FAQs
What is IPL and how does it work?
Great question — and the answer is actually what makes IPL so effective. IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light. The device sends precise flashes of light that are absorbed by the melanin (the pigment) in your hair. That light converts into gentle heat, which reaches the hair follicle and weakens its ability to produce new hair — session after session. Because your hair grows in cycles (active, resting, and shedding phases), IPL can only target follicles in the active growth phase. That's why consistent weekly sessions over several weeks are the key to unlocking lasting results. It's not magic — it's science, and it works.
Does it really not hurt?
We get it — you've probably been burned (literally) by waxing before. With IPL, most users describe the sensation as a light, warm snap against the skin. Nothing close to waxing, epilating, or even threading. Our Reliva Frost and Frost Wireless models take comfort one step further with our exclusive Frost Cooling SystemTM — the device head stays between 0°C and –10°C, actively soothing your skin with every single flash. Even on sensitive areas like the bikini line, the experience stays comfortable from start to finish.
How long before I actually see results?
Here's the honest timeline: most users notice hair regrowth visibly slowing down within 4 to 8 weeks of regular use (1–2 sessions per week). By the 12-week mark, you can expect up to 90% hair reduction — meaning the vast majority of hair simply stops coming back. After that? One quick maintenance session per month is all it takes to stay smooth long-term. Compare that to a lifetime of razors, wax strips, and salon appointments — IPL pays for itself in weeks.
Will it work on my skin tone and hair color?
IPL relies on the contrast between your skin and your hair pigment to work. The ideal combination is light to medium skin with dark hair (natural blonde to black) — the greater the contrast, the more effective the treatment. Where it won't work well: very light hair (white, grey, red) doesn't contain enough melanin to absorb the light, and on very dark skin tones, the device can't reliably distinguish between skin and hair pigment, which reduces effectiveness and can cause irritation. If you're unsure, contact us at info@bodyreliva.com before ordering — we'd rather help you choose right than deal with a return.
Is it safe? What about European regulations?
Safety is non-negotiable for us. Our IPL devices carry the CE marking, which is the mandatory conformity mark required to legally sell products within the European Economic Area — it confirms that a product meets EU safety, health, and environmental protection standards. At-home IPL devices fall under the EU Medical Devices Regulation (EU) 2017/745 (MDR), Annex XVI, which classifies intense pulsed light equipment as devices intended for use on the human body, and requires them to meet General Safety and Performance Requirements (GSPR) before being placed on the market. The applicable safety standard for home-use IPL is IEC 60335-2-113, which covers requirements specifically for beauty care appliances incorporating lasers and intense light sources, including skin contact detection, intensity limits, and eye safety. In plain English: every device we sell has passed the safety checks required by European law before reaching your doorstep.
Can I use IPL if I have tattoos, moles, or sensitive skin?
Tattoos: never use the device directly on a tattoo — IPL targets pigment, and tattoo ink will absorb the light energy, which can cause burns or damage to the tattoo. You can safely treat the area around it, but leave at least a 1 cm margin. Moles and dark spots: simply skip over them during treatment, as the concentrated pigment can attract the light and cause irritation. Sensitive skin: IPL is generally well-tolerated, even on sensitive skin — especially with our models featuring the Frost Cooling SystemTM. Start on the lowest intensity setting and gradually increase across sessions. If you're currently using retinol, AHAs, BHAs, or any exfoliating skincare, pause those products for at least 48 hours before and after each session to avoid extra sensitivity.
What's your return and refund policy?
Simple and stress-free: you get a 30-day money-back guarantee from the date of delivery — no questions asked. If the device doesn't meet your expectations for any reason, contact us at info@bodyreliva.com and we'll process your full refund. On top of that, every device is covered by a 1-year warranty — if you experience any manufacturing defect during that period, we'll replace or refund it. We stand behind what we sell - period.
What areas of the body can I treat?
Pretty much everywhere you'd want smooth skin: legs, arms, underarms, bikini line, abdomen, and face (below the cheekbones). That covers the areas where unwanted hair bothers most people. A few no-go zones: never use the device near your eyes, over tattoos, directly on moles, dark spots, or broken skin. The light targets pigment, so anything with concentrated pigment should be avoided.
How often should I use it?
During your initial treatment phase (the first 8 to 12 weeks), aim for one to two sessions per week — this is when you'll see the most dramatic results as you catch more and more hair follicles in their active growth phase. Once you've reached your desired result, switch to one maintenance session every 4 to 6 weeks, or whenever you notice any regrowth. A word of caution: using the device daily won't speed things up — in fact, it can cause unnecessary skin irritation. Consistency beats frequency every time.
Do I need to prepare my skin before each session?
Yes — but it takes less than 5 minutes. Shave the area the day before or the morning of your session — shaving cuts the hair at the surface while keeping the root inside the follicle, and that root is exactly what absorbs the light energy. Never wax, epilate, or tweeze before IPL, as these methods remove the root entirely.
Make sure your skin is clean and dry — no lotions, sunscreen, deodorant, or makeup on the treatment area. And avoid sun exposure and self-tanners for at least 1–2 weeks before your session, as a tan temporarily increases melanin in your skin, which can reduce effectiveness and increase sensitivity.
Where do you ship?
We ship worldwide. Free shipping on every order, no minimum, no surprise fees at checkout.
How long does delivery take?
Once your order is processed (1–2 business days), expected delivery times are:
• United States, Canada — around 10 business days
• United Kingdom, EU — around 10 business days
• Australia, New Zealand — around 10 business days
• Rest of the world — 10 to 14 business days
You'll receive a tracking link as soon as your order ships.
How do I track my order?
As soon as your order leaves our warehouse, you'll get an email with your tracking link. You can alsocheck the status of any order anytime on our Order Lookup page using your order number and the email you used at checkout.
What payment methods do you accept?
All major payment methods are accepted at checkout: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Shop Pay, Klarna, and PayPal. All transactions are encrypted with 256-bit SSL — we never store your full card number.
How can I contact you?
The fastest way is by email: info@bodyreliva.com. Our team typically replies within 24 hours, Monday to Friday. For urgent shipping or order issues, mention "URGENT" in your subject line and we'll prioritise your message.