Silk'n Flash & Go

Silk'n Flash & Go is an FDA cleared IPL home hair removal device with five energy level settings that can be used on the face from the cheekline down and the body (excluding genitals). It requires multiple treatments to have the best results.

How Does It Work?

This hair removal product uses IPL (intense pulsed light). The the hair shaft needs to absorb this light energy and then transform it to heat to disable hair growth. Devices even using the same basic technology have different parameters, meaning they put out light at different wavelengths and pulses. The makers call theirs Home Pulsed Light? (HPL?) technology.

Who Can Use It?

Hair color. Since the light is seeking out the hair's melanin, dark hair responds the best. Shades of brown may see a reduction in hair, but often require more treatments. Red hair isn't completely ruled out here, but may possibly benefit.

White, gray and blond hair lack sufficient melanin and don't usually respond, although the company does mention that some users have noticed results after multiple treatments. Keep in mind that facial hair, especially on women, is often light and not always the same color as your natural head's hair color.

Skin color. Light to medium skin tones can safely use this device. If the skin tone is too dark, either naturally or from sun exposure, the device will then attack the skin's melanin (color) which could cause burns, blisters and dark skin spots. A skin tone sensor, built-in to see if it's within a safe range, automatically checks at the beginning of a treatment and occasionally throughout the treatment. The light will not pulse if it perceives the skin is too dark.

Silk'n Flash & Go Versus Silk'n SensEpil?

Smaller window. The Flash & Go has a slimmer treatment window, a 4.0 squared cm. spot size (versus SensEpil's 6.0 squared cm), and allows for easier facial hair removal (the cheekline down) and getting hard to reach areas. For example, it can be used on the skin above the lip without the pulse landing on the actual lips.

More compact. It's smaller size shaped like a gun was designed so it can be moved around and stored easier.

More flashes. The Flash & Go has 1000 pulses on its cartridge, that's 250 more than the SensEpil.

Quicker treatments. Flash & Go gives off one pulse per 3.5 seconds, versus SensEpil's one pulse per 5 seconds.

Price. Flash & Go retails for $299 with replacement cartridges costing $40. SensEpil retails for $499, and $45 for replacement cartridges.

Does It Hurt?

The feeling is often compared to some heat and a quick snap. However, it depends on one's own tolerance and skin sensitivity, including the hair thickness and where the device is being used. There are five settings, level one giving off the least amount of light energy and discomfort, and five the most.

In my personal experience, using SensEpil on my legs was virtually pain-free on level five, but did hurt sometimes on my underarms. The pain usually subsides with the number of treatments as more and more hair is reduced.

How Effective Is It?

Hair grows basically in three different stages: growing, resting and shedding. For treatments to work, hair needs to 'zapped' in the growth stage. But all of the hair isn't in the same stage at one time, therefore multiple treatments are needed. Of course more energy given off in the pulse by using the highest setting will have the best chance of reducing hair.

The company recommends treatments spaced every two weeks for the first four times. If hair has grown back after these first four treatments, the company recommends monthly treatments until desired results are achieved.

Read how many treatments I did using the original Silk'n and Silk'n SensEpil and how much hair was reduced on my lower legs and underarms in: My Silk'n Review.

My assistant Nicole is in the process of testing out the Flash & Go, and we'll keep you updated with her reviews.

How Much Does It Cost?

The suggested retail price for the system is $299, available on Sephora.com which comes with two cartridges each having about 1000 pulses. Replacement cartridges retail for $49. How many areas and their size treated, including how hair responds will determine how many cartridges are needed and the total amount spent.

View the original article here

Tria Versus Silk'n

Tria Versus Silk'n SensEpil, continued.

Speed

T: The round head of Tria is fairly small (diameter is a little under a ?") and treatments are supposed to be done both vertically and horizontally overlapping ?" of an inch. Each use can take a considerable amount of time depending on the area you're working on. Depending on the level used, there's up to a 50% faster treatment time with each charge than the previous model.

S.S.: The rectangular head of the system is very large (about 1" x 1 ?") so treatments are very fast. Both of my entire legs were done in ? hour and both underarms in less than five minutes.

Ease of Use

T: Fits in the hand nicely and is very easy to operate. The cordless feature does allow you to twist and turn the device very easily. But if you're in the middle of a treatment you have to stop and wait for it to re-charge, remembering exactly where you left off.

