JP2011509732A - Hair removal device for personal use and method of use thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

  An applicator and a method for hair removal are disclosed. The applicator includes one or more illumination sources and at least one hair removal mechanism. Hair may be removed by mechanical means or by application of RF. The body hair removal mechanism may be a replaceable mechanism, and includes a mechanism such as a rotation-based hair removal electric epilator, a spring-type electric epilator, leather, or an electric shaver. The illumination source is xenon light, multiple LEDs and a mixture thereof. Hair is removed by moving an applicator having a hair removal mechanism across the target portion of the skin in a scanning motion and treating the skin portion where the hair is removed by appropriate illumination.

Description

  The method and apparatus of the present invention relates to the field of personal cosmetic treatment, and more particularly to hair removal treatment.

  Appearance is actually important for many people. In recent years, methods and devices for different cosmetic procedures have been developed. In addition, there are body hair removal, blood circulation disorder treatment, skin activation and other treatments. For these treatments, visible or infrared (infrared) on the skin surface to heat the lower tissue volume to a sufficiently high temperature, typically in the range of 38-80 ° C., to achieve the desired effect. Some are irradiated with (IR) radiation, commonly referred to as optical radiation. The effect is weakening of the hair follicle or hair root destruction. Other desired effects are irradiating the previously depigmented skin with a laser, LED, xenon light, Intense Pulsed Light (IPL), or incandescent light radiation, commonly referred to as optical radiation. This is typically achieved by delaying hair regrowth. The optical radiation has a single wavelength, such as a laser, or several wavelengths, such as incandescent light. The wavelength is optimally selected by the color of the part to be treated and the skin part to be treated, and is typically in the range of 400 to 1800 nm.

  At the same time, many radio frequency (RF) based methods have been developed for the treatment of deeper skin or tissue layers. In these methods, electrodes are applied to the skin and an intermittent or continuous waveform (CW) high frequency voltage is applied to the electrodes. The characteristics of the RF voltage are selected to generate an RF induced current in the volume of tissue to be treated. The RF induced current heats the tissue to be treated to a desired temperature, typically in the range of 38-80 ° C.

  The apparatus described above is expensive and bulky. The aforementioned devices are set up for hospital visits by qualified operators and further require the presence of medical professionals in their treatment. Allows skin treatment by the user, which can achieve similar or identical effects as provided by professional devices used for skin treatment, small size, low cost, and user operation of the device Safety is needed in the barber and beauty market.

(Glossary)
As used herein, the terms “irradiation source” and “light source” have the same meaning and also include visible and invisible infrared radiation sources.

  As used herein, the term “hair removal” includes partial or total hair removal from the surface of the skin to be treated, as well as delayed regrowth.

  The term “skin surface” relates to the outermost skin layer, such as the stratum corneum of the skin.

  The term “tissue” relates to the skin layer located below the stratum corneum of the skin. The skin layer is located directly under the skin stratum corneum or at a depth of 6 or 7 mm below the stratum corneum.

  The present disclosure provides non-limiting examples with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like parts are given like reference numerals through different appearances. The drawing eliminates the need for size, and instead emphasizes an arrangement that displays the principle of the method.

