Anyone tried Boots 'Smooth Skin' home IPL hair reduction system yet?

toffeapple

suzyQ wrote: »

I'm so glad you said that toffeeapple because I too have found it extremely painful to use! I have only used it once so far on my bikini line and am not looking forward to the next time. I consider myself to have a high pain threshold having given birth twice (one baby weighing in at 10lb4oz!), and can epilate or wax strip my bikini line without too much grimacing. The Smooth Skin, however, was so bad I wished I could turn back time and have never bought it in the first place. I am using it on the dark setting (although I am fair skinned with dark hair), and even took regular breaks for it to cool down. I was wondering if my machine was faulty too. I am due to use it again today but I have my period and it says not to use it during this time. Does it make it even more painful (if that's at all possible!!)? Also, I am wary to use it when I don't need to as I am aware of the limited number of flashes. I have long legs so will unfortunately require more use than most people, not giving me the luxury of 'spare' flashes to play around with. Is it best to leave a longer gap between treatments as suggested my some posters on this forum, or should I do it weekly as Boots recommends? I don't want the expense of buying a new bulb to finish the job properly.
I hope things improve pain-wise cos it'll be a lot of money down the drain if I can't use it and I've just lost my job too so every penny counts at the moment.

I have e-mailed Boots customer services regarding how painful I find using the machine and they have said:

'I'm really concerned to hear about what's happened with this machine and it's important that we investigate this matter further. To help us do this could you please return the Smooth Skin back to us so that we can start our investigations.'

I can return the machine via the shop along a reference number or send it back freepost. I recommend that that you contact them too SuzieQ as it sounds like we are having the same problem.

rkuk

Hello,

I have just read the entire thread!! Sounds like there are a mixture of results and experiences. Though there are barely any male experiences. I am after some advice. My upper arms and shoulders have begun to get hairy - and this is really leading to a depressive state (this is not the sole problem with me, but none the less I'd like to prevent it).

I am concerned that I will not be able to use this machine. It states that if you have kidney problems you're not allowed to use it. A few years ago I had serious kidney problems, which I am still on medication for. This unfortunate illness has been the main cause of various problems, causing a lot of heartache 'Problems' ranging from hair loss on my head, now onto excess body hair on my upper arms and top of my back / shoulders. it's as if I can not win. Knowing that my body is not as nice as I would like it, for confidence reasons I joined a gym to try and get fit / with at least a toned body to boost my confidence. Again, due to my body not being able to process protein as well as a 'normal' person it takes me twice as long.

I'm very conscious of all my worries and as such I've not approached ladies for a long while, which is a shame as I'm a fab guy (really I am) and I know I'm not ugly as such - been informed that I look like good looking celebrities (which don't get me wrong is flattering), but all these problems are driving me insane. I'm not self obsessed about image etc - I just don't want any potential lady to go 'eww - back hair' and be put off by me.

My skin would be ideal for the treatment: it's very pale, and the hairs are very dark. My skin is very sensitive from my medication and I have to be careful in the sunshine etc. At the moment I have to ask my mum to use veet every now and then, but it seems to be coming back quicker. I REALLY want to try this machine out - for the cost I'd try anything really.

I know my post sounds biased as to not using the product due to 'serious reasons', but I really think if the test patch was ok, then why not try it in little bursts? As long as I'm safe and careful / don't get carried away.

With you ladies stating doing legs takes so long, how long do you think it would take to do an average build's man's back - top half?

Does anyone have any advice or opinions? Have any of you ladies tried it out on a man's body? I really would appreciate any help.

Thanks very much

dvs

Hi RKUK

I'm a bloke and I've been using this device! I haven't posted my views as yet as I wanted to see how I got on with it first. I'm not a particularly hairy guy, just don't like some of the hair that I've got! I have tried one session of professional laser hair removal before so I knew roughly what to expect but couldn't really justify the professional cost. I've only done three sessions of the Boots system so too early to say how good or bad it is.

