BRAUN Silk Expert Pro 5 Hair Removal User Manual
- June 6, 2024
- Braun
Table of Contents
- Pro 5 Skin tone & Body hair type chart:
- Description
- How does it work?
- Warnings
- Precautions
- Electrical and fire safety
- DANGER
- How to use
- Treatment methods
- Treatment plan
- After treatment
- Cleaning and storage
- Possible side effects
- Trouble shooting
- Labels and symbols
- Technical specifications
- Guarantee
- Specifications
- FAQ’s
- References
- Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
- Download This Manual (PDF format)
BRAUN Silk Expert Pro 5 Hair Removal
Pro 5 Skin tone & Body hair type chart:
✓ Suitable
✖ Not Suitable
Our products are designed to meet the highest standards of quality, functionality and design. Using professional light technology, Braun Silk·expert Pro 5 Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) allows you to permanently remove unwanted, visible hair comfortably at home. Before using the device, please read the use instructions carefully, including all contraindications, warnings and safety information, and keep them for future reference.
This device has been designed to effect long-term hair growth reduction after a certain period of treatment. Ideal body areas for use include:
Women: Legs, arms, underarms, bikini area and face (below cheek bones)
CAUTION: Do not use the device near the eyes and along the forehead.
Men: Shoulders and below (chest, back, arms, stomach, legs)
CAUTION: Do not use on the face, neck or genital area.
Usage on male beards or facial hair may lead to permanent or uneven results
which may produce changes in facial characteristics that may not be desirable.
IPL is not suitable for everyone. It is most effective on light to medium skin
tones and dark hair colors.
Please, refer to the skin tone and hair color chart on page 3 to see if the
device is suitable for you.
Description
- Treatment window
- SensoAdapt™ skin tone sensors
- LED Power bar
- Gentle mode button with indicator lights
- Treatment button
- Handle
- Base station
- Mains cord
- Glass filter (integrated UV filter)
- Standard head
- Wide head*
- Precision head
not with all models
How does it work?
Braun Silk·expert Pro 5 works beneath the skin surface by targeting the
melanin in the hair follicle, helping to break the cycle of hair re-growth.
With continued, periodic use, the light energy helps prevent unwanted hair
from reaching the skin surface.
The intelligent SensoAdapt™ skin sensors (2) continuously read your skin tone
before every flash, automatically adapting the light intensity for best
efficacy and safety. This allows treatment of appropriate skin tones, but
prevents treatment if your skin tone is too dark.
Contraindications
Do not use the device …
- if your skin is darker than skin tone V shown on the skin tone chart on page 3. Since dark skin absorbs more light energy, treating very dark skin may cause discomfort/pain and adverse effects (e.g., burns, blisters, discoloration or scarring) and injure your skin.
- if you are pregnant, lactating, or under the age of 18 as this device has not been tested with these individuals.
- if you have a history of skin cancer or precancerous lesions (e.g., nevi or a large number of moles).
- If your skin has been artificially or naturally tanned recently. Your skin may be sensitive following sun exposure and particularly susceptible to side effects of IPL treatment (e.g. burn, blister, discolour or scar to your skin). Also, avoid unprotected exposure to direct sunlight after your IPL treatment.
Certain conditions can also prohibit the use of this device. Do not use the device if any of the following applies:
- You have a chronic medical condition.
- You have a chronic skin disease (e.g. psoriasis or vitiligo) or damaged skin (e.g. sunburn, cuts, open wounds or active infections) in the areas you wish to treat.
- You have varicose veins in the area you wish to treat.
- You have a known sensitivity to sunlight (photosensitivity) or are taking medication that may make the skin more sensitive (e.g. Retin A, Accutane and/or other topical retinoids).
- You have had a professional skin peel treatment on the area you wish to treat.
- You have any of the above, this device may injure your skin or make existing conditions worse. You may experience side effects such as burns, blisters and skin color changes (hyper- or hypo-pigmentation) or scarring.
If you are unsure whether this device is safe for you to use, please consult
your physician or dermatologist.
If you take any kind of medication regularly and over a long period of time,
please consult your physician for any potential impact on skin sensitivity to
light.
Warnings
Do not use on …
- scalp, eyebrows or anywhere near or around the eyes. Use in these areas may permanently damage your eyes.
- a tattoo or permanent makeup in the treatment area.
- nipples, genitals or around the anus. These areas may have a darker skin color and/or greater hair density and using the device in these areas may cause discomfort/pain or injure your skin.
- dark brown or black spots such as freckles, birthmarks, moles or warts in the treatment area.
- beard / facial hair for men.
