Philips Lumea Essential IPL Hair Removal Device for Body

Light-based hair removal is one of the most effective methods to treat unwanted body hair with longer-lasting results. It is different from current home hair removal methods because it significantly reduces hair regrowth. Philips has been investigating this method together with leading dermatologists for over 15 years. You can now use this innovative technology comfortably in the privacy of your own home, whenever you want. This appliance has been specifically designed and optimised for use by women, but can be used by men as well. Philips Lumea Essential enables treatment of unwanted hair on body areas below the neckline.Philips Lumea Essential is designed for use by one person only.

Jump to: This Week's Current Bestseller

Benefits
This appliance provides the following benefits:Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) technology for home usePhilips Lumea Essential uses a light-based technology called ‘Intense Pulsed Light’ (IPL). IPL is also used in the professional beauty market for hair removal and has been in use for the last fifteen years. Philips Lumea Essential now brings this innovative technology to the comfort of your home.

Effective hair regrowth prevention for everyday smoothness. This method provides you with long-lasting hair regrowth prevention and silky-smooth skin. Our studies have shown a significant hair reduction after just two treatments. Optimal results were generally achieved after four to five treatments. A reduction in hair density is visible from treatment to treatment. How fast the effect becomes visible and how long the results last varies from person to person. For more information, see section ‘How to achieve optimal results’ in chapter ‘Using the appliance’.

Gentle treatment, even on sensitive body areas. Philips Lumea Essential has been developed in close cooperation with leading dermatologists for an effective and gentle treatment, even on the most sensitive body areas.No replacement parts needed, no hidden costs.

Philips Lumea Essential is equipped with a high-performance lamp which does not require replacement. This lamp can generate over 100,000 flashes and should enable you to continuously maintain results for more than 5 years* while saving money on expensive replacement lamps.
*Based on average usage scenario and recommended treatment regime for one user.

How Philips’ Intense Pulsed Light technology works

Hair growth
Hair growth rates differ from person to person, depending on age, metabolism and other factors. However, everyone’s hair normally grows in 3 phases.
1 Growing phase (anagen phase)The hair grows actively from the root. In this phase the concentration of melanin is highest. Melanin is responsible for the pigmentation of the hair. Melanin concentration is also the determining factor for the efficacy of the Intense Pulsed Light technology. Only hairs in the growing phase are susceptible to treatment with light.
2 Degradation phase (catagen phase) Hair growth stops and the root shrinks before the hair sheds.
3 Resting phase (telogen phase) The old hair separates from its hair follicle and sheds. The follicle remains at rest until the biological clock tells it to become active again and grow a new hair.

Working principle
-The appliance works by heating up the hair and root beneath the skin. The melanin in the hair and hair root absorbs the released light pulses. The darker the colour of the hair, the more light can be absorbed. This process stimulates the hair to go into the resting phase.
-In between treatments, hair sheds naturally and regrowth is inhibited. Hairs can take one or two weeks to shed
- Optimal hair removal cannot be obtained with a single session, since only hairs in the growing phase are susceptible to treatment with light. During a treatment, hairs on the treated area are usually in different stages of the hair growth cycle. To effectively treat all hairs you have to repeat the treatment once every two weeks for the first two months. An integrated optical filter ensures that no UV light reaches the skin and ensures that the appliance is safe for the skin.

Contraindications
For whom is Philips Lumea Essential NOT suitable? Philips Lumea Essential is not designed for everyone. If any of the following is true for you, then this appliance is not suitable for you to use!

Do not use the appliance if you are pregnant or breast feeding.Philips Lumea Essential has not been tested on pregnant women, therefore we advise you not to use the appliance if you are pregnant or breast feeding. Hormonal changes could increase the sensitivity of your skin and the risk of injury to the skin.

Never use the appliance if you have an unsuitable skin and/or hair colour, i.e.:
-If you are of skin type V (you rarely get sunburnt, you tan very well and your skin colour is dark brown) or if you are of skin type VI (you rarely or never get sunburnt and you tan very darkly; your skin colour is brownish black or darker). In this case you run a high risk of developing skin reactions, such as discolourations, strong redness or burns, when you use Philips Lumea Essential. See also chapter ‘Using the appliance’, section ‘Possible side effects and skin reactions’ and consult the ‘Recommended light intensities table’ in the quick start guide.
-If your natural hair colour in the treatment areas is light blond, white, grey or red. The treatment will not be effective

Never use the appliance if you suffer from any of the diseases listed below, i.e.:
-If you have a skin disease such as active skin cancer, you have a history of skin cancer or any other localised cancer in the areas to be treated.
-If you have pre-cancerous lesions or multiple atypical moles in the areas to be treated.
-If you have a history of collagen disorder, including a history of keloid scar formation or a history of poor wound healing. -If you have a history of vascular disorder, such as the presence of varicose veins or vascular ectasia in the areas to be treated.
-If your skin is sensitive to light and easily develops a rash or an allergic reaction.
-If you have infections, eczema, burns, inflammation of hair follicles, open lacerations, abrasions, herpes simplex, wounds or lesions and haematomas in the areas to be treated. -If you have had surgery in the areas to be treated.
-If you have epilepsy with flashlight sensitivity.-If you have diabetes, lupus erythematodes, porphyria or congestive heart disease. -If you have any bleeding disorder.-If you have a history of immunosuppressive disease (including HIV infection or AIDS).

Never use the appliance if you take any of the medications listed below, i.e.:
-If your skin is currently being treated with or has recently been treated with Alpha-Hydroxy Acids (AHAs), Beta- Hydroxy Acids (BHAs), topical isotretinoin and azelaic acid.
-If you have taken any form of isotretinoin such as Accutane®or Roaccutane® in the last six months.This treatment can make skin more susceptible to tears, wounds and irritations.
-If you are on painkillers, which reduce the skin’s sensitivity to heat.-If you are taking photosensitising agents or medications, check the package insert of your medicine and never use the appliance if it is stated that it can cause photo-allergic reactions, photo-toxic reactions or if you have to avoid sun when taking this medicine.
-If you take anticoagulation medications, including heavy use of aspirin, in a manner that does not allow you to stop using them at least one week prior to each treatment with Lumea.
-If you take immunosuppressive medications.

Never use the appliance on the following areas:
-On the face.
-On nipples, areolas, labia minora, vagina, anus and the inside of the nostrils and ears. See chapter ‘Using the appliance’, section ‘Using the appliance in the bikini area’.
-Men must not use it on the scrotum or face.-Over or near anything artificial like silicone implants, pacemakers, subcutaneous injection ports (insulin dispenser) or piercings.
-On moles, freckles, large veins, darker pigmented areas, scars or other skin anomalies without consulting your doctor. This can result in a burn and a change in skin colour, which makes it potentially harder to identify skin-related diseases (e.g. skin cancer).
-On warts, tattoos or permanent make-up. This can result in a burn and a change in skin colour (hypopigmentation or hyperpigmentation).
-On areas where you use long-lasting deodorants. This can result in skin reactions. See chapter ‘Using the appliance’, section ‘Possible side effects and skin reactions’.