The Boots system does have a lot of warnings and I think some of those are for genuine reasons and some are just for caution. For example, it says not to use on face yet many posters on here have done so, most without problems. I tried it on my face (to smarten up stubble line) and came out in a few nasty spots - could've been in-grown hairs (or rather dead hairs that got trapped under the skin) or it could have been insect bites. Really not sure.

What concerns me is that your skin is sensitive due to medication - and I think this may be too risky for you as you may burn or cause permanent damage to your skin. I don't have sensitive skin but I have found that in certain areas the skin gets slightly sore.

I have had IPL as a face rejuvenation treatment before and my understanding of that treatment is that it damages cells causing the cells to repair and thus rejuvenate. It works for blemishes, broken capillaries, acne etc as well as just freshening up the skin. The frequency (if that is the right term) that skin rejuvenation works is similar (but not exactly the same) to the hair removal. When I had facial rejuvenation, a few of my sun spots/brown spots (those dark freckle-like things) came to the surface of my skin, scratched off and disappeared without a trace. A very weird experience! A similar thing happened with the Boots system although I have been left with a few red scar-like marks on some of the spots (perhaps they will eventually heal). So I'm not sure how good or precise the Boots system would be in terms of tackling your hair without damaging your sensitive skin.

I would suggest you see your GP as it's not really a cosmetic issue for you. It's damaging your confidence and cauuing you some distress which in turn is probably not good for your health. They may be able to refer you to a specialist - just be clear to your GP how much this is affecting you.

You could try a professional salon for IPL, although personally I don't feel that they are qualified enough, particularly for someone who has a medical condition and sensitive skin.

You could try having it waxed or better still, if you live in the London area, try getting it done with sugar at the Sugarshop. It's similar to waxing although less damaging to the skin. It's an all-male salon and always quiet. It would last longer that Veet as it rips hairs out from the root but you would still need regular treatments. I know it's probably not ideal but at least you could do this until you come off your medication and are able to try the Boots system or similar.

Note: I'm sure they would be other places across the country that use sugar so look it up on Google if you're not in or near London. I didn't get on with the home kit that they offer but that could just be me!

rkuk

Hi DVS

Thanks very much for the response. Sounds like you have a little way to go before you know if it's working for definite yet or not. I think I am still tempted to try it out. I have been to the Dr's before about my concerns and I was sent to a specialist. The specialist did not even come out of their office to see me - just the nurse kept popping in and out of the room to see me and then go and speak to the specialist - useless.

I think what 'helps' me is the fact that I know I am trying to do something about my situation. With my illness etc I always do some good research and then speak to my GP about things - she's great and knows that I am always looking for solutions. I could always pop back and ask for a consultation about my skin or something, and then ask if I'm allowed to use the machine. Just I'm itching to give it a whirl.

I think my previous post may have made me sound worse - i.e. depressed. I don't think that's the case, it just really gets me down at times.

hmmm.

ddbb

I have heard good things on the Boots machine from some friends but wanted to do my own research. I came across this site with research on the Boots machine and others. The address is gcghealthcare.co.uk/research-news-ipl-laser.htm

jmac667

Have been using this device for a few months now and it has been moderately successful but I seem to have developed a sensitivity to it. The last couple of times I have used it, my skin has become incredibly itchy. Not straight away, usually the next day and it lasts over a week. . I've rung the help line, they should be ringing me back with advise soon but dont know what has gone wrong! Has anyone else had this reaction?

dvs

jmac667 wrote: »

Have been using this device for a few months now and it has been moderately successful but I seem to have developed a sensitivity to it. The last couple of times I have used it, my skin has become incredibly itchy. Not straight away, usually the next day and it lasts over a week. . I've rung the help line, they should be ringing me back with advise soon but dont know what has gone wrong! Has anyone else had this reaction?

I've had some sensitivity which I didn't have the first time. I assume it's because there is less hair to absorb the laser. It hasn't been too irritating for me though - just looks a little inflamed I guess - similar to a shaving rash. Have you tried using Aloe Vera gel? Are you using it on the fair, medium or dark setting?

RebekahR

I am really excited to see some men join this thread tbh. But at the same time I feel awful that you guys have to join us women in the fight to be hair free What on earth has happened to the world! Men are supposed to be hairy.