It is not recommended to use the device on areas of skin where dermal fillers
are present.
Do not use more than once a week on the same area. Damage of skin my occur
after prolonged or repeated treatment on one site.
Eye safety
Do not look directly into the glass filter (9) or attempt to activate the
device toward the eyes. To protect the safety of your eyes and those of
individuals nearby, the device will only activate when both skin tone sensors
are placed against the skin. If at any time the device activates when both
sensors are NOT in contact with the skin, STOP use immediately and contact
your retailer.
Possible eye injury (potentially leading to loss of vision) or skin injury if
instructions are not followed. Protect the eye from exposure. Do not use the
appliance over the eye lids or close to the eye.
Precautions
- The device is intended for a single user.
- It is not intended for use by people under 18 years old.
- People with reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities or lack of experience and knowledge, may use the device if they have been given supervision or instruction concerning the safe use of the device and understand the hazards involved.
- Children should be supervised to ensure that they do not play with the device. Always keep the device out of children’s reach.
Electrical and fire safety
Regularly check the device and cords for visible signs of damage. In case of damage or cracks, stop using the device. Electric shock may result from using a damaged device. In case of defects, have the device checked and repaired by an authorized service center. Unqualified repair work can lead to extreme hazards for the user. Always unplug the device after use.
DANGER
Never attempt to repair and open the device, as this may expose you to dangerous electrical components and to pulsed light energy, either of which may cause serious bodily damage and/or permanent eye injury.
Do not use in or near water and wet surfaces such as bathtubs, showers, basins
or other vessels that may contain water. If the device becomes wet, it should
not be used. Electric shock may result from using a wet device.
Do not use if
the device is damaged (e.g. cracked housing, cord damage etc). Internal parts
contain electric charges that are hazardous. Regularly inspect the treatment
window (1) for damage:
Do not use if the glass filter (9) is cracked or missing.
Do not use if the built-in reflector is missing or not in correct place.
Do not touch the glass filter during or directly after use since it will get
hot.
Do not use petroleum-based or flammable cleaning agents (alcohol, acetones) on
the device as these pose a fire risk.
Do not use abrasive cleaning agents. These may damage the device or scratch
the glass filter.
Do not attempt to use this device other than for removing unwanted hair.
Do not use the device on a surface other than skin. Do not press the treatment
button when the treatment window (1) is not placed in full contact with the
skin.
Do not block the cooling vents. The device may overheat and pose an electric
shock risk or fire hazard.
How to use
Preparing the treatment area
Remove any visible hair on the skin before using the device. You may use your
preferred hair removal method. To keep the treatment window clean and intact,
ensure there is no hair remaining on the skin surface. Clean the treatment
area and pat it dry
To power on the device:
Use the mains cord (8) to connect the base station to an electrical outlet.
Press any button (4 or 5) to activate the device. The LED power bars (3) will
light up once and a fan starts running. This means the device is in READY
mode. During operation, the device will heat up slightly.
Automatic light adaptation
When both skin tone sensors (2) have skin contact, the device reads your skin
tone and selects the appropriate light intensity which is indicated by white
LEDs on the Power bars (3). These confirm that the device is ready to flash.
| light
skin tone ➜ high light intensity
---|---
| dark
skin tone ➜ low light intensity with fast flash rate
no LEDs|
no skin contact ➜ device will not flash
red LED|
invalid skin tone ➜ device will not flash
Gentle mode
Push the gentle mode button (4) to reduce the light intensity. You can toggle
through the following 3 settings:
Standard: 3 indicator lights
Gentle: 2 indicator lights
Extra gentle: 1 indicator light (lowest light intensity with fast flash
rate)
Gentle and extra gentle settings are intended for sensitive areas and first time users. With reduced light intensity, more treatments may be required to see the desired effects.
The power bars flash to confirm a change in the light intensity setting.
When holding the gentle mode button (4) longer than 3 seconds, the device is
deactivated. After 10 minutes without use, the device is automatically
deactivated. Press any button to re-activate it.
Patch Test
Before your first treatment, we recommend you test your skin for reaction to
Braun Silk·expert on a small area of skin of the body part you plan to treat
(about 2 x 3 cm in size; equivalent to the size of two flashes, side by side).
Perform a patch test as described below in chapter «Treatment methods»,
section «STAMPING».
Wait 48 hours to examine the test area. If the skin appears normal, begin your
first treatment. If a skin reaction develops, discontinue using the device and
consult your physician.
