Silk’n SensEpil Hair Removal Device    

TRIA Hair Removal System

What is Similar?

Technology

The technology available in the Silk’n SensEpil and the TRIA Hair Removal System are very similar. Each device uses light-based technology that targets the follicle of a hair, permanently disabling its growth. This is the same light-based technology that has been used by laser hair removal professionals for over 50 years. The technology of these devices has been clinically proven, safe, FDA cleared, and is dermatologist recommended.

Treatment

The SensEpil and the TRIA are each used in very similar ways. The user of each device must first shave (and not wax, or pluck) the anticipated treatment area. With each handheld device, the built-in skin sensor can be placed against the skin to ensure safe use* (See “Who Can Use It?” below). After each pulse of light, each device is glided across the skin, so the treated areas slightly overlap. The SensEpil and TRIA both feature variable treatment levels, and it is recommended that users begin his or her treatment on lower settings to determine the highest tolerable limit of use. The devices are intended to be used about once every two weeks, and best results are obtained after about 6 months of use. After 6 months, permanent results should have been obtained, and only occasional touch-ups may be necessary. Note: The SensEpil, as well as the TRIA are safe for use on the neck down, and are not safe to use on the face.

Side Effects of Use

Since the mechanism of treatment is similar with the SensEpil and the TRIA Hair Removal System, the side effects are also similar. After each device’s first use, some mild redness and skin irritation is normal in some individuals. This may last about 24 hours. After several uses, the user should notice a visible reduction in hair regrowth. After several months of treatments, the user’s hair will grow in lighter and finer, with less regrowth.

Sensation of Treatment

Since each device utilizes the same technology for disabling hair growth, users of each device can expect to experience a warm and tingling sensation after each pulse of light is delivered. Prior to each pulse of light, each device delivers a beeping sound, so users know the device is active. A slight difference may exist, in that users of the TRIA Hair Removal System may feel the sensation of a rubber band snapping against his or her skin.

*Who Can Use It

The Silk’n SensEpil and the TRIA are both safe to use on women and men with fair, to light brown skin. Since each device’s laser-like light targets melanin present in the hair, consumers with darker skin (more melanin) may have a negative reaction on his or her skin. Each device can also target only brown to black body hair. Consumers with blonde, red, gray, or white hairs will not experience results with either device.

What is Different?

Power

The Silk’n SensEpil At-Home Laser Hair Removal Device is powered through a standard wall outlet, allowing for continuous use. The primary maintenance required on the SensEpil is the replacement of the treatment bulbs. These bulbs deliver the light that disables the growth of body hair. Each bulb is designed to safely deliver about 750 pulses of light. This is enough pulses to treat the entire body one time, or a smaller area multiple times. The bulbs are inexpensive, and easily replaced.

The TRIA Hair Removal System is battery-powered by a built-in, rechargeable battery. Each battery charge lasts about 30 minutes when used on a high energy level. This is enough charge to treat a bikini line, and two underarms. Recharging the battery can take as little as 2 hours, or as many as 6 hours, depending on the method of charging.

Treatment Area

The treatment area of the Silk’n SensEpil Hair Removal Device is six times larger than the treatment area of its nearest competition. This allows users of the device to treat a larger area in less time, allowing for more convenient use. Users of the SensEpil can treat an entire leg in as little as 10 minutes. With the TRIA Hair Removal System, legs can take around 20 to 30 minutes.

Silk’n SensEpil vs. TRIA Hair Removal System Overview

The technology utilized by each device is very similar. They used FDA cleared, clinically proven technology to permanently disable the growth of body hair. The results of each device are visible after just a couple of uses, separated by about two weeks, while best results are achieved after multiple uses.

The SensEpil is under constant power from a standard wall outlet, while the TRIA is powered by a rechargeable battery that lasts about 30 minutes. The SensEpil’s treatment area is much larger than the TRIA’s, allowing for much faster treatment of a given area. With all things being equal, the Silk’n SensEpil is the better hair removal device for those who want to spend less time on permanent at-home hair removal.

