Boots Smooth Skin PLUS Frequently asked questions

Q: How does Boots Smooth Skin PLUS work?

A: The Boots Smooth Skin PLUS system uses a revolutionary technology formerly only used in salons and clinics called Intense Pulsed Light (IPL). When used correctly, this will provide long-lasting hair reduction. IPL acts when a short and intense pulse of filtered light is directed into the skin. The amount of light supplied by the Boots Smooth Skin PLUS system is carefully controlled in order for the hair follicle to heat up enough to discourage it from growing again, without affecting the skin.

Q: Is it permanent?

A: Boots Smooth Skin PLUS is considered permanent hair reduction. This means that the successfully treated follicle should not produce any new hair. However, dormant follicles can produce new hair due to hormonal changes, so no IPL or laser system can claim total permanent hair removal.

Q: Does the Boots Smooth Skin PLUS really use the same technology as professional machines used in beauty salons?

A: Yes. Both systems use the same iPulse IPL technology to achieve outstanding results. However, the professional products allow a trained therapist much greater control of the energy levels and types of light pulses that the IPL produces. This means the professional iPulse IPL treatment that you might find in your local beauty salon might be able to treat a wider range of skin types.

Q: Who are the experts behind the technology?

A: In 1979, Professor Marc Clement, laser physicist at the University of Wales, inadvertently exposed his forearm to a laser beam and discovered that his hair no longer grew in the exposed area.

Professor Clement went on to develop the world's first hair removal lasers based on his discovery, and became an established manufacturer of medical lasers. Since then, he's joined forces with several world leaders in light sciences to create their company, CyDen, which developed the iPulse technology.

Find out more about Boots Smooth Skin PLUS and how it works.

Q: Why can't Boots Smooth Skin PLUS be used on darker skin tones?

A: Darker skin types have a considerable amount of pigment (melanin) and will absorb more light. This means that use of the Smooth Skin PLUS on darker skin tones may result in severe adverse reactions such as bruising, burning or blistering.

Q: What is the recommended minimum age?

A: Children under the age of 16 should not use Boots Smooth Skin PLUS. This is because hormone balances in the body are unstable and new hair growth is rapid. We recommend any users aged 16 to 18 years old discuss the use of the device with their parents before use, as any hair reduction will be permanent.

Q: Why can't Boots Smooth Skin PLUS be used after tanning?

A: Exposure to UV light increases melanin in the surface of the skin and therefore will enhance the natural colour. This sensitises the skin and allows higher absorption of the energy from Boots Smooth Skin PLUS into the skin, which could result in adverse reactions such as bruising, burning or blistering.

Q: What about gradual building self-tan moisturisers?

A: When using gradual building self-tan moisturisers, it is likely that your skin tone will be darkened (e.g. from I to II/III) and, as a result, a higher setting should be used. For more information on fake tan and using the device, read "Boots Smooth Skin PLUS: Is it suitable for me?"

Q: Are there any areas of the body that I can't treat using the Boots Smooth Skin PLUS system?

A: Most areas of the body can be treated with the system, with the exception of the mucus membranes of the body - inside nostrils, ears, labia minora or anus. Never use the device close to the eye and ensure that the device is never fired into the eye itself.

Always read the instructions thoroughly before use.

Q: Are there any skin conditions that mean that I shouldn't use the Boots Smooth Skin PLUS system?

A: Yes, the Boots Smooth Skin PLUS is not suitable for use for people with certain skin conditions. See 'Is it suitable for me?' guide for more details.

During use

Q: Do I need to wear eye protection when using Boots Smooth Skin PLUS?

A: No, it is not necessary to wear eye protection when using the Boots Smooth Skin PLUS. The light flash is similar to that of a professional camera flash and conforms to the relevant BS safety standards (BS8497-2:2008) for Optical Safety as tested by the National Physical Laboratory. The system is also fitted with a safety feature to prevent firing into the air. However, you should NEVER attempt to fire on to or close to the eye itself.

Q: Does Boots Smooth Skin PLUS hurt?

A: Not usually, a mild ping or a warm sensation is generally what most people feel. However, the sensation varies from person to person. People with coarse, dark hair may experience an initial sensation similar to that felt by the flick of an elastic band.

Q: How safe is the Boots Smooth Skin PLUS?

A: Boots Smooth Skin PLUS has been independently tested for efficacy (ability to produce the desired effect) and safety. It is the only system available on the high street with controlled energy output. As long as it is used in accordance with the user manual, there should be no adverse side effects.

The system has many safety features such as the two bar sensor system on the handset. Both bars need to be in contact with the skin before the trigger button can be activated. Also, the Boots Smooth Skin PLUS will automatically go into standby mode if left unused for three minutes. However, by pressing the toggle button down for three seconds you can manually send the system into standby mode.

Q: How long will it take before results are seen?

A: The results generally are noticeable within a few weeks of the first treatment. Continuous regular weekly use will give good results within six to 12 treatments. However, this will vary from person to person and area to area, as some treatment areas respond much quicker than others.

Find out more about using Boots Smooth Skin PLUS.

After use

Q: Will there be any hair re-growth?

A: If there is any hair re-growth it will be to a minimum and the hair will be thinner, finer and lighter. Permanent hair reduction results are typically seen after six to 12 weekly treatments.

Q: What kind of hair removal methods can be used in between treatments?

A: You may shave between treatments.

Lamp replacement

Q: How long does the handset last?

A: Due to the nature and strength of light used, the handset has a life expectancy of 20,000 pulses, which is typically sufficient to remove all unwanted face and body hair.

Once the 20,000 pulses have expired, your unit will need to be replaced or refurbished.

Q: What happens when the Boots Smooth Skin PLUS lamp runs out?

A: When the lamp runs out the light bulb symbol on the base unit will light up constantly and the lamp will stop firing. The unit will need to be replaced or refurbished.

Q: Why do I need to refurbish the Boots Smooth Skin PLUS?

A: All IPL systems use Xenon flash lamps and, because the light output of these lamps decline as they age, the lamps can only produce the high energy level needed for treatment for a limited amount of time. The Boots Smooth Skin PLUS flash lamp can produce 20,000 consistent pulses at the required energy level. Once the lamp goes beyond this limit, it has to be replaced or refurbished in order to ensure effective treatment continues.

What is the Skin Tone Sensor and how do I use it?

Q: How does the Skin Tone Sensor work?

A: When the Skin Tone Sensor is operated it flashes light on to your skin. Some of this light is then reflected back into the sensor - the amount of light reflected depends on the amount of melanin in your skin. The Skin Tone Sensor then detects the reflected light and uses it to calculate your skin tone and the appropriate setting for you to use.

Be sure to use the Skin Tone Sensor when starting treatment on a new body area, as the skin tone may vary.

Q: How should I clean the device?

A: Carefully wipe with a soft cloth and ensure that the glass block is undamaged after every use.

General Information

Q: Is there a helpline if I need further advice?

A: Yes, the Boots Care Line staff are available on 0845 120 1511 to answer any queries regarding the Boots Smooth Skin or Smooth Skin PLUS. Monday to Friday: 8.30am-7.00pm, Saturday and Sunday: 8.45am-5pm. Calls may be recorded to help maintain our high standards of service.

Read More Like This:
Boots Smooth Skin PLUS - How do I use it?
Boots Smooth Skin PLUS - Is it suitable for me?
Boots Smooth Skin PLUS - What is it and how does it work?

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