Hair Growth; Working Principle - Philips SC2002 User Manual

How Philips' Intense Pulsed Light technology works

Hair growth

Hair growth rates differ from person to person, depending on age,
metabolism and other factors. However, everyone's hair normally grows in
3 phases.
1 Growing phase (anagen phase)
The hair grows actively from the root. In this phase the concentration of
melanin is highest. Melanin is responsible for the pigmentation of the hair.
Melanin concentration is also the determining factor for the efficacy of this
method. Only hairs in the growing phase are susceptible to treatment with
light.
2 Degradation phase (catagen phase)
Hair growth stops and the root shrinks before the hair sheds.
3 Resting phase (telogen phase)
The old hair separates from its hair follicle and sheds. The follicle remains
at rest until the biological clock tells it to become active again and grow a
new hair.

Working principle

The appliance works by heating up the hair and root beneath the skin.
The melanin in the hair and hair root absorbs the released light pulses. The
darker the colour of the hair, the more light can be absorbed. This process
stimulates the hair to go into the resting phase.
The hair now sheds naturally and the hair growth is inhibited. Hairs can
take one or two weeks to shed. Optimal hair removal cannot be obtained
with a single session, since only hairs in the growing phase are susceptible
to treatment with light. During a treatment, hairs on the treated area are
usually in different stages of the hair growth cycle. To effectively treat all
hairs you have to repeat the treatment every two weeks for a few times.
An integrated optical filter ensures that no UV light reaches the skin
and guarantees that the appliance is safe for the skin.
General description (Fig. 2)
A Light exit window with integrated UV filter
B Attachments
1 Body attachment (suitable for all body areas below the neck)
2 Precision attachment (suitable for all body areas, including upper lip,
chin and sideburns)
C Metallic frame inside the attachment
D Safety system (safety ring with contact switches)
E Flash button
F Intensity lights (1- 5)
G % Intensity increase button
H ^ Intensity decrease button
I Charging light and battery low indication
J On/off button
K 'Ready to flash' light
L Appliance socket
M Adapter
N Small plug
O Air vents
Also included: case and cleaning cloth
EngliSh
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