will flash on its own (when ready), without you pressing any buttons at all.

Yes, you can. This may decrease the lifetime of the handset per user. You should also always thoroughly clean the handset after each use.

Definitely! Our handsets are suitable for anyone above 16 years of age.

Safety and Precautions

The handset is recommended to be used by 16 years old above.

IPL can definitely be used on hormonal hair growth, and has proven to be quite effective.

IPL is not recommended for you if you have epilepsy.

Yes, wear the eye glasses provided to protect your eyes from flashing light.

Yes, the hair follicle needs to be intact for IPL to be effective. For best results you should shave before treatment and not wax, pluck or epilate as this removes the entire cell. The goal is for the light energy to reach the hair follicle as quickly as possible.

Shaving is the only hair removal treatment that is allowed between treatments. You should never wax, pluck, or epilate as these hair removal methods remove the entire root, which is what absorbs the light during the treatment.

Although there is no evidence showing that IPL has negative effects on pregnant or breastfeeding women, we still don’t recommend using our handset as a precaution.

You should not use IPL over very dark freckles or moles, however light freckles are fine.

Do not use IPL on tattoos, birthmarks or warts. Tattoos or dark spots may absorb too much light energy, which could cause skin swelling, temporary blisters or could change the color of your skin.

We recommend avoiding long exposure in direct sunlight (including tanning beds) for at least 2 weeks prior and 48 hours post treatment. If you are exposed to the sun after treatment, we advise using an SPF cream to protect your skin.