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Frequently asked questions

About IPL

What Is IPL?
That’s a great question. IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) is a light-based hair removal method, that targets the melanin (pigment) inside the hair to interrupt the hair growth cycle and prevent hair regrowth, without damaging the skin.
Is IPL safe? Is it safe for my skin?
Yes. Our devices are FDA cleared and have been clinically proven to be safe and effective, with over 5,500 clinical treatments performed on different skin tones. All our devices feature a skin tone sensor that automatically reads your skin tone before every flash ensuring the device flashes only if safe, so you will never burn your skin. Our devices are compliant with the latest Eye Safety Standards. Your skin is protected by our advanced 3mm glass UV filter which prevents damaging light reaching your skin.
Is IPL suitable for me?
IPL is most effective when there is a contrast between the skin and hair, meaning it is suitable on most hair colours and all hair types. IPL isn’t effective on white or grey hair due to lower amounts of melanin, and red hair contains a different type of melanin which isn’t responsive to IPL. It is not suitable for use on deep skin tones or skin rich in melanin. It is possible to see results when treating darker blonde hair, but you may need a few extra treatments to get the same standard of hair reduction. You can check your suitability for IPL using the chart on our IPL technology page, and you can always reach out to us if you have any questions about compatibility or use.
Is IPL painful?
Most people describe it as a slight tingling or warm sensation. In recent clinical trials, users rated the discomfort of a SmoothSkin treatment at just 3 out of 10. If you are a little sensitive to the treatment at first, we recommend you use Gentle Mode, which can help you get used to the experience.
How long will it take to see results? Is IPL permanent?
Most users notice hair reduction between 2-4 weeks. SmoothSkin devices will prevent hair regrowth as long as you keep treating it regularly. After the initial 12-week regime, you will need to do ‘top up’ treatments every 4-8 weeks depending on your hair growth rate. After 12 weeks, you could see up to 99% hair reduction. Remember that results may vary for different people.
Do I need to wear eye protection when using SmoothSkin?
Our devices have been developed with safety at the forefront and are safe to use without the need for eye protection. However, you should never attempt to fire on to or close to the eye itself.
How often should I use my SmoothSkin?
To get the most out of your SmoothSkin you should start off by using it once a week for 12 weeks continuously. After the initial 12-week, switch to maintenance treatments every 2 to 4 weeks. There is no increased benefit from using your device more than once a week.

Treatment

Can I shave before my treatment? What other methods of hair removal can I use?

Stop! Don’t throw your razors out just yet! We recommend shaving the area you wish to treat, 24 hours before your treatment. We don’t recommend other forms of hair removal, such as waxing and tweezing, as those methods remove the hair root entirely, inhibiting IPL treatment.

Can I remove hair in between treatments?

Of course! For the very best results from your treatment, we recommend shaving. Shaving will keep the root in place to help target the hair follicle and ensure maximum efficacy and maximum results.

How long does a treatment take?

A full body treatment takes just 10 minutes!

What does a treatment feel like?

Most people describe it as a slight tingling or warm sensation. In recent clinical trials, users rated the discomfort of a SmoothSkin treatment at just 3 out of 10. Remember, some of our devices (Pure Adapt, Pure Fit and Pure Mini) have a Gentle Mode that can be used for sensitive areas.

What areas of the body can I use SmoothSkin?

SmoothSkin is FDA cleared to treat the arms, legs, face, back, fingers, toes and bikini area.

What happens if I miss a treatment?

If you miss a treatment don’t worry, it happens every now and then. Just get back on track and start your treatment again.

How long will my device last?

Our devices are built to last. They feature unlimited flashes so you will never run out.

Can I use SmoothSkin if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

We don’t recommend using SmoothSkin if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Our devices have not been tested with these individuals.

Can I use SmoothSkin over my tattoos?

Do not use SmoothSkin over scars or tattoos. You can, however, use it to treat areas around scars and tattoos.

Can men use SmoothSkin products too?

Of course! SmoothSkin devices are not gender specific, but just remember that the results will be permanent. Always complete a patch test before your first treatment.

Do I need gel when I use SmoothSkin?

No, you don’t need gel with our devices.

Can I treat my underarms if I have deodorant on?

No, to avoid any possible interactions, skin should always be clean and dry.