The patented Home Pulsed Light Technology uses safe light energy that targets growing hair, to permanently remove it from the user’s body. The device delivers pulses of optical energy that disables hair growth. This optical energy is converted to heat energy that is absorbed by melanin in the hair shaft, which permanently disables the growth of the hair. While the device does heat the hair’s shaft, the surrounding skin is cooled by a cooling mechanism. Additionally, hair removal is further enhanced by an acoustic effect that allows for effective hair removal using less optical energy, which means less heat is necessary.

This light-based hair removal is effective because of the manner in which body hair grows. The hair growth cycle involves three phases: the anagen phase, the catagen phase, and the telogen phase. The catagen and the telogen phases are each resting phases, in which no hair growth occurs. Hairs in the anagen phase, or growth phase, are the hairs affected by the SensEpil Hair Removal System.

Anagen Phase                                       Catagen Phase                          Telogen phase

The directed optical light energy targets hairs in the anagen phase, but will have no effect on the hairs in the catagen and telogen phases. Because of this, the SensEpil requires multiple uses to reach permanent hair removal results. Most users will notice results in as few as 4 treatments, and even better results will be reached after only 6 uses. The three phases of hair growth vary greatly from person to person, and some growth cycles may last as long as 18 to 24 months. After the desired amount of hair removal has been reached, all users have to do is perform minor maintenance treatments.

The action of the Silk’n SensEpil is diagrammed below:

This image diagrams healthy hair follicles with normal hair growth.

The light energy of the Silk’n SensEpil is absorbed by the hair shaft, disabling its growth.

The tissue around the treated hair remains unaffected by the Home Pulsed Light.

Professional laser-hair removal services in physician offices or beauty salons can cost as much as $2,500 for the treatment of just one body area.  The Silkn SensEpil Hair Removal System delivers professional-quality results, but for just $499.  The Silk’n company also provides payment options, so consumers can own the device for just $199, and pay the rest in easy monthly installments.

How Does the Silk’n SensEpil Work?

The technology of the SensEpil Hair Removal device is similar to professional treatments.  However, to understand how the SensEpil works, you have to understand how hair grows.  All hair grows in three phases: the Anagen phase, the Catagen phase, and the Telogen phase.  The Catagen phase and the Telogen phase are both resting phases; no hair growth occurs during these phases.  The Anagen phase, on the other hand, is the growth phase.  This light-based hair removal system, using Home Pulsed Light (HPL) technology, is a patented technology that uses optical energy that specifically targets hairs in the Anagen phase to disable hair growth.  It does this by targeting a pigment in the hair shaft called melanin.

Melanin is a pigment responsible for light absorption.  While the SensEpil delivers pulses of light, the light is absorbed by the hair follicle, generating heat.  This heat is what disables hair growth, and provides permanent hair removal.

What users must remember, though, is that hair can stay in the resting phases for as long as 18 to 24 months (although it may vary from person to person).  This means that the SensEpil does not deliver complete results after just one use.  Most users notice significant results after about 4 uses, and even greater results after 6 uses.  What’s more, is that after users achieve their desired hair removal, all they need to do is occasional maintenance treatments.

Is the SensEpil Safe?

The technology of the Silk’n SensEpil has been proven in clinical use all over the world for the past 15 years.  Millions have used the very same technology in the SensEpil to eliminate their unwanted and unsightly body hair.  However, the SensEpil is not safe for certain skin tones.  The HPL technology that the SensEpil uses targets the melanin in the hair shaft.  Melanin is also present in skin.  This melanin is what gives skin its dark complexion.  Because of this, the SensEpil should not be used by those with a dark complexion.  This includes individuals with tanned skin, or immediately following sun exposure.  Treating with the SensEpil after sun exposure can lead to burns, blisters, and skin color changes. See the chart below to determine which skins tones are safe for Sensepil treatments.

No eye protection is required during a treatment, since the device will only send a pulse of light when the applicator tip is firmly on the treatment area.  When treating the face, users should use additional eye protection.  Additionally, since the skin is darker, users should take special precautions when treating around their lips.  To avoid unwanted side effects while treating around the lips, users should use white surgical tape on their lips for protection.

Treating the Skin with SensEpil Following Sun Exposure

It is noted in the device’s User Manual that users should wait four weeks before treating the skin with the Silk’n SensEpil after unprotected sun exposure.  Additionally, users should use sun protection for the three weeks prior to, and following a SensEpil treatment.