Treatment methods
The area to be treated must be hair-free, clean and dry. Before pushing the treatment button, look away from the device to avoid the bright light. In seldom cases, a user may find the flash too bright. However, there is no safety risk associated with this. For increased comfort, we recommend treating in a well-lit room to help reduce the perceived brightness.
GLIDING
for fast and efficient treatment of large areas (e.g. legs).
| STAMPING
for treating small, hard-to reach areas (e.g. face for females, bikini
line, underarms, knee, chin, ankles)
---|---
1. Place the treatment window firmly on your skin, ensuring both skin sensors
have skin contact. The power bars (3) show white LEDs
2. Press and hold the treatment button (5). The device will begin to
flash.| 2. Press and instantly release the treatment button (5). The
device will emit a flash.
3. Move the device slowly and continuously from the bottom to the top of
the treatment area. Make sure to always keep full skin contact so that the
device flashes continuously.| 3. Lift off the device and place it onto the
next adjacent spot to be treated. Wait for the power bars to show white LEDs.
Then press and release the treatment button.
Once the gliding stroke is completed, lift the device off the treatment area.
Repeat steps 1-3 to treat the next adjacent area in a parallel stroke.|
Continue treatment spot by spot until you have completed the entire area you
wish to treat.
Make sure you avoid missed areas by placing the treatment window directly next
to the previously treated spot without leaving any space between treated
areas.
Avoid overlapping treatment or treating the same area twice as this may
increase the chance of producing adverse reactions.
If you feel intense pain, stop treatment immediately and consult your physician before using the device again.
Treatment head(s)
The standard head (10) can be used on all areas.
The wide head (11) is efficient on large body areas.
The precision head (12) has been specifically designed for small, curvy, hard
to reach areas.
In case your Silk-expert comes with two precision heads, one of it is marked
+. This helps distinguishing the head used on the face from the one used on
other body areas.
How to treat the face (females only)
- Before treating the face, make sure you have done a patch test. Remove any visible hair and cosmetics, lotions and creams from the area you wish to treat.
- Before pressing the treatment button, close your eyes or look away to avoid the bright light. Avoid treating the same area twice as this may increase the chance of producing adverse reactions.
- When treating the upper lip area, a void contact with the lips and the nostrils. The central area below the nostrils might be sensitive.
- Do not use on permanent / semi-permanent lip liner on the lip margin.
- TIP: You can press your lips together to ensure that the light does not activate on the upper lip itself.
- Hair growth under the chin can be denser and coarser. This can sometimes lead to slight skin reddening following a treatment. This redness is temporary and should completely disappear after 24 hours.
NOTE:
- If redness or a burning sensation occurs and lasts for several minutes, apply a cool cloth/pad to soothe the area.
- If any pigment changes in the skin, e.g., lightening or darkening, are observed, stop using the device. Seek medical advice to determine the cause which may be due to an underlying medical condition.
Treatment plan
Start-up phase | 1 treatment per week (4-12 weeks) |
---|---|
Maintenance treatment | continue treating to your needs, e.g. every 1-2 months. |
The typical hair growth cycle varies between individuals and could take up to
16 months depending on body area (underarm, lower leg, bikini area). Since
only hairs in their growing phase are susceptible to treatment with light, it
is important to do multiple treatments to achieve continuously smooth skin.
For this reason, we recommend a start-up phase with one treatment per week
over a period of 4 -12 weeks.
In case you no longer see hair growing, you do not need to complete the full
12 weekly treatments. You can switch to the maintenance treatments.
After treatment
Once you have completed your treatment, unplug the mains cord from the
electrical outlet.
After treatment, we recommend using sunscreen SPF >15 whenever treated areas
may be exposed to the sun. We recommend avoiding exposure to artificial light
sources, such as tanning booths or solariums.
Avoid any activity or skin products that may irritate your skin for 24 hours
after treatment. This includes using hot tubs or saunas, wearing tight-fitting
clothing, using bleaching creams, perfumed products or exfoliation products.
The above may cause irritation, such as itching and redness, in the treated
areas.
Cleaning and storage
After each treatment, inspect the treatment window (1), the skin tone sensors (2), the glass filter (9) and the built-in reflectors for damage. Do not touch or clean the glass filter immediately after use to allow it to cool down. Wipe the treatment window with a dry, lint-free cloth if any marks or black spots are visible. Do not rinse or immerse the device in water or any other liquid. To ensure maximum performance, keep the heads (10, 11, 12) with their built in reflectors free from dirt, hair or other debris. Do not clean in water, but use a dry cloth for cleaning them carefully. Store the device in a cool, dry place. Make sure the treatment window and skin sensors are protected from damage.