Any ways I digress!Are either you of you guys using this on your faces for beard removal? My selfish self would love to see how men get on with it if they are! As my hair is the same.

No change as far as I can tell. Possibly growing back quicker as well.
Under chin area i'm so pleased with.I still need to shave daily as it is stubbly but it is not the thick hair that is course that you can see like on men's faces that it was before. Unless you touch it you can't tell. But definately not the "smooth skin" I was expecting.

Have now done 16 treatments on these area's over 14-15 weeks at a guess. Getting sick of it now. Going to do it for the next 3 weeks and then give up and just go back to plucking it out. Back to proper smooth skin ... for 2 days ... lol.

Have done about 7 weeks on my underarms and around nipple area's - hair reducing well on both. Big patches on my underarms except right in the middles and only 1 or 2 thick hairs left on my left nipple was about 4-5 before and about 3 or 4 on my right. Before there was 8-10.

Next I am going to attack the line of hair down my stomach and my bikini area but this wont be for another 2 months or so . I shall also then attack my legs all winter that are as hairy as mens arms! And hopefully they will be "smooth skinned" by summer.

So far yea right ... ! Time will tell ... Maybe i'm just too impatient for this game!!!

HanSpan

RebekahR wrote: »

I am really excited to see some men join this thread tbh. But at the same time I feel awful that you guys have to join us women in the fight to be hair free What on earth has happened to the world! Men are supposed to be hairy.

I agree. You shouldn't assume all women will be turned off by hairiness - I've had boyfriends with and without and it really didn't make any difference too me, including one with a very hairy back. I know some women prefer hairless but many LIKE lots of hair. I do understand having problems with confidence about things you don't like about yourself but you can be sure any woman you approach will feel the same about something (cellulite, flabby stomach, bum, boobs - the list goes on). I'd say it's not worth risking your skin - as someone else suggested I'd try the sugaring or waxing first - it's quite effective and lasts for a fair while and must be preferable to a funny checkerboard burn pattern?

RebekahR wrote: »

Any ways I digress!Are either you of you guys using this on your faces for beard removal? My selfish self would love to see how men get on with it if they are! As my hair is the same.

No change as far as I can tell. Possibly growing back quicker as well.
Under chin area i'm so pleased with.I still need to shave daily as it is stubbly but it is not the thick hair that is course that you can see like on men's faces that it was before. Unless you touch it you can't tell. But definately not the "smooth skin" I was expecting.

Have now done 16 treatments on these area's over 14-15 weeks at a guess. Getting sick of it now. Going to do it for the next 3 weeks and then give up and just go back to plucking it out. Back to proper smooth skin ... for 2 days ... lol.

I wonder if you'll find yourself pleasantly surprised when you start plucking again - I have. I did my chin for several weeks then got a bit fedup and started plucking again and there's definitely less of it to pluck. I'm now wondering if, whilst letting it all grow in order to be able to zap, I could see ALL the hairs at once making it seem like there were more - whereas when plucking some come up one day then some a few days later so you never see them all together. I don't know - just a theory - but it does seem that way to me.
I think I'm going to try zapping say three times in a row (my theory is that the boots IPL is less strong than a salon IPL system) then leaving it for a month. I've got one really telegraph pole like sucker so zapped yesterday, will do again maybe Thursday then Sunday then stop again. Will report back!

jmac667

dvs wrote: »

I've had some sensitivity which I didn't have the first time. I assume it's because there is less hair to absorb the laser. It hasn't been too irritating for me though - just looks a little inflamed I guess - similar to a shaving rash. Have you tried using Aloe Vera gel? Are you using it on the fair, medium or dark setting?

I used the Aloe Vera gel, it helped for a very short time and I was using the machine on Fair as I am very pale with dark hair ( legs particularly pasty) I've reduced it to Medium but it didnt make much difference. When I rang the help line, they told me to stop using it- they thought it could be an allergy to the gel you have to use. Still waiting for a call from the help line as I wanted to continue.
Will report back after they've rung.