Clinical study to determine the safety and efficacy of a low‐energy, pulsed light device for home use hair removal

Abstract

This low-energy, pulsed-light device is a quick, safe, and relatively effective at-home hair reduction treatment option in patients with various skin phototypes.

A systematic review of light‐based home‐use devices for hair removal and considerations on human safety

“…These seven prospective studies were evaluated for efficacy and adverse effects and are summarized in Table 2. One study was categorized as a CT 7 and six as UCTs 8–13 . A total of 24 studies were excluded because they did not assess the efficacy of light‐based home use devices according to our a priori methodological criteria.…”

“…All included trials evaluated short‐term (<6 months) hair reduction and one UCT 12 assessed long‐term hair reduction up to 12 months after treatment. Four of six short‐term studies 9–11,13 assessed the outcome at 3 months and two short‐term studies 7–8 evaluated outcome at 6 months after the final treatment. From Table 2 it is seen that the short‐term efficacy at 3 month follow‐up varied substantially, from 6% to 72% hair reduction (six studies), whereas more homogenous outcomes from 41% to 44% were reported at 6 month follow‐up (three studies).…”

“…From Table 2 it is seen that the short‐term efficacy at 3 month follow‐up varied substantially, from 6% to 72% hair reduction (six studies), whereas more homogenous outcomes from 41% to 44% were reported at 6 month follow‐up (three studies). Evaluation of hair removal efficacy was based on manual hair counts, either by on‐site clinical assessments 12 or by photo evaluations 7–13 . Postoperative hair counts compared with baseline hair counts calculated the percentage of hair reduction.…”

“…Mild transient erythema was reported in all cases immediately following treatment. By the 4 week follow‐up after the last treatment erythema had resolved completely 9 …”

Hair Removal

“…Consumer-based treatments with portable home-based devices are rapidly evolving, and presently include low-level diode lasers and IPL devices [53,54]. Data support a transient short-term hair reduction from repetitive and continuous use with these low-level devices and the most prominent safety issue is regarding ocular damage [55].…”