S.S.: Cradles in hand and is very easy to use. It's not cordless, but that never seemed to be a hassle or a problem. In fact using it as long as you need without having to re-charge it is great. Temporary impressions lasting about 30 seconds from the head are made into the skin to let you know exactly where you've hit, so you can easily go to the next section without overlapping. You have to be careful to follow these lines exactly or you could end up missing hair.

Life and Cost

T: Retail price of $395 (buy direct). Tria Beauty Company points out that its latest model is capable of delivering up to 90,000 pulses. When it runs out, you would need to buy another device.

S.S.: The suggested retail price is $499 (buy direct). A lamp cartridge that comes with the system has a life of about 750 shots. "That should cover one treatment session for two legs, two arms, two underarms and bikini line for an average body size" according to the instructions booklet. Replacement lamp cartridges retail for $49. Depending on the how many areas (and their size) you're treating, the company suggests you will need anywhere from one to seven disposable lamp cartridges in the first year.

Results

T: Users of Tria laser reported "70% reduction in the amount of hair after just three treatments. Hair that did grow back was perceived to be finer and lighter," according to the information packet provided by the company that makes Tria. Follow me through my experience and personal results staring with Testing Tria: Part I.

S.S.: The device is FDA cleared for permanent hair reduction. According to the Silk'n hair removal clinical study of 150 females using the hair removal system these were the average hair reduction results after 6 months "41% in the underarms, 54% on the legs, 43% in the bikini area and 52% on the arms." You can read about my results using Silk'n, starting in Part I.

If you have bought either device, please share with us which one and why in: Tria or Silk'n?

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Silk'n Story Part V

I have used both the original Silk'n hair removal device and Silk'n SensEpil together for a total of ten times on my lower legs and underarms on the highest of the five settings. Both of the devices use the same IPL technology, the only difference besides cosmetic ones is the SensEpil (read profile) has a built-in skin sensor.

How Much Hair Is Gone?

So here's the part you've been waiting for, finding out how much hair has been reduced. Well, I would estimate that for my legs there's about a 85% reduction and 55% on my underarms. I have to admit, I may have missed some spots on my legs.

The head of the devices are very large, which I love because treatments are so fast. But I see some small rectangular patches of hair left which makes me think that I accidentally skipped some small sections when working my way from one area to the next.

The Benefits

I'm happy because I don't have to shave as often! My underarms have fewer meetings with the razor and even less with my legs. Since my leg hair is naturally finer than my underarms and there's not as much hair, they can get away with being shaved less often.

Comparing the Two Silk'n Hair Removal Devices

As I mentioned at the beginning of this article, I have been using both Silk'n and Silk'n SensEpil for my treatments. Both of them are very nice to work with, but the SensEpil is a bit easier to hold and handle for treatments because the shape fits better in the hand.

The SensEpil has a built-in skin sensor to check for skin tone. It gave me a problem a couple of times around my ankles and beeped, warning me my skin is too dark there. I don't really know why since I can't see any visible difference in the tone, my skin is fairly light everywhere. But I would just take the device off once or twice and then place it back on, and then the beeping would stop and the light would pulse.

I'm Not Done

18- 24 months of treatments are suggested, so I'm not finished. I'll be sure to keep you updated on my ongoing results, get the latest through my hair removal newsletter.

Update

Read about my results after 10 treatments in: My Silk'n Story: Part VI.

Catch Up

I have been keeping tracking of my experience from the start. Follow me from the beginning and read about my story using Silk'n starting with Part I.

As is common in the beauty industry, the writer was provided with Silk'n for the purpose of reviewing it. The system will be returned back to the company when she's completely done with doing all of the necessary treatments. While it has not influenced this review, About.com believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest. For more information, see our ethics policy.

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Tria Versus Silk'n

Tria versus Silk'n SensEpil. I have been asked many, many times to compare features of the two devices. Here we address the main differences between their technology, life, results, pain and cost. The latest Tria Laser (with five settings and built-in skin sensor) marked by T and Silk'n SensEpil marked by S.S. are the are models that will be measured against one another.

Technology and Areas of Use

T: A diode laser FDA cleared for use below the neck on the legs, underarms, bikini line, back, chest, abdomen, buttocks, arms, hands, and feet. Tria Laser is not cleared for use on the face.

S.S.: Uses IPL (intense pulsed light) technology for home hair removal, FDA cleared for permanent hair reduction that requires disposable lamp cartridges. The device is designed to be used on the body (excluding genitals) but can be used on the face from the cheekline down.

