Randomized study of tolerance and efficacy of a home-use intense pulsed light (IPL) source compared to the hot-wax method.
BACKGROUND
More and more we are seeing depilatory mechanisms based on IPL technology and used at home. As far as we know, these appliance have not undergone either safety or efficacy testing.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of the study was to compare tolerance and efficacy of two depilation methods a medical device in-home-use IPL (E-One) and hot wax.


METHODS
Axillae of 63 persons were treated by either IPL (intense pulsed light) or hot wax for 49 weeks. Tolerance was assessed clinically by a dermatologist and efficacy by an independent blinded photographic assessment.


RESULTS
Tolerance of the two methods is reasonably good with better results for the IPL treatment. IPL treatment is also much more efficient.


CONCLUSIONS
This study confirmed good tolerance and excellent efficacy of this first one medical device used at home. Taking into consideration the mechanical action of the IPL and our experience, other cutaneous appliances (against wrinkles (or aging), hyperpigmentation. etc.) could be considered after optimization of the technical parameters.
E-Swin, Paris, France. h.adhoute@e-swin.com
Hertsel
H
Adhoute
Zohra
Z
Hamidou
Philippe
P
Humbert
Cindy
C
Lyonnet
Marie-Anne
MA
Peuchot
Pascal
P
Reygagne
Chantal
C
Reynier
Stéphanie
S
Rivoire
Guy
G
Simoneau
Gerard
G
Toubel
D000328:Adult; D001365:Axilla; D003257:Consumer Product Safety; D005260:Female; D006204:Hair Removal / Q000379:methods*; D006358:Hot Temperature; D006801:Humans; D008027:Light / Q000009:adverse effects; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011674:Pulse; D011897:Random Allocation; D012449:Safety; D012648:Self Care; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014885:Waxes / Q000009:adverse effects
D014885:Waxes