Looking after your device

How do I take care of my SmoothSkin device?
  • After treatment, always switch off your SmoothSkin by unplugging the electrical outlet.
  • To ensure the maximum performance of your device it is important to keep the front of the device free from dirt, hair or debris. Before and after every use wipe clean the front of the device with a soft lint free, dry cloth. If necessary, you can also carefully clean the front of the device with a slightly damp cotton bud.
  • The glass filter can get hot during use, please DO NOT touch, or clean the filter for at least 5 minutes after use to allow it to cool down.
  • Please don’t use water or other cleaning fluids, as these can damage the device leading to a potential safety hazard. Always inspect the treatment window to ensure the window is undamaged.
  • Store your SmoothSkin device in a cool, dry place. Make sure the treatment window and skin tone sensor on the device are protected from damage. Please regularly check the device (including cords) for visible signs of damage. In case of damage or cracks, stop using the device – and visit the website for support details.

Troubleshooting

Why is my device not flashing?

We’re sorry to hear your device is not flashing but don’t worry, we are here to help. Please follow the steps below to troubleshoot your device:

 

  1. Make sure your power supply is plugged in all the way.
  2. Do you have full skin contact? SmoothSkin devices will not activate unless all 4-points are in contact with your skin. You’ll know when you have good skin contact as the power bar will illuminate white. If skin contact is poor, it will illuminate red. Try adjusting the positioning of the device to ensure full contact with your skin, particularly on more awkward areas like arms and shins.
  3. Check your skin-tone suitability. IPL is safe and effective for most skin tones; IPL is not suitable for use on deep skin tones that are rich in melanin. If the device detects that your skin tone cannot safely receive IPL treatment, it will not flash, and the power bar will illuminate red. For more information, please refer to the skin tone chart to see if IPL is suitable for you.
  4. For more information on how to look after your SmoothSkin device, please refer to ‘How Do I Take Care of my SmoothSkin Device?’
  5. All our devices feature unlimited flashes and include 2 years’ manufacturer’s warranty against faults. If your SmoothSkin is not working, please reach out to us at help@smoothskin.com. We’ll ask you to send:
A description of the problem you’re experiencing
A video of your device plugged in, showing the fault
Proof of purchase from us directly, or one of our trusted retail partners

 

If there’s a manufacturing defect and it’s within warranty, we will replace your device.

What should I do if I get a red light when using my device?

There are typically two reasons why you may get a red light when using your SmoothSkin.

 

    1. First, please ensure your skin is in full contact with the device particularly on awkward areas like arms and shins. SmoothSkin will not activate unless it’s in full contact with your skin – the power bar will illuminate red, letting you know that you will need to re-adjust your position for good skin contact.
    2. Check your skin-tone suitability. IPL is safe and effective for most skin tones; IPL is not suitable for use on deep skin tones that are rich in melanin. If the device detects that your skin tone cannot safely receive IPL treatment, it will not flash, and the power bar will illuminate red. For more information, please refer to the skin tone chart to see if IPL is suitable for you.

If the problem persists, or you are experiencing a different combination of lights, this may indicate a fault with your device. SmoothSkin products will display any error messages through combinations of lights on the power bars on the sides of the handset. If this happens, stop using the device and get in touch with us for support at help@smoothskin.com. We’ll ask you to send:

A description of the problem you’re experiencing.
A video of your device plugged in, showing the fault.
Proof of purchase from us directly, or one of our trusted retail partners.

 

If there is a manufacturing defect and it’s within warranty, we will replace your device.

Why is there a smell when I use my device?

The smell of burning when in use can indicate that the treatment area hasn’t been properly prepared for treatment. Skin must be completely hair-free (for best results by shaving), cleaned and dried. If hair is not completely removed it may damage the front of the device. If any visible hair remains above the surface of the skin, it can burn on treatment with your SmoothSkin device. If you are concerned stop treatment and contact us.

Why is the power bar indicator red?

Your SmoothSkin device will not activate unless it detects a safe skin tone to receive IPL treatment. The device includes an intelligent skin tone sensor that automatically detects your skin tone and selects the optimal treatment setting. Please check the skin tone chart on our IPL technology page for further information.

Pure Adapt

How long does Pure Adapt last?

Our devices are built to last. Pure Adapt features unlimited flashes, for results to last a lifetime. All products include 2-year manufacturer’s warranty against faults.

Is Pure Adapt FDA approved?

Yes. Our devices are FDA cleared and have been clinically proven to be safe and effective, with over 5,500 treatments performed in our clinical trials on different skin tones.