Possible side effects
Some people will experience slight discomfort (e.g. heat or redness of the
skin) when using the device – this is normal. You may feel heat and tingling
when activating the flash, followed by redness in the skin.
This type of reaction usually disappears within 24 hours. Adverse reactions
are usually immediate or appear within 24 hours. In rare cases, they may take
up to 72 hours to appear. If you experience abnormal skin reactions please
contact your physician.
Side effect | How to assess and react |
---|
Warm feeling or tingling sensations during treatment which typically disappear
after a few seconds to a minute and decrease with continued use.| This is
expected and normal for all IPL treatments. You can keep on using the device
as instructed.
Discomfort or pain is intense during treatment or persists after a treatment.|
Stop using the device and consult your physician before using it again.
Skin redness during or after treatment which disappears within minutes to
several hours.| This is expected and normal for all IPL treatments. You can
keep on using the device as instructed once skin redness has disappeared.
Skin redness which does not go away within 24 – 48 hours after treatment.|
Stop using the device and consult your physician before using it again.
In very rare cases:|
Swelling and redness around the hair follicle that disappears within two or
three days.| You can keep on using the device as instructed once swelling and
redness around the hair follicle has disappeared.
Swelling and redness around the hair follicle that
does not disappear within two to three days.
| Stop using the device and consult your physician before using it again.
Temporary changes in skin color (lightening or darkening).| If your skin color
changes, stop using the device and consult your physician.
Increase in hair growth in areas of treatment (more likely to be seen with
subjects of Mediterranean descent).| If this increase persists over several
treatments, stop using the device and consult your physician.
In case of adverse events please contact your national competent authority and the device manufacturer.
Trouble shooting
The following troubleshooting guide may help you solving initial problems you may experience with this device.
Problem | Solution |
---|---|
Power bars do not light up when treatment window is placed on the skin. | Make |
sure the device is connected to an electrical outlet. Press any button (4 or
5) to activate it.
Ensure both skin tone sensors are in full contact with the skin. If needed,
move the device in a way that both skin tone sensors get skin contact.
The device doesn’t work on small areas.| Use the precision head (12) on
small, hard-to- reach areas (if available).
Make sure both skin tone sensors are in contact with the skin.
Flashing sequence slows down.| Device is in heat-protection mode. To get back
to normal speed, allow device to cool down.
On the power bar, only the first LED illuminates red.| Invalid skin tone
reading. Your skin is either too light or too dark. The device will not flash.
Centre gentle mode light is flashing.| Device is deactivated. Press any button
to re-activate it.
First LED on power bars flashes red.| Head (10, 11, 12) has been taken off.
Re-attach it.
The power bars show an unfamiliar pattern of one red LED shining along with
individual white LEDs.| Device error. Device will not operate.
Unplug and reconnect. If error persists, contact a Braun Service Centre for
repair.
All white LEDs flash.| End of product lifetime. Maximum number of flashes
(400,000) has been reached.
The device is broken, cracked or appears defective.| Do not use if the handle,
the base station or the mains cord is damaged. If you are in any doubt about
the safety or suspect it is damaged in any way, you must not use it.
Disposal
The product contains recyclable electronic waste. To protect the environment,
do not dispose of it in the household waste, but take it to appropriate local
collection points.
Labels and symbols
The base station is marked with the following symbols:
| Type BF Applied Part| | WEEE waste disposal mark of the European Union
---|---|---|---
| Class II equipment| | Conformity mark of the European Union with Notified
body number
| Optical radiation| | Manufacturer:
| Follow instructions for use| | Keep Dry
| Not suitable
for use in a bathtub or shower|
UDI
| Unique device identifier
| Serial number|
LOT
| Lot/Batch number
| European representative of manufacturer| |
Technical specifications
Repetition rate:| every 0.5 – 0.9 seconds (depending on setting), continuous
operation
---|---
Max optical output:| 6 J/cm2
Pulse length:| 2.6 msec FWHM
Wave length:| 510 – 2000 nm
Power line input:| 100 – 240V~, 50-60Hz, 1.7 – 0.91A
Operating temperature:| 5°C – 40°C
Optimum operating temperature:| 15°C – 30°C
Operating humidity:| up to 93% R.H. non-condensing
Operating pressures:| 700 hPa to 1060 hPa
Treatment area (spot size)
Standard head:| 3 cm2
Wide head:| 4 cm2
Precision head:| 1.5 cm2
Transport Conditions:
Temperature range:| – 25°C to 70°C
Humidity:| up to 93% R.H. non-condensing
Pressures:| 500 hPa to 1060 hPa
The device includes 400,000 flashes and is intended for use up to 6 years by a single user.