The Silk’n company knows that everybody has naturally occurring variance in skin tone, and on some parts of the body the SensEpil may be safe to use, while on others it may not.  For added safety and comfort, the device features a Skin Sensor that detects safe skin tones, eliminating the need to worry if your skin is too dark.  The device scans for darker skin tones, and it will not activate a pulse on skin that is deemed too dark to be safe.

What Does a Typical Hair Removal Session with the SensEpil Look Like?

For many, the Silk’n SensEpil may be their first experience with light-based hair removal, so they need to know what to expect.

+A flash of light.  This bright light will not harm the eyes during applications on non-facial sites.  However, users should take special precautions, and use eye protection, when treating areas on the face.

+A fan noise.  A cooling fan present in the SensEpil device sounds similar to a hairdryer.

+A pop sound during each pulse.  Simultaneously with a flash of the HPL light, a subtle pop sound may be heard.

+Moderate pressure of the applicator.  This pressure is helpful to enabled adjacent pulses of light.

+Warmth and tingling sensation.  A mild sensation of warmth and tingling from the light energy may be felt during each pulse of light.  For initial treatments, users should use the low energy settings.

Each hair removal session with the Silk’n SensEpil can vary from user to user, and for the part of the body being treated.  For example, two full legs can be treated in 30 minutes or less.

Typical Results of the Silk’n SensEpil

Many factors affect the final result of the SensEpil Device, including hair color (the device works best on darker hair), hair density, and the location of the hair on the body.  After initial treatments, the user’s hair may appear to be growing.  However, this ejection process is completely normal, and after about two weeks, these hairs will grow in thinner, or simply fall out.

It is also possible that after several treatments, some hairs still remain.  This is because the SensEpil device does not affect the hairs in the resting phases, only the hairs in the growth phase.  With follow-up treatments, these hairs should eventually be eliminated.  This is why several treatments are required for the best results.

To obtain the best results possible, users should start with clean, shaven skin (not waxed).  During treatment, users should progress quickly to higher energy levels.  Finally, their treatments should be scheduled in two week intervals.  Most users will notice results after 3 or 4 sessions.

Side Effects of the Silk’n SensEpil

When used properly, the SensEpil System is very safe, and side effects and other complications are uncommon.  The most common side effect of the device is a slight sensation of heat when the HPL light is pulsed.  In clinical studies, a small percentage of users also noticed redness around the hair shaft, and mild swelling.  However, both side effects usually did not subsist for more than one hour.  Users should be careful to read the instruction manual before they begin their treatment.

Replacement Parts

Outside of occasionally replacing the device’s lamp cartridge, the Silk’n SensEpil should not require any additional costs.  This lamp cartridge is limited to about 750 light pulses, or enough pulses to treat the entire body, or enough pulses for multiple treatments on a single part of the body. Replacement cartridges cost $50 each or less when a multi-pack is purchased.

Professional laser or light-based hair removal treatments can often cost as much as $2,500 for one body area. However, in the privacy of your own home, you can eliminate all of your unsightly body hair at a fraction of the cost. Additionally, these hair removal appointments can be embarrassing. The Silk’n SenseEpil hair removal system lets users get rid of their unwanted hair in the privacy of their own home.

While shaving may seem like a cheap alternative to laser-hair removal, it is not permanent. This means users are constantly buying razors, gels, creams, and lotions. It has even been estimated that the average woman can spend as much as $10,000 over a lifetime on these products.

Waxing is another alternative many turn to for hair removal. This can be messy, and painful, and, like shaving, it does not provide a permanent hair removal option. These appointments are expensive, and the costs associated with them accumulate quickly.

For only $499, consumers can perform private at-home laser hair removal to get the smooth skin they have always wanted. With the company’s $mart Payment Plan, consumers can buy the device for $199, and continue to pay the remainder in simple monthly installments. The Silk’n SensEpil At Home Hair Removal System is an inexpensive means to provide you with the skin you have always wanted.

We have followed the evolution of the Sensepil since it’s inception several years ago and think that it is a wonderful product that is highly innovative in design and effectiveness for a home hair removal kit.

Please check back often as we plan to be adding lots of information about the Silk’n Sensepil in the very near future.