Notes: Although Silk'n SensEpil can be used on the face, know that laser or IPL may stimulate hidden facial hair to grow in women.

Power and Settings

T: Cordless, hand-held rechargeable device with five adjustable power settings.

S.S.: Corded hand-held device with five adjustable power settings.

Compatibility

T: Those with light to medium skin tones (white, ivory, beige and light brown) and dark hair. White, gray, blond or red hair will not benefit from using the system.

S.S.: Best candidates are also with light to medium skin tones and dark hair. Shades of brown hair may also respond to the system, but typically require more treatments. Red hair may possibly benefit from treatments. White, gray or blond hair doesn't usually respond although the company does mention that some have noted results after multiple treatments.

Notes: The devices will target melanin (or color), so that is why dark hair benefits the most because it has the most color to absorb the heat to impair the hair follicle. On the flip side, those with dark skin tones cannot safely use either system because the melanin in the skin can also become attacked resulting in burns, scars or blistering.

Safety

T: Built-in skin sensor that checks skin tone and will unlock for use if it's in the right range.

S.S.: Built-in skin sensor that will pulse light or 'zap' if the skin is within a safe tone range. (This built-in skin sensor feature in only on the Silk'n SensEpil, not the original Silk'n.)

Recommended Treatment Times

T: Six to eight months. Bi-weekly treatments for at least 6 months (12 treatments) are recommended. With each treatment you work horizontally (right or left) by overlapping what you just 'zapped' by ?". Then you'll do the same vertically on the same area, also overlapping by ?".

S.S.: A complete treatment time is considered anywhere between 18 - 24 months. Every two weeks for the first four sessions and to treat again when hair starts growing back, every four weeks. You go over area once with no over-lapping.

Pain

T: The feeling is likened to a rubber band snap and some heat. I used the original Tria with three power settings on the highest option for most of my bikini line. It didn't really hurt, but I could definitely feel the snap. As I got deeper into my bikini line there was more discomfort and I did turn the power down a notch. The latest model now has five power settings.

S.S.: It has been compared to a mild sensation of warmth and tingling. I used Silk'n SensEpil on the highest of the five settings on my legs and underarms. It didn't hurt at all on my legs and wasn't even a tiny bit uncomfortable. My underarms didn't hurt, but every now and then I would feel a snap.

Notes: Everyone has their own tolerance to pain/discomfort. You might feel more pain if you have sensitive skin, or very dark or thick hair. Not shaving hair completely down right before treatments will make more unnecessary discomfort. The first treatment usually hurts the most, and using the highest setting on either devices will also produce more heat, and of course, more likely to give you pain or discomfort.

Tria vs. Silk'n SensEpil, continues on Page 2. Comparisons of speed, ease of use, life and cost and results.

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Silk'n SensEpil Profile

Silk'n SensEpil is a device cleared by the FDA for permanent hair reduction that is designed for home use on the body (excluding the genitals), but can be used on the face from the cheekline down. It requires multiple treatments to have the best results.

How Does Silk'n SensEpil Work?

This device applies Home Pulsed Light? (HPL?) technology, using optical energy to disable hair growth. The hair shaft needs to absorb this light energy and then transform it to heat.

Who Can Use It?

Those with a naturally dark skin color cannot use this device because burns, blisters and/or changes in skin color can result. Different than the first Silk'n released. The SensEpil has a built in skin sensor tests the skin as you apply it. The light will not zap if the skin is too dark.

So for instance, your natural skin tone falls within the safe zone. But you've been in the sun and have a dark tan on your lower legs, but not your upper legs. On your lower legs, however, a light will appear on the console, letting you know your skin is too dark in that area, and the system will not work there.

Dark hair responds the best. Shades of brown may also respond to the system, but typically require more treatments. Red hair isn't totally ruled out here, but possibly may benefit. White, gray or blond hair doesn't usually respond although the company does mention that some have noted results after multiple treatments.

What Are the Changes From the First Model?

The biggest change is the skin sensor built right into the at home device. The original Silk'n didn't have any way of checking the skin tone, so you had to purchase through a doctor or complete a questionnaire to buy one on-line.

The device still uses the same Home Pulsed Light? (HPL?) technology to disable hair growth, so it will still treat hair in the same way. Because of the skin sensor, Silk'n SensEpil takes different cartridges than the first model.