This device complies with the standards IEC 60601-1:2005/A2:2012, CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 60601-1:2014, ANSI/AAMI ES60601-1:2005 / A1:2012, IEC 60601-1-11:2015, IEC 60601 2-57:2011, EN 55014-1:2017, EN 55014-2:2015, EN 61000-3-2:2014, EN 61000-3-3:2013.
Subject to change without notice.
Guarantee
We grant a 2-year guarantee on the product commencing on the date of purchase.
Within the guarantee period we will eliminate any defects in the appliance
resulting from faults in materials or workmanship, free of charge either by
repairing or replacing the complete appliance at our discretion.
Depending on availability replacement might result in a different color or an
equivalent model.
This guarantee extends to every country where this appliance is supplied by
Braun or its appointed distributor.
This guarantee does not cover: damage due to improper use, normal wear and
tear (e.g. shaver foil or cutter block) as well as defects that have a
negligible effect on the value or operation of the appliance. The guarantee
becomes void if repairs are undertaken by unauthorised persons and if original
Braun parts are not used.
To obtain service within the guarantee period, hand in or send the complete appliance with your sales receipt to an authorised Braun Customer Service Centre (address information available online at www.service.braun.com).
For UK only:
This guarantee in no way affects your rights under statutory law
Specifications
Product Specification | Description |
---|---|
Treatment window | Window through which light is emitted to target hair |
follicles
SensoAdapt™ skin tone sensors| Sensors that continuously read skin tone before
every flash to automatically adapt light intensity for best efficacy and
safety
LED Power bar| Indicates light intensity settings
Gentle mode button with indicator lights| Button to reduce light intensity for
sensitive areas and first time users
Treatment button| Button to activate device for treatment
Handle| Handle to hold and maneuver the device during treatment
Base station| Station to connect device to electrical outlet
Mains cord| Cord to connect base station to electrical outlet
Glass filter (integrated UV filter)| Filter to protect skin and device from UV
rays
Standard head| Head for standard treatment
Wide head| Head for wider treatment area
Precision head| Head for precise treatment
*not with all models
FAQ’s
What areas of the body can the Braun Silk Expert Pro 5 be used on for women?
Women can use the device on their legs, arms, underarms, bikini area, and face (below cheekbones).
What areas of the body can the Braun Silk Expert Pro 5 be used on for men?
Men can use the device on their shoulders and below (chest, back, arms, stomach, legs).
Can the Braun Silk Expert Pro 5 be used on the face?
The device can be used on the face for women, but not above the cheekbones. It should not be used on the face or neck for men.
What skin tones and hair colors is the Braun Silk Expert Pro 5 suitable for?
The device is most effective on light to medium skin tones and dark hair colors. Refer to the skin tone and hair color chart on page 3 to see if the device is suitable for you.
What are the contraindications for using the Braun Silk Expert Pro 5?
Do not use the device if your skin is darker than skin tone V shown on the skin tone chart on page 3, if you are pregnant, lactating, or under the age of 18, if you have a history of skin cancer or precancerous lesions, if your skin has been artificially or naturally tanned recently, if you have a chronic medical condition, a chronic skin disease or damaged skin in the areas you wish to treat, varicose veins in the area you wish to treat, a known sensitivity to sunlight or are taking medication that may make the skin more sensitive, or if you have had a professional skin peel treatment on the area you wish to treat.
Can the Braun Silk Expert Pro 5 be used on tattoos or permanent makeup?
No, the device should not be used on tattoos or permanent makeup in the treatment area.
How does the Braun Silk Expert Pro 5 work?
The device works beneath the skin surface by targeting the melanin in the hair follicle, helping to break the cycle of hair re-growth. With continued, periodic use, the light energy helps prevent unwanted hair from reaching the skin surface.
What is the purpose of the SensoAdapt™ skin sensors?
The intelligent SensoAdapt™ skin sensors continuously read your skin tone before every flash, automatically adapting the light intensity for best efficacy and safety. This allows treatment of appropriate skin tones, but prevents treatment if your skin tone is too dark.
Can the Braun Silk Expert Pro 5 be used on dark brown or black spots such as freckles, birthmarks, moles, or warts in the treatment area?
No, the device should not be used on dark brown or black spots such as freckles, birthmarks, moles, or warts in the treatment area.
How often can the Braun Silk Expert Pro 5 be used on the same area?
The device should not be used more than once a week on the same area. Damage of skin may occur after prolonged or repeated treatment on one site.
References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Read User Manual Online (PDF format) >>