IPL (which stands for intense pulsed light) makes use of scattered light in a very specific way.

Essentially, the light transfers into heat when it comes into contact with your skin, denaturing the hair follicle so it stops growing hair.

Over time, it renders the hair follicles almost totally inactive, so once your initial course of treatment is done, you’ll most likely only need a top-up every few months.

In fact, the Philips Lumea Prestige (available with a two-year guarantee when you buy it at John Lewis & Partners) offers up to 92% reduction in hair in just three sessions. Then once that introductory phase is complete, the hair follicle enters a resting phase that only needs refreshing every eight weeks or so.

Quite a difference from the rigours of daily shaving or weekly waxing, we’re sure you’ll agree.

4 things you need to know about IPL hair removal