Managing PCOS symptoms: Why IPL is your solution for hair removal

Post by Peter Kerekes

Feb 18 2025

PCOS, formally known as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, is a condition that typically affects women of reproductive age, with common symptoms including irregular periods, excess androgen levels, and cysts in the ovaries. While many people believe PCOS is a rare condition, according to the CDC, polycystic ovary syndrome affects as many as five million women of reproductive age in the US.

Excessive hair growth, or hirsutism, is one of the main symptoms women with PCOS experience. Areas affected by this can include legs, arms, and even unwanted areas such as the face and chest.

While PCOS is chronic, IPL hair removal can significantly reduce the growth of unwanted hair on the skin helping to improve self-esteem and quality of life.

What is IPL hair removal?

IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) is a light-based hair removal method that targets the melanin (pigment) inside the hair to interrupt the hair growth cycle and prevent hair regrowth, without damaging the skin.

How does it work?

The light energy from the device penetrates the skin’s surface and is absorbed by the melanin in the hair shaft. This absorbed energy is converted into heatbeneath the skin’s surface, which disables the hair follicle and prevents further growth without damaging the skin. The disabled hairs naturally fall out over a period which can vary from a few days to 1-2 weeks depending on the individual with results typically shown after 2 weeks for most users. This process is done once a week for 12 weeks to capture each hair during its growth phase.

86% of women with PCOS saw visible hair reduction in just 4 weeks using SmoothSkin’s IPL devices

Why IPL is the best hair removal solution for PCOS:

“I wish every woman struggling could know about this!” - Torri W

Long-lasting results

One of the key benefits of using IPL hair removal is that the user can enjoy long-lasting hair –free and smooth skin.The SmoothSkin Pure Adapt IPL hair removal device is clinically proven to reduce up to 99% of hair in just 12 weeks.

Convenient, at-home use

IPL offers convenience – no need for frequent salon visits. Treatments can be done all from the comfort of home while delivering salon-quality results at a fraction of the cost.

Safe for sensitive skin

PCOS often comes with skin sensitivities, and many women may have skin that’s more prone to irritation. IPL is a gentler method of hair removal compared to waxing or threading, which can irritate the skin and cause redness.

See what a real user with PCOS says about IPL hair removal:

Torri Webb, avid user of SmoothSkin and advocate for raising awareness about PCOS, recently shared her experience with IPL hair removal.

“I have been using the Pure Adapt device from SmoothSkin for a little over a year now and it has made a world of a difference.The hair is about 70% less than what it was before. I had spent over $10,000 on professional laser going into a MedSpa just for the hair to all come back anyway. With Pure Adapt, I can do it from the comfort of my own home or take it with me on vacation! I don’t have to fit those appointments into my schedule, I can do this at my convenience! Most importantly this has given me so much more self-confidence. I wish every woman struggling could know about this!” - Torri Webb

See more of her story and journey with PCOS on Instagram @torrisunshine!

SmoothSkin’s Pure Adapt:

Stops hair growth in as little as 2 uses

Is the fastest, most effective IPL for stubborn hair – perfect for PCOS hair growth

Adapt Plus technology – contour head adapts to areas like jawline and neck for fewer missed spots

Full body treatment only takes 10 minutes

For women dealing with the unwanted hair growth caused by PCOS, IPL hair removal offers a safe, effective, and long-lasting solution. Whether you’re tired of the temporary results of other hair removal methods, or looking for a more convenient option, IPL is the key to managing your hair growth caused by PCOS and boosting your confidence.