It is a figure which shows the outline of the implementation example of the hair removal apparatus for personal use. FIG. 2 shows a schematic of a first embodiment of the applicator of the device of FIG. FIG. 2 shows a schematic of a first embodiment of the applicator of the device of FIG. FIG. 2 shows a schematic of a first embodiment of the applicator of the device of FIG. It is a figure which shows the outline of the specific example of the body hair removal mechanism of the said applicator. It is a figure which shows the outline of the specific example of the body hair removal mechanism of the said applicator. It is a figure which shows the outline of the specific example of the body hair removal mechanism of the said applicator. It is a figure which shows the outline of the specific example of the body hair removal mechanism of the said applicator. It is an enlarged schematic diagram showing cutting and contraction of the hair follicle. It is a figure which shows the outline of the 2nd specific example of the body hair removal mechanism of the said applicator. It is a figure which shows the outline of the specific example of the illumination cartridge of the said applicator. It is a figure which shows the outline of the specific example of the illumination cartridge of the said applicator. It is a figure which shows the outline of the specific example of the illumination cartridge of the said applicator. It is a figure which shows the outline of the light source structure of the other specific example of the said applicator. It is a figure which shows the outline of the light source structure of the other specific example of the said applicator. It is a figure which shows the outline of the light source structure of the other specific example of the said applicator. It is a figure which shows the outline of the 3rd implementation example of the said applicator. It is a figure which shows the outline of the 3rd implementation example of the said applicator. It is a figure which shows the outline of the 3rd implementation example of the said applicator. It is a figure which shows the outline of the 3rd implementation example of the said applicator. It is a figure which shows the outline of the 3rd implementation example of the said applicator. It is a figure which shows the outline of the body hair removal treatment using the 1st implementation example of the said applicator of this invention. It is a figure which shows the outline of the body hair removal treatment using the 1st implementation example of the said applicator of this invention. It is a figure which shows the outline of the body hair removal treatment using the 2nd implementation example of the said applicator of this invention. It is a figure which shows the outline of the body hair removal treatment using the 4th implementation example of the said applicator of this invention. 2 is an image of a portion of the skin of a subject treated by the method of the present invention. It is an image of a part (control part) where a subject is not treated.

  The principles and operation of the apparatus and method described herein may be understood with reference to the drawings and the accompanying non-limiting description, exemplary implementations.

  The description will be made with reference to FIG. 1 which is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a personal hair removal device. The apparatus 100 includes an applicator 104 that is applied to smooth movement on the subject's skin, a charging device 108, and a harness 112 that connects the applicator 104 and the charging device 108. The harness 112 allows electrical conduction between the applicator 104 and the charging device 108. The device 100 receives a power supply from a standard power supply outlet, or receives power from a rechargeable or standard battery. The LED 118 displays the operating state of the applicator 104.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a first example of the applicator of the apparatus of FIG. Applicator 104 (FIG. 2A) has an ergonomically designed hand-fitting casing 204 with a first end 208 and a second end 212. One or more illumination sources 216, at least one hair removal mechanism 220, and at least one contact a skin sensing mechanism shown as a microswitch 228 for activating the illumination source 216 and hair removal mechanism 220. The microswitch 228 is located at the first end 208 and is activated by a slight pressure caused by applying the applicator 104 to the skin (not shown). When depressed, microswitch 228 activates one or more illumination sources 216 and other electrical and electronic circuits of applicator 104. In one implementation, the illumination source 216 and other electrical and electronic circuits are operated independently of each other and have their own on and off switch mechanisms, such as, for example, an RF current sensing mechanism.

  The illumination source 216 is such as incandescent light, xenon light, laser diode, LED, laser, or combinations thereof. The illumination source 216 operates in an intermittent or continuous mode of operation. The power and operating time of the illumination source 216 are selected to avoid potential damage to the skin treatment area. Each illumination source 216 is housed in a packaging 224 on the cartridge that can be removed from an ergonomic design such as a casing 204 that fits the hand of the applicator 104. The packaging cartridge of the illumination source allows different illumination sources to be used for the same applicator. Each cartridge of the illumination source 216 of the packaging 224 is mounted on a spring or free movement of the cartridge-like packaging 224 with the light source 216 with respect to the applicator casing 204 shown in FIG. It is a flexible attachment that enables it. This causes the cartridge 224 with illumination source 216 to follow the skin / caging profile 244 as the applicator 104 is moved across the portion of the skin to be treated. The motion direction detector 232 detects the direction of motion of the applicator and further provides a signal for proper switching of the light source 216.

  The cooling equipment is, for example, a fan (not shown) that may be located in a portion 236 located at the second end 212 of the applicator 104. The fan removes the operation of the electrical and electronic circuits, as well as the heat generated by the applicator light or LED, allowing the applicator to operate normally.

  FIG. 2C is a schematic view of the upper surface portion of the first end 208 of an implementation of the applicator 104. The figure shows a cartridge-like packaging 224 of the light source 216, a hair removal mechanism 220, and a microswitch 228.