 

    1. First, please ensure your skin is in full contact with the device particularly on awkward areas like arms and shins. SmoothSkin will not activate unless it’s in full contact with your skin – the power bar will illuminate red, letting you know that you will need to re-adjust your position for good skin contact.
    2. Check your skin-tone suitability. IPL is safe and effective for most skin tones; IPL is not suitable for use on deep skin tones that are rich in melanin. If the device detects that your skin tone cannot safely receive IPL treatment, it will not flash, and the power bar will illuminate red. For more information, please refer to the skin tone chart to see if IPL is suitable for you.

If the problem persists, or you are experiencing a different combination of lights, this may indicate a fault with your device. SmoothSkin products will display any error messages through combinations of lights on the power bars on the sides of the handset. If this happens, stop using the device and get in touch with us for support at help@smoothskin.com. We’ll ask you to send:

A description of the problem you’re experiencing.
A video of your device plugged in, showing the fault.
Proof of purchase from us directly, or one of our trusted retail partners.

 

If there is a manufacturing defect and it’s within warranty, we will replace your device.

How do the skin tone sensors work?

The skin tone sensors are activated when you press the device firmly against your skin. The sensors emit a blue light which is reflected from your skin, the device is then able to detect your skin tone and if it is safe to use IPL. The device will only flash if it detects a safe skin tone.

Pure Mini Lite

How long does it take to see results?

In the first few weeks of treatment, you will still see some hairs growing, this is totally normal. From around 4 weeks, you should be seeing a reduction in hair regrowth. There will still be some hairs that need treating but hairs will grow back fewer and softer. From 8 weeks, hair regrowth slows down significantly and after 12 weeks, you can achieve up to 92% hair reduction.

How do the skin tone sensors work?

The skin tone sensors are activated when you press the device firmly against your skin. The sensors emit a blue light which is reflected from your skin, the device is then able to detect your skin tone and if it is safe to use IPL. The device will only flash if it detects a safe skin tone.

 

    1. First, please ensure your skin is in full contact with the device particularly on awkward areas like arms and shins. SmoothSkin will not activate unless it’s in full contact with your skin – the power bar will illuminate red, letting you know that you will need to re-adjust your position for good skin contact.
    2. Check your skin-tone suitability. IPL is safe and effective for most skin tones; IPL is not suitable for use on deep skin tones that are rich in melanin. If the device detects that your skin tone cannot safely receive IPL treatment, it will not flash, and the power bar will illuminate red. For more information, please refer to the skin tone chart to see if IPL is suitable for you.

If the problem persists, or you are experiencing a different combination of lights, this may indicate a fault with your device. SmoothSkin products will display any error messages through combinations of lights on the power bars on the sides of the handset. If this happens, stop using the device and get in touch with us for support at help@smoothskin.com. We’ll ask you to send:

A description of the problem you’re experiencing.
A video of your device plugged in, showing the fault.
Proof of purchase from us directly, or one of our trusted retail partners.

 

If there is a manufacturing defect and it’s within warranty, we will replace your device.

Is Pure Mini Lite FDA approved?

Yes. Our devices are FDA cleared and have been clinically proven to be safe and effective, with over 5,500 treatments performed in our clinical trials on different skin tones.

Pure Fit

How often do I have to use Pure Fit?

To get the most out of your Pure Fit you should start off by using it once a week for 12 weeks continuously. There is no increased benefit from using your Pure Fit more than once a week. In the first few weeks, you will still see some hairs growing – relax. These will likely be the hairs that were not treated in their growth phase (when IPL is most effective). Just be sure to keep up with the treatments. From around 4 weeks, you should be seeing a reduction in hair regrowth. There will still be some hairs that need treating as you need to catch each hair in the right phase, but with continuous treatments, hair will not regrow. Within 4 weeks, you should be seeing a reduction in hair regrowth. There will still be some hairs that need treating as you need to catch each hair in the right phase, but with continued treatments you will see continued hair reduction. Once you get the desired results, you’ll still need to continue with top-ups around every four to eight weeks to prevent hair regrowth.

How long does Pure Fit last?

Pure Fit features unlimited flashes and will last a lifetime. All products include 2-year manufacturers’ warranty against faults.

 

    1. First, please ensure your skin is in full contact with the device particularly on awkward areas like arms and shins. SmoothSkin will not activate unless it’s in full contact with your skin – the power bar will illuminate red, letting you know that you will need to re-adjust your position for good skin contact.
    2. Check your skin-tone suitability. IPL is safe and effective for most skin tones; IPL is not suitable for use on deep skin tones that are rich in melanin. If the device detects that your skin tone cannot safely receive IPL treatment, it will not flash, and the power bar will illuminate red. For more information, please refer to the skin tone chart to see if IPL is suitable for you.

