There’s no faster way to ruin a perfect summer tan than with unkempt stubble and ingrown hairs lining your legs. If you’re planning on heading to the beach this summer, there are several ways that you can get soft and silky skin without relying on waxes and razors, which can leave you with cuts, bumps, ingrown hairs and irritation. The following hair removal techniques will leave you free from uncomfortable and unsightly stubble this summer.
Sugar Waxes
Sugar waxing or “sugaring,” is a natural alternative to waving that’s gentle on sensitive skin and keeps you feeling smooth for weeks at a time. Sugaring paste is made from lemon, sugar, and water, making it safe for use on almost any skin type. The mixture sticks to hair but not skin, removing strands by the root. Hairs must be at least a quarter of an inch long for the treatment to work, and you should take a shower beforehand to ensure that your skin is clean and free of any oils. Cleanup afterward is quick and easy, and you’ll be left with no razor burn and far fewer ingrown hairs. If you feel any irritation, you can soothe your skin with an aloe-based moisturizer.
Hair Removal Cream
Depilatory creams, or hair removal creams, are as simple as wipe-on, wipe-off, making it easy to maintain your desired look. Creams contain alkaline chemicals such as calcium thioglycolate and sodium hydroxide, which react with body hair to break down the keratin structure that holds your hair in place. Once the keratin in your hair dissolves, the hair becomes weak enough to fall loose from its follicle, allowing you to wipe it away without any trouble. Using hair removal creams offers a pain-free alternative to other hair removal techniques, and also produces long-lasting results. It’s important to choose a cream that’s right for your skin type, as harsh chemicals may cause irritation in sensitive skin.
Laser Hair Removal
One of the most common cosmetic procedures in the US is laser hair removal, which almost permanently removes unwanted body hair from common problem areas. The procedure is fast and causes minimal discomfort, but it must be completed over a series of treatments to completely eliminate hair at the root. Heat from the laser is absorbed by pigments in the hair, ultimately destroying the follicle and preventing any future growth. You should limit plucking, waxing, and electrolysis for six weeks before treatment to ensure that the procedure is effective. It’s also best to avoid sun exposure for six weeks before and after treatment, as too much sun can lead to complications.
Photo courtesy Jake Guild on Flickr
