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Silk'n Profile

By Naomi Torres, About.com

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Silk'n

© HomeSkinovations
Silk’n is a light-based device cleared by the FDA for home use that can be used anywhere below the neck (excluding genitals). It requires multiple treatments to have the best results.

Read about their latest model Silk'n SensEpil with a built-in skin sensor.

How Does Silk’n 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 Silk’n because burns, blisters and/or changes in skin color can result.

Dark hair responds the best to these light-based treatments. Shades of brown may also respond to the system, but typically require more treatments. Because the light energy is targeting dark pigment (melanin)- white, gray, or blond hair will not benefit from using the system. Red hair isn’t totally ruled out here, but possibly may benefit from hair removal treatments.

Does Silk’n 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 the device is usually the most uncomfortable, and then subsides with further uses for most people.

Silk’n 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 the system 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 six 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 was $800 when first released. On April 13, 2009 the price was reduced to $599. A lamp cartridge that comes with the system has a life of about 750 shots, which is enough for treating your entire body once. The control panel displays warning lights when you are close to or have reached the 750 shot limit. Replacement lamp cartridges retail for $55. Their newest model, Silk'n SensEpil retails for $499, and replacement cartridges for $49.

Where Can I Get Silk’n?

Compare prices on the original system, or get the latest model, Silk'n SensEpil (buy direct).
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