How to reduce redness after waxing
November 23, 2008 by admin · Leave a Comment
Is redness normal after waxing?
Most people suffer from some degree of redness and irritation when they undergo waxing. Waxing at its most basic is literally pulling the hairs out by the roots so the area waxed has undergone some trauma. We all react so individually, the degree of redness, soreness and irritation will vary widely from person to person. If the area waxed remains sore and red and is still causing you discomfort after 24 hours, seek medical advice as you may have an allergy to the waxing products used.
What can I do about it?
• Ensure the wax is not too hot before using.
• Following correct procedure and ensuring the hair is removed in the direction of the hair growth.
• Applying a cold compress, an ice pack or having a cold shower can all help to reduce the redness and swelling.
• Clean the area with a cleanser with calming, soothing ingredients.
• Follow with a moisturiser that is hydrating, calming and soothing to help minimise the redness.
• Refrain from having hot showers afterwards for several hours.
• Avoid sun exposure, even if you use sunscreen.
• Don’t exfoliate for a few days before or after waxing.
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What is a bikini wax?
November 17, 2008 by admin · Leave a Comment
Bikini waxing refers to the removal of hair from the top of the leg, below the navel area and in the bikini area. As the name suggests, it is the area of hair that may be outside the area of a bikini that you would not want to be visible. Of course the bikini line will differ from person to person, depending on how brief you like to wear bikinis or swimsuits. Many women choose to have a bikini wax to feel more comfortable in lingerie – as this has become smaller in recent years with the advent of the g-string and other skimpier styles so to has the bikini wax grown in popularity. Changing fashion has meant the bikini wax is popular all year round.
Some people are able to do their own bikini wax but most choose to leave this to a professional as the area often needs two hands to gently keep the skin taut to make the process as quick and painless as possible. Waxing salons have usually seen a few half completed home bikini waxes!
What is a Brazilian wax?
The Brazilian wax did not originate in Brazil but is the method of Brazilian wax brought to the United States by J. Sisters International, seven Brazilian-born sisters who opened a salon in Manhattan in 1987
Bikini waxing can be loosely classified into four different types. There is however, a variation between salons and countries so if you are planning a first wax or using a new salon – make it clear what it is you want and don’t expect a Brazilian to mean the same to different therapists!
Basic Bikini Wax
Also known as the American wax. This is basic hair removal from the outside of the area a bikini would normally cover. Talk to your waxer about how much you would like to remove – take your bikini if you find this hard to work out in the salon.
Brazilian Wax – French waxing
Leaves a vertical strip down the centre of the pubis. Can be waxed into different shapes.
Full Brazilian – XXX wax, Hollywood Wax
All pubic hair is completely removed from front to back. Some salons have xx and xxx Brazilian as different types so once again be clear in what you want rather than use a name.
As this is a very sensitive area there can be discomfort for some time that may be reduced with the use of a moisturiser that has ingredients in it that calm and soothe.
Choose a professional salon with high standards of hygiene and who have experienced Brazilian waxing therapists to make the experience as easy for you as possible. Ask for personal recommendations from friends or visit online forums to see who others recommend. A Brazilian usually lasts between four to six weeks but this depends on the individual’s hair growth rate as well. Keeping a Brazilian up to date will lessen the discomfort of the waxing experience.
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Ask XXX Skinsaviour
November 10, 2008 by admin · Leave a Comment
XXX Skinsaviour understands how important your skin is to you and wants to help you have the best skin you can.
If you have a question you would like to ask about your skin or have a question about XXX Skinsaviour skin care products we would love to help you.
Simply fill in the form below and we will respond within 24 hours.
Disclaimer
The advice you receive from XXX Skinsaviour is for information purposes only. The information you receive is not intended to replace medical advice. You should seek help from a qualified health care professional for advice on how to treat a skin condition or if you suspect you may have a health problem. XXX Skinsaviour is not responsible for the advice it gives and the information received should not be used for diagnosing or treating a skin condition.
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Waxing side-effects
November 10, 2008 by admin · Leave a Comment
What are some of the side effects of waxing?
Waxing has been used for hundreds of years and is a relatively quick and safe way to remove unwanted hair as long as a few guidelines are followed. If you find a trained professional who specialises in waxing and has experience and satisfied customers there should be no problems. If you have a severe allergic reaction you will be one of the very few who do, most people only experience mild redness and irritation, though this can be visible for up to 24 hours. If you have very sensitive skin it is advisable to a test patch on your leg or ask to have one done at a salon before waxing a larger area.
Some of the side effects are:
• Temporary redness and irritation
• Allergic reaction to the waxing products
• Slight bleeding, especially with coarse hair.
• Dark pigmentation due to the wax being too hot.
• Can cause wrinkles where the skin is stretched as in the eyebrow area.
• Ingrown hairs – never wax in the opposite direction to the hair follicle.
To ensure that the waxing process is as smooth as possible avoid the following:
• Never wax skin that is irritated, sunburnt or broken.
• Don’t sunbake after waxing or expose the area to the sun for at least 24 hours.
• Do not wear tight clothing to reduce the possibility of ingrown hairs.
• Always check the temperature of the wax on the back of your hand before using.
• Always wax in the direction in which the hair is growing.
• Never wax when taking or using Retin A products or if you are diabetic.
• Choose a professional salon that has high standards of hygiene that uses disposable waxing strips.
