Those with a Philips lumea

[Lemia]

I have a couple of questions

I’ve been using it on an annoying dark patch of hair on my chin for a few months now. I use it twice a week. I’ve barely noticed any difference. How long does it normally take? The hairs are really dark and thick in this random patch and my skin is pale so they’re v noticeable.

also, does it make a difference to how effective it is if you use a lower level? I can’t use level 4 or 5 in the bikini area because it’s quite painful so am using 2 or 3 but am unsure if this will be less effective?

thanks

First make sure you are waxing, epilating or plucking. The hair needs to be thoroughly removed. You should only need to use it once a fortnight. If you haven't downloaded the app it is worth it to help you keep track.

Also, if it isn't working on a lower level then you will need to up the level. Again the app should help.

Oh I’ve only been shaving? I didn’t know I was supposed to pluck the hair out, I thought it needed to just be shaved

Didn’t know there was an app- will download it!

You are supposed to shave - the lights attacks the darkness of the hair - so OP you're doing it right.

No you're right. You shouldnt pluck or wax because then there is nothing left for the laser to target.

I'd say you need to wait longer between applications so you get the full stage of the hair growth. Usually lumea guides say 2 weeks between. But I have pcos and my hair grows very very fast - my legs will be stubby 2-3 hours after shaving for example, so I do it once a week when I'm needing to get rid of a patch.

It didn't work for me. Neither did a course of zapping at a beautician which was at about 15 units rather than the 5 units the lumea does. I have pale skin and dark hair so it's not that. I get electrolysis every 2-3 weeks now instead.

Also make sure you're pulling the skin tight. It could be that the laser can't get in the nooks and crannies!

You are not supposed to wax, epilate or pluck- it will not work! It's very clear you need to shave in order to leave a dark root that can be zapped. Keep shaving and keep on at it. I have used this for last 4 yrs and it's transformed me. I go in level 5 everytime and don't mess about with the low settings. Do it after a couple of glasses of wine or take 2 paracetamol 30 mins before. Just keep at it per the instructions and one day you will realise the hair has gone.

Shaving. It needs to blast a bit of the hair that's under the surface of the skin. If you wax the root is pulled out and there's nothing to blast until it grows back.

For me, it was most effective on level 5. Be brave and do it. I haven't had to deal with my bikini like for 7+ years now, I shave my legs about every two months and use the Lumea 3-4 times in the run up to summer and shave my armpits about once a month. It's more effective on pale skin, hence my bikini line being so successful I think. I can't account for my armpit hair being more resilient!

Level 5. It will change your life.

Has electrolysis worked for you? How is it different to laser?

Thank you all, wine and level 5 then 😂

It doesn't work on my chin, even on the highest level! Really annoying because it was so effective on my legs I've barely used it since and it's been years, but my chin doesn't seem to care about doing the same ha.

I'm definitely no expert but electrolysis is a hot needle into the root?! Then I have 2 weeks with no need to do anything, and a week of trim or shave then back. It's supposed to get rid of them ... Eventually. Although I'm not convinced. They are getting finer I think / hope. But at least it's relatively cheap and I enjoy 2 smooth chin weeks. £17 for 20 mins. Plucking was messing my face up with ingrown hairs and shaving just made them sharp and dark stubble.

I have one I bought recently.

the app says that the light has to get into the hair follicle which is why you have to remove the hair first (not do it with hair!)

5 is the highest and most effective setting. However it’s only if you have pale skin and dark hair. Other combinations need lower setting

some areas respond better- 6 weeks in (three sessions) and my underarms are hair free. Bikini line may take longer.

Technique is also important to ensure best effect. The app has lots of advice

Doing it more often doesn’t make it more effective

I hope this helps!

How long have you been using it for? Once every two weeks is what you need to do first. It does take time (think at least 12 weeks and even then you have to keep at it every month. Download the app so you can keep track.

The Philips Lumea instructions say shave I always thought the light needed the hair to travel down to the hair follicle root, which is also why they say it is more effective on darker hair with a lighter skin tone. Page 7.

https://www.documents.philips.com/assets/20200207/2df98d4a621c4347beceab5a00c194cd.pdf

Maybe take a photo of the patch of hair now, keep at it for a while longer and then take another photo and see if it has made a difference. I use a different brand and it is effective on legs and bikini but not really my underarm.

I think it's fine to epilate before using Lumea. (Screenshot from the Lumea app).

a couple of months. I’ve had the device for a year and just not got round to it so hadn’t read anything and thought I needed to do it twice a week. I’ll reduce that and also make sure I download the app for all the tips. I haven’t tried it on my bikini line yet- I suppose it could be that for me, it doesn’t work well on chin but does on other body areas but I’ll keep trying. My chin is a nightmare though so I really hope it does work eventually

I don't have a lumea but a different IPL and it does nothing for my chin hair. It works fabulously on my leg hair, ok on my armpit hair, chin hair - nope. I wonder why

I have really sensitive skin but dark hair and pale , will I get red and blotchy with the zapping?

You shouldn't do, but just protect from sunlight afterwards .
Have a look at the subscription for Lumea if you're worried you won't get on with it. I'm sure you can send it back if you don't like it (although maybe read the small print in case). I got mine on subscription and now own it outright.

@Lemia check your instructions but my Lumea definitely says wax and epilation is fine and I have - personally - found it works much more effectively after waxing/epilating, especially on areas where the hair was thicker.

I rarely have to remove hair now from legs, arms, bikini or chin. Have been using it about 6 months and just do a top up every now and again.

Thanks,yes looking at the try before you buy option.

Using it too often makes it LESS effective. You have to stick to the schedule of once every 2 weeks and no more.

I also find it's much more effective doing it 48 ish hours after epilating than straight after shaving. I think as the laser is then aiming straight to the root?