  In one implementation shown in FIG. 3A, the hair removal mechanism 220 comprises at least one set of tweezers 308 attached to a holder 316 that rotates about an axis 312. Near the tweezers 308 attached to the same shaft is a lever 320 that is partitioned by a blade 324. Alternatively, lever 320 may be rigidly coupled to tweezer 308 to ensure constant follow-up after tweezer 308. There is a preset difference between the position of the tweezer 308 and the position of the blade 324 of the lever 320 with respect to the skin 330. Typically, the blade 324 is closer to the skin 330 than the tweezer 308. Differences in the position of blade 324 and tweezer 308 are defined by the type of skin, body hair, and part of the subject's individual being treated.

  A tweezer 308 is applied to the skin 330 for removal of the body hair 304. The holder 316 rotates in the direction indicated by the arrow 328 and simultaneously moves while linearly rotating on the surface of the skin 330 in the direction indicated by the arrow 332. As the vent 308 continues to rotate, the tweezer 308 begins to lift and remove from the skin 330 at least one hair shaft 304 (FIG. 3B). The pulling force generated by rotation of the tweezer 308 and supported by the linear movement of the holder 316 applied to the hair shaft 304 pulls the skin 330 surrounding the hair shaft 304, hair shaft and hair follicle. This force deforms skin 330 to form goose bumps 340 that protrude beyond the rest of the skin surface surrounding the hair follicle. The blade 324 cuts the hair 304 (FIG. 3C) that is as close as possible to the apex of the goose bumps 340. The pulling force is set so as to tension the body hair, but not so much as to remove the hair from the skin.

  FIG. 4 is an enlarged schematic view showing how the hair shaft or hair follicle is cut and contracted. Following cutting of the hair shaft 304, the skin 330 on which the protrusions 340 are formed is contracted. The remainder of the hair shaft 304 is contracted to its original position in the direction of the hair follicle 306. The hair shaft 304 is contracted deeper than the skin surface or the stratum corneum 144 of the skin, and as indicated by numeral 404 (FIG. 4), a difference is shown in the position of the body hair, and the body hair is substantially on the skin surface. Exists below. Number 408 indicates the tissue.

  Holder 316 (FIGS. 3C and 3D) continues to rotate in the direction indicated by arrow 328 and further moves in a direction indicated by arrow 332 over the surface of skin 330 in a linear or other type of motion. The tweezer 308 grips the other hair shaft 304 and forms the protrusion 340 in the same manner as in the above-described specific example. Next, the hair shaft 304 is cut in the same manner as the previous hair shaft was cut. The tweezers 308 and the blade 324 are oriented in the same direction or shifted back and forth and are directed in a different way. When some of the tweezers 308 and blades 324 are oriented in different directions, the user returns the tweezers 308 and blades 324 to the previously treated skin portion and effective tip. When tweezer 308 and blade 324 are oriented in the same direction, the user rotates the applicator at the end of the treatment stroke to the opposite direction or the same position for treatment of the next skin portion.

  Alternatively, the hair removal mechanism 220 may be a well-known machine such as leather, shaving or electric shaver, such as a model 3470 Softperfect women's electric shaver commercially available from Braun GmbH, Germany. This is an arbitrary body hair removal mechanism. This model also includes other attachable heads that rip off or pull out. Similar or even identical mechanisms are of course applicable to male hair removal / shavers. The illumination head is attached to and operated on a conventional electric epilator with only one head of either a shaver or electric epilator or laser. The hair removal mechanism is a replaceable mechanism in which the most appropriate mechanism for the task is assembled on the applicator.

  The plurality of illumination sources 216 (FIG. 2) operate simultaneously with the hair removal mechanism 220. However, the plurality of illumination sources illuminate an area different from the skin area of the hair already removed by the hair removal mechanism 220. Lighting should follow mechanical hair removal, destroying or weakening hair follicles and hair roots that are occasionally left behind. For synchronization of the illumination source 216 with the operation of the hair removal mechanism 220, a motion direction sensor, or simply a direction sensor (not shown) that switches between a plurality of light sources 216, is equipped with the applicator 104. The direction sensor is, for example, a rotating wheel with multiple openings for adjusting the light source, any type of mechanical switch, an optical mouse type direction sensor, and other different types. The activation of the light source by the direction sensor reduces the side effects of accidental skin burns or other treatments because the illumination source can only be activated when the applicator moves over the skin at a minimum speed. Furthermore, it makes it possible to ensure that a suitable illumination source illuminates the skin part to be treated, based on the direction of travel of the applicator. The plurality of illumination sources 216 typically operate in a continuous or intermittent mode of operation.

  FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a second specific example of the hair removal mechanism. The comb-type protection plate 500 protects the skin 330, in particular the protrusion 340, from accidental damage by the rotating blade 324 (FIG. 3). The plurality of blades 324 may be replaced with fixed blades that cut the hair 306 pulled by the tweezers 308. In such an implementation, the holder 316 moves linearly in addition to rotation. Alternatively, two comb-like blades that slide linearly with respect to each other are operated to cut the hair.

  FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a specific example of the illumination cartridge of the applicator. The plastic housing 602 of the cartridge 224 implements an illumination source such as incandescent light, xenon flash light, laser diode, LED, laser, or combinations thereof. FIG. 6 shows xenon light 606 and a reflector 610 configured to collect most of the radiance emitted by the light and to direct the light toward the treated portion of the skin.

  The plastic housing 602 of the cartridge 224 includes two guides 618 that support easy insertion of the cartridge 224 and movement of the cartridge along the direction indicated by arrow 622. This disclosed cartridge configuration easily follows the contour 244 of the treated skin portion shown in FIG. 2B and maintains a uniform illumination of the treated skin portion. In one embodiment, the movement of the cartridge 224 is used to replace the microswitch 228. This causes the cartridge 224 to activate the applicator's electrical and electronic circuitry in the same mode as the microswitch 228 electrical and electronic circuitry. Alternatively, guide 618 is metallized, and further lowering of guide 618 closes the electrical circuit. It is also possible to make part of the guide transparent and other parts opaque. Such linear movement of the guide modulates the light flux and further activates or deactivates the electrical and electronic circuitry of the applicator 104. As described below, additional methods of microswitch replacement by other detection and switching mechanisms are used.

  The reflector 610 is shown as being composed of two similar halves that allow free air flow for the cooling light 606. Alternatively, each may be used as a reflector formed as a body integral with the air intake opening 608. The reflector opening 608 cooperates with each of the air vents or air intake openings 612 that allow convective cooling of the light 606 or LEDs (not shown).

  FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of another specific example of the light source configuration of the applicator. FIG. 7A shows a cartridge 702 similar to cartridge 224 with a plurality of LEDs 706. Each LED 706 emits light of a single wavelength or a plurality of wavelengths. The plurality of LEDs 706 are configured to irradiate the skin treatment portion with a light flux having a relatively uniform light flux distribution. FIG. 7B shows a cartridge 710 with two light sources 714, such as xenon or other types of light. The light sources 714 may be the same light source or different light sources. The two light sources 714 can be operated simultaneously, in different or partially overlapping periods, and in different operating modes, for example intermittently or continuously.