Cosmetic changes have been made. Silk'n SensEpil is pink, easier to hold in your hand and lays flat for storage (as opposed to straight up for the original). When in use, there is a fan or hair-dryer like sound that is a bit quieter than the first model.

Does Silk'n SensEpil Hurt?

The feeling can be likened to a slight sensation of heat. Everyone has their own tolerance to pain/discomfort, but other factors come into play. You might feel more pain if you have sensitive skin, or very dark or thick hair. The first time using is usually the most uncomfortable, and then subsides with further uses for most people.

Silk'n SensEpil has five settings that you can adjust to your sensitivity. Using the highest setting will also produce more heat, and give you better results.

How Effective Is It?

Hair grows in different stages: growing, resting and shedding. Because all of the hair isn't on the same stage at any given time, multiple treatments are needed to get the hair in the growth phase, for it to be most effective. The company recommends treatments spaced every two weeks for the first three to four uses. If hair has grown back after these first three to four treatments, then additional treatments should be given until the desired results are achieved.

According to the Silk'n hair removal clinical study of 150 females using the hair removal system these were the average hair reduction results after 6 months "41% in the underarms, 54% on the legs, 43% in the bikini area and 52% on the arms."

Reviews:

• My personal experience using Silk'n on my legs and underarms in Part I.

How Much Does It Cost?

The suggested retail price is $499 (buy direct). A lamp cartridge that comes with the system has a life of about 750 shots. "That should cover one treatment session for two legs, two arms, two underarms and bikini line for an average body size" according to the instructions booklet. The control panel displays warning lights when you are close to or have reached the 750 shot limit. Replacement lamp cartridges retail for $49 (buy direct). Depending on the how many areas (and their size) you're treating, you will need anywhere from one to seven disposable lamp cartridges in the first year.

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Silk'n SensEpil Review

The Bottom Line

Silk’n SensEpil reduced almost all of my hair on my lower legs, but my underarms didn’t respond quite as well. I loved the fast individual zapping time and almost pain-free treatments. However, the whole process was about two years long.

Pros

• Large head allows fast individual treatment times
• In my opinion, virtually pain-free
• FDA cleared for permanent hair reduction
• No charging

Cons

• Long overall treatment length (up to 2 years)
• Need to refill lamp cartridges
• Skin sensor manipulated when not in full light or in a shadow

Description

• Manufacturer: Home Skinovations Ltd
• Usage: IPL hair removal at home
• Average price: $499
• Kit includes: Silk’n SensEpil device, one lamp cartridge and instructional DVD

Guide Review - Silk'n SensEpil Review

Let's get down to the nitty-gritty. After about two years and 22 total treatments on my lower legs and underarms using the highest of the five settings (except my first 200 shots) I would say there has been about a 95% reduction on my lower legs and about 70% on my underarms.

Being virtually hairless on my lower legs has been great! Even though the remaining hair is dark, I can get away with shaving them about once a week. Because the underarm hair that's still left is fairly coarse, I shave them every other day. It's also been really nice not buying as many razor refills. Another bonus is less irritation and ingrown hair in my underarms.

Silk'n SensEpil Plus Points

The individual treatment times are really quick thanks to the large rectangular head. I could get my entire lower legs finished in roughly 15- 20 minutes and both underarms in less than five minutes.

Silk'n SensEpil also has five settings to choose from depending on your comfort level in the area you're treating. To me settings one to three were virtually painless, even in my underarms which tend to be more sensitive because the hair is thicker there than on my legs. Even at the highest level five, it never hurt on my legs and only seemed to feel a snap every once in awhile on my underarms.

Not being cordless never bothered me at all. It has a long enough cord to reach easily and I was able to twist and turn the device as I needed. Even though the treatments were fairly quick, I was happy not to have to stop and let it re-charge.

The Not-So-Good

The built-in skin sensor allows the company to sell the product over the counter so that people with too dark of a skin tone aren't able to use it. But if you're not under direct light it seems the device reads the skin tone as too dark and will beep, not allowing it to to zap. I had to be right under a lamp for it to work the entire time.

Good thing each treatment is short because two years of using the device is rather long. Granted, it's very convenient to zap away at home and not have to get ready, drive and wait for treatments. But I was relieved when it was finished.

How Long Will It Last?

That's the million dollar question. I'll keep you updated on how hair-free I stay through the months.

Catch Up

In total I have seven pieces testing out Silk'n and Silk'n SensEpil. Start with Part I to read about my entire experience and get more details.

Disclosure: Review samples were provided by the manufacturer. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.

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