If the problem persists, or you are experiencing a different combination of lights, this may indicate a fault with your device. SmoothSkin products will display any error messages through combinations of lights on the power bars on the sides of the handset. If this happens, stop using the device and get in touch with us for support at help@smoothskin.com. We’ll ask you to send:

A description of the problem you’re experiencing.
A video of your device plugged in, showing the fault.
Proof of purchase from us directly, or one of our trusted retail partners.

 

If there is a manufacturing defect and it’s within warranty, we will replace your device.

Is Pure Fit FDA approved?

Yes. Our devices are FDA cleared and have been clinically proven to be safe and effective, with over 5,500 treatments performed in our clinical trials on different skin tones.

 

    1. First, please ensure your skin is in full contact with the device particularly on awkward areas like arms and shins. SmoothSkin will not activate unless it’s in full contact with your skin – the power bar will illuminate red, letting you know that you will need to re-adjust your position for good skin contact.
    2. Check your skin-tone suitability. IPL is safe and effective for most skin tones; IPL is not suitable for use on deep skin tones that are rich in melanin. If the device detects that your skin tone cannot safely receive IPL treatment, it will not flash, and the power bar will illuminate red. For more information, please refer to the skin tone chart to see if IPL is suitable for you.

If the problem persists, or you are experiencing a different combination of lights, this may indicate a fault with your device. SmoothSkin products will display any error messages through combinations of lights on the power bars on the sides of the handset. If this happens, stop using the device and get in touch with us for support at help@smoothskin.com. We’ll ask you to send:

A description of the problem you’re experiencing.
A video of your device plugged in, showing the fault.
Proof of purchase from us directly, or one of our trusted retail partners.

 

If there is a manufacturing defect and it’s within warranty, we will replace your device.

How do the skin tone sensors work?

The skin tone sensors are activated when you press the device firmly against your skin. The sensors emit a blue light which is reflected from your skin, the device is then able to detect your skin tone and if it is safe to use IPL. The device will only flash if it detects a safe skin tone.

Pure Mini

How often do I have to use Pure Mini?
To get the most out of your Pure Mini, we recommend using the device once a week for 12 weeks continuously. After your initial treatment regime, you can drop down to maintenance treatments, typically once every 2-4 weeks. In the first few weeks, you will still see some hairs growing – relax. These will likely be the hairs that were not treated in their growth phase (when IPL is most effective). Just be sure to keep up with the treatments. From around 4 weeks, you should be seeing a reduction in hair regrowth. There will still be some hairs that need treating as you need to catch each hair in the right phase, but with continuous treatments, hair will not regrow. Within 4 weeks, you should be seeing a reduction in hair regrowth. There will still be some hairs that need treating as you need to catch each hair in the right phase, but with continued treatments you will see continued hair reduction. Once you get the desired results, you’ll still need to continue with top-ups around every four to eight weeks to prevent hair regrowth.
How do the skin tone sensors work?

The skin tone sensors are activated when you press the device firmly against your skin. The sensors emit a blue light which is reflected from your skin, the device is then able to detect your skin tone and if it is safe to use IPL. The device will only flash if it detects a safe skin tone.

How long does Pure Mini last?

Pure Mini features unlimited flashes so you will never run out.

Is Pure Mini FDA approved?

Yes. Our devices are FDA cleared and have been clinically proven to be safe and effective, with over 5,500 treatments performed in our clinical trials on different skin tones.

Bare Plus

How often do I have to use Bare Plus?
To get the most out of your Bare Plus, you should use it every week to ensure all hair follicles are treated. In the first few weeks following the initial treatments, you will still see some hairs growing. Relax, these will likely be the hairs that were not treated in their growth phase (when IPL is most effective), so be sure to keep up with the treatments! Within 4 weeks, you should be seeing a reduction in hair regrowth. There will still be some hairs that need treating as you need to catch each hair in the right phase, but with continued treatments you will see continued hair reduction. Once you get the desired results, you’ll still need to continue with top-ups around every two weeks to prevent hair regrowth.
How do the skin tone sensors work?
The skin tone sensors are activated when you press the device firmly against your skin. The sensors emit a blue light which is reflected from your skin, the device is then able to detect your skin tone and if it is safe to use IPL. The device will only flash if it detects a safe skin tone.
Is Bare Plus FDA approved?

Yes. Our devices are FDA cleared and have been clinically proven to be safe and effective, with over 5,500 treatments performed in our clinical trials on different skin tones.