  The applicator configuration described above supports different combinations of hair removal mechanisms and irradiation sources. That is, the special configuration of the replaceable hair removal mechanism and the irradiation source determines the operating mode of the applicator. The mechanical hair removal device mechanism is selected from, for example, a rotary-based tweezer-type electric epilator, a spring-type electric epilator, leather, or an electric shaver. The illumination source is selected from, for example, a continuous or intermittent operating source, an illumination source that provides a desired spectrum and illumination distribution on the skin to be treated. These may be a mixture of light sources operating at the same time or partially overlapping periods. This choice provides a virtually unlimited variety of combinations that apply to different treatments. In another alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 8A, the applicator 802 contacts the skin to be treated and is generated by an RF generator disposed in the applicator casing (FIG. 8A). One or more RF electrodes 806 are provided that are configured to provide RF energy to the skin 814 (FIG. 8B) positioned between the two electrodes 806. Typically, the electrical or electronic circuitry of applicator 802 comprises circuitry that allows power to be supplied to one or more illumination sources or RF sources. When a plurality of RF electrodes 806 touch the patient's skin (FIG. 8B), the RF electrodes provide a path for the electrical and electronic circuit current of the applicator 802. The impedance detection mechanism detects a change in impedance from an infinite value to a measurable finite value and activates a supply of RF energy that is large enough to provide a therapeutic effect to the desired skin or tissue. Turn into. The RF induced current flows to the tissue 818 as shown by the dashed line 822 between the electrodes 806 that heat the tissue volume schematically indicated by reference numeral 826. Thus, the use of an applicator is safer than a mechanical switch because there is little or no RF irradiation without contact between the RF electrode 806 and the skin. The electrical response to impedance changes is faster than mechanical switching, and when one electrode loses contact with the skin, RF radiation is switched off immediately (in general, contact with the skin is If established again, very low levels of RF energy may continue to be radiated to allow the illumination source and RF energy to be activated). Optionally, applicator 802 may have an on-off switch to completely switch off applicator 802. FIG. 8C is another schematic schematic view of a third example of the applicator. In this specific example, the RF electrode 806 is disposed outside the cartridge 224, and FIG. 8D shows another specific example of the applicator in which the RF electrode 806 is disposed on both sides of the cartridge 224. FIG. 8E shows yet another embodiment of the applicator 802, that is, one cartridge 224 with RF electrodes 806 disposed on both sides of the cartridge 224.

  All the parts of the applicator 104 (FIG. 2) described above, such as the hair removal mechanism, lighting section and their functionality, can also be applied to the applicator 802 with the necessary changes.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of body hair removal processing using the first specific example of the applicator of the present invention. The first end 228 of the applicator 104 is applied to the skin 244. This results in a slight pressure on the microswitch 228, thus enabling the hair removal mechanism 220 and the appropriate illumination source to operate (in general, both the hair removal mechanism and the illumination source are It can be operated by another independent mechanism). The applicator user moves applicator 104 in a scanning motion in a first direction indicated by arrow 902 (FIG. 9A) from one portion of skin 244 to the other skin. During the movement, the hair removal mechanism 220 removes hair from the treated portion of the skin 244. The direction of movement detector detects the direction of motion and also activates tracking of the illumination source located in the cartridge 224-1 to irradiate the portion of the skin from which the hair is removed. The continuous illumination flux generated by tracking the illumination source 224-1 heats the skin portion that was attempted to be mechanically removed early, debilitating the hair follicles and roots, and possibly even destroying To do. Typical effective values for the illumination beam are in the range of 0.5 J / cm ² to 20 J / cm ² . In addition to the destruction of hair follicles and hair roots, the illumination flux accelerates the effectiveness of skin treatment.

  When the applicator 104 moves in the second direction indicated by arrow 906 (FIG. 6B), the hair removal mechanism 220 functions in a similar manner and further removes the hair from the skin portion to be mechanically treated. The motion direction detector detects the change in direction movement and the illumination located on the cartridge 224-1 which is the tracking illumination source located on the cartridge 224-2 that irradiates the skin portion from which the hair is removed from the leading illumination source Switch off the source. The illumination source located on cartridges 224-1 and 224-2 may operate simultaneously (both) with the hair removal mechanism 220. However, the illumination sources located on cartridges 224-1 and 224-2 operate on different parts of skin 244 than the hair removal mechanism 220 operates. Multiple illumination sources, when operated in continuous mode, set their power to provide the desired skin effect and further prevent skin burns. An optional temperature detector continually measures skin temperature and thus adjusts not to activate the RF + light source.

  As described above, the illumination light beam generated by the tracking illumination source disposed on the cartridge 224-1 provides the above-described effect of stopping body hair growth as well as the skin healing effect. This effect can be further enhanced by appropriate selection of the wavelength and intensity of the illumination light.

  Illumination source tracking and guidance typically operates to generate the most appropriate different luminous flux values to achieve the desired effect. If the illumination source is an LED-based light source as shown in FIG. 7A, the illumination source tracking and guidance operates to emit different wavelengths that are more appropriate to achieve the desired effect. In general, as described above, the illumination source cartridge operates with more than one light to operate illumination light at different powers or to obtain different spectra, as is most appropriate to obtain the desired treatment effect. It is comprised so that it may comprise.

  FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of body hair removal processing using another embodiment of the present invention. Applicator 1000 is applied to skin 1002 to form a contact between RF electrode 806 and skin 1002. The impedance detection mechanism detects a change in impedance from an arbitrary value to a certain value, and further activates the electrical and electronic circuits of the applicator 100. Thus, the impedance detection mechanism can be replaced with the microswitch mechanism described above, although both mechanisms can be combined to provide safe processing. The mechanical hair removal mechanism physically removes hair. The RF induced current shown by dashed line 1022 heats tissue 1006 and in particular volume 1026, weakening or destroying the remaining hair follicles and roots. The user of the applicator moves the applicator 1000 from a part of the skin 1002 to another skin part in a scan motion and heats each tissue volume 1026. In the course of the movement, the hair removal mechanism 220 removes hair from the portion of the skin 1002 that is placed over the heated tissue volume. The motion direction detector 232 (FIG. 2A) detects the direction of motion and activates the tracking operation of the illumination light source 224 to illuminate the portion of the skin from which the hair is removed. The illumination light flux generated by tracking the illumination light source 224 weakens the follicles and hair shafts, and even to a certain extent heats the skin and moves the remaining hair follicles and roots by mechanical means. Without destroying it. In addition to the destruction of hair follicles and hair roots, the illumination light flux promotes a skin healing effect. The aforementioned illumination flux and wavelength variations and illumination light source switching are modified so that they can be applied to embodiments of the present invention where RF is used to heat deeper tissue layers.

  Skin treatment results may be improved by appropriate preparation of the skin portion to be treated. The rash after treatment could be reduced by applying creams and lotions. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a fourth example of the applicator of the present invention. The applicator 1100 provides a skin and hair pretreatment device 1104 and a skin and hair post-treatment device in addition to the hair removal mechanism 228, illumination source 224, RF electrode 806, and microswitch 228 described above. The skin and hair pretreatment device 1104 is operated to clean the area of skin to be treated with a spray or similar liquid. The skin and hair post treatment device 1108 is operated to disperse a cream or solution across the treated skin portion that reduces the inflammation that the treatment may sometimes cause to the skin. Optional variable length spacer 1112 is used to maintain the desired gap between the location of the hair removal mechanism and the skin.

  Typically, any one of the aforementioned applicators is electrically driven. That is, it is driven by a drive for rotating the hair removal mechanism and for operating other units of the applicator. Alternatively, the applicator is configured such that a smooth movement across the patient's skin provides a rotational movement to the hair removal mechanism.

  The applicator of the method allows realization of mechanical hair removal even in free skin areas of the body hair, and further delays or completes hair regrowth by applying RF and irradiating the skin. Deletion is possible (prior to simultaneous or subsequent or mechanical hair removal). The skin healing process is facilitated by selection of an appropriate skin irradiation light wavelength.

  FIG. 12 is a photographic image of a portion of a patient's skin to be treated according to the present invention and an image of a non-treated portion (control) of the patient's skin. Treated portion 1206 does not include even residual hair. Non-treated portion 1202 is shown for comparison purposes.

  A number of implementation examples have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the method of the present invention. That is, other implementations are within the scope of the following claims.

Claims (28)

One or more illumination light sources configured to provide illumination light of one or more wavelengths;
A mechanically replaceable hair removal mechanism;
At least one of the plurality of detectors being a direction detector configured to activate at least one illumination source in response to the direction of movement of the applicator when the applicator is applied to the patient's skin and further moved on the skin. One or more detectors with one,
An applicator for removing hair.   The applicator for body hair removal according to claim 1, wherein the body hair removal mechanism is one of a group of a rotary type hair removal electric epilator, a spring type electric epilator, leather, or an electric shaver.   The applicator for body hair removal according to claim 1, wherein the applicator is an ergonomically designed casing that fits a palm having first and second ends.   The applicator for removing hair according to claim 1, wherein the illumination source, the hair removal mechanism, and the detection mechanism are disposed at a first end of the applicator.   The applicator for removing hair according to claim 1, wherein the illumination source is one of a group consisting of incandescent light, xenon light, laser diode, LED, laser, or a combination thereof.   The applicator for body hair removal according to claim 1, wherein the illumination source operates in a continuous (or intermittent) mode, and the illumination source is a replaceable and detachable source.   2. The hair removal applicator according to claim 1, wherein the illumination source is a cartridge that is removable from the applicator casing, and the illumination source moves freely with respect to the applicator casing.   The applicator for hair removal according to claim 1, wherein the illumination source or the hair removal mechanism is activated by a direction detection mechanism.   The applicator for body hair removal according to claim 1, further comprising at least one RF electrode configured to provide RF energy to a skin portion in contact with the plurality of electrodes, and further disposed between the electrodes.   10. The hair removal applicator of claim 1 and 9, wherein at least one detection mechanism increases the supply of RF energy to the electrode or activates one or more illumination sources.   The applicator for body hair removal according to claim 1, wherein the detection mechanism is one of a group of a direction detector, a microswitch, a temperature detector, and an impedance detection circuit.   The applicator for removing hair according to claim 1, further comprising one or more cosmetic material distributors configured to distribute the cosmetic material over the skin to be treated.   13. The hair removal applicator of claim 12, wherein the at least one dispenser dispenses a pretreatment cleaning fluid to the skin and the at least one dispenser dispenses a post treatment cream or lotion to the skin.   The applicator of claim 1, further comprising a cooling adjustment disposed at a second end of the applicator for cooling the electrical and electronic circuitry and illumination source of the applicator. Moving an applicator having at least a hair removal and skin heating mechanism across the target portion of the skin in a scanning motion;
Applying heat generated by a skin heating mechanism, such as RF and appropriate lighting, to the skin where hair must be removed;
Removing the body hair extending on the target portion of the skin by mechanical means.   16. The method of claim 15, wherein the hair is removed from the patient's skin by shaving, stripping and pulling.   The method of claim 15, wherein the treatment area of the skin is illuminated in a continuous mode.   The method of claim 15, wherein the illumination source is at least one of incandescent light, xenon light, laser diode, LED, laser, or combinations thereof.   The method of claim 15, further comprising applying RF to the target portion of the skin.   The method of claim 15, wherein the at least one detection mechanism activates an illumination source, an RF generator, and a hair removal mechanism.   21. The method of claim 20, wherein the detection mechanism is at least one of a group of motion direction detectors, microswitches, temperature detectors, or impedance detection circuits.   16. The method of claim 15, wherein treating the portion of the skin from which body hair is removed by illumination light delays remaining hair and / or accelerates the skin healing process.   The method of claim 15, further comprising treating the portion of the skin where the hair is removed by a cleaning solution prior to removal of the hair and further due to a rash that reduces cream or lotion after removal of the hair. Applying to the skin a mechanical hair removal mechanism, at least one RF electrode configured to heat the skin, and at least one illumination source configured to illuminate the skin portion to be treated. A method for safely removing hair from skin, comprising:
The method comprises the presence of a finite impedance between RF electrodes that are applied to the treated skin portion to emit RF radiation to the skin, the treated skin portion with at least one illumination source, and the application of the cream after treatment. Feature method. A skin healing method after promoting hair removal,
The method wherein the skin portion from which the body hair has been mechanically removed is irradiated with illumination light of an appropriate wavelength and power, and a cream or lotion that reduces skin rashes is applied over the same skin portion. A safe method for treatment with illuminating light comprising applying an applicator having at least one illumination source and a motion direction detector to the skin,
The method is characterized in that the motion direction sensor switches off the illumination light source when the applicator is stationary or the displacement rate is slower than a target value. A safe method for skin treatment illumination, wherein an applicator having at least one illumination source and a motion direction detector is applied to the skin,
The method is characterized in that the motion direction detector activates an appropriate illumination source in relation to the direction of travel of the applicator. An applicator for removing hair,
One or more illumination sources configured to provide illumination light with one or more wavelengths;
Replaceable mechanical hair removal mechanism,
One or more detectors with at least one detector that is a motion detector configured to activate at least one illumination source when the applicator is applied to and displaced across the patient's skin; An applicator for removing hair.

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