• Use a moisturiser to calm and soothe the area you have had waxed to keep the hair soft and help to lessen the chance of ingrown hairs.
• If you have a bad reaction or you are worried, please seek the advice of a health professional.
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Can I do my own waxing?
November 10, 2008 by admin · Leave a Comment
Yes, you can do your own waxing but some areas are more suited to wax yourself than others. Before you do any waxing it would be a good idea to visit a professional waxer to watch their technique and to know what the process feels like when someone who has experience does it for you. Some areas such as bikini, Brazilian, male genitals need the skin to be held taut and these areas are not recommended to try yourself. Some areas you just can’t reach and need someone else to wax such as the back and backside area. There are some basic safety issues to make sure you put in place but otherwise easier to handle and reach areas like the lip, chin, eyebrows, toes and legs should be less of a problem.
What to expect if I do my own waxing?
- It is normal for the skin to look red and bumpy for up to 24 hours.
- If the hair roots are large and the hair is course, pinpricks of bleeding can occur.
- Pain – it will hurt! Everyone is different though and some people experience discomfort and others pain. Some people find it gets easier the more often they have it done.
- If the redness and bumps don’t disappear or are severe, then have the area checked by a health professional
What do I look out for?
- Make sure the hair is long enough, 6 -10mm or ¼’-1/2inch is best, otherwise the wax will not be able to grip the hair properly.
- Some people take a mild painkiller beforehand to help reduce any swelling and pain through the waxing process.
- Try to relax, the more tense the more it seems to hurt.
- Pregnancy and around the time of menstruation make it much more painful in some people, so try to avoid these times if you can.
- Make sure the temperature of the wax is not too hot – wax burns are unpleasant as it is difficult to remove immediately. Test on the back of your hand.
- Always pull the strips off in the direction of the hair follicle.
- Do not wax before or after heavy exfoliation.
- Do not wax if you have been using Retin A products or are diabetic.
- If you are worried how your skin will react – try a small test patch on your leg first so you can see how you will react.
- Use a moisturiser that will soothe and calm the skin after waxing.
- Consider making an appointment with a professional waxer to see how to wax correctly.
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What is an ingrown hair?
November 10, 2008 by admin · Leave a Comment
What is an ingrown hair?
An ingrown hair is either a hair that fails to grow out of the hair follicle and stays embedded under the surface of the skin or a hair that when it starts to grow changes direction and begins to grow back in on itself. Although they can happen naturally, usually it is waxing or shaving that causes them. Usually you first notice one because they itch or feel uncomfortable and if left untreated can be painful and become infected. Ingrown hairs can look a little like a small pimple in the later stages. If the inflammation extends beyond the immediate area of the ingrown hair or after you have treated the ingrown hair it still persists you should consider getting it checked by a do
What do I do?
Ingrown hairs can be simply treated by following the instructions below and you will need to arm yourself with a clean washcloth and some warm water, a mild antiseptic, pointy nosed tweezers and a small needle you have sterilised in boiling water.
- Gently apply a washcloth to the ingrown hair until it grows cool down and repeat again – this often helps bring the hair closer to the surface and softens the top of the skin covering the hair.
- Use a small needle to pierce any pimple that has formed over the ingrown hair and gently try to remove the ingrown hair by teasing it out.
- If a head has formed gently squeeze with a tissue until it has all gone and you can see the ingrown hair.
- Don’t try to pull the hair out – it may form again – you are trying to release the hair to grow normally.
- Apply an antiseptic to the area with a cotton wool ball to minimise the chance of infection.
How do I minimise ingrown hairs?
- Wear looser clothing if you suffer from ingrown hairs, tight clothing is a big cause of causing ingrown hairs to form, especially on the legs.
- Exfoliating regularly will help ingrown hairs. Exfoliating gloves are easy and quick to use and can be thrown in the washing machine to keep them clean of bacteria.
- Don’t use harsh exfoliators that can strip the skin of oils and dry it out making ingrown hairs more likely to form.
- Don’t use loofahs as they can’t be washed very easily and can harbour bacteria.
- Use cleansers and moisturisers that are non comodegenic, that is they won’t block the pores and make ingrown hairs more common.
- Cleansing the skin morning and night will keep the hair follicles and pores clear and remove grime and dead skin cells allowing the hair to grow more freely.
- Do not use products with alcohol that dry the skin.
- Use a long lasting hydrating moisturiser that will keep the hair soft all day and help prevent it in growing.
- Many men suffer ingrown hairs from shaving. Try leaving the hair fractionally longer by not using a multi blade razor as the hair is less likely to become ingrown if it is not shaved too closely.
- Don’t pull the skin too tight as this also makes the shave closer than you need.
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Waxing and men
November 10, 2008 by admin · Leave a Comment
Waxing has become more popular with men and not just athletes and body builders. Men are choosing to rid themselves of unwanted hair from all different areas of the body, sometimes to please a partner and sometimes for themselves. Waxing can be done at all ages, men typically getting hairier as they get older but younger males are more likely to have tried waxing to remove unwanted body and facial hair.
Is waxing different for a male?
Male’s hair like a male ‘s skin is coarser in texture and thicker than a woman’s. Sometimes this means that the waxing can be more expensive than for women as larger areas and more wax needs to be applied which means a longer appointment time too. Otherwise the before and after care is the same for both sexes. Waxing is a very safe procedure when done by a qualified professional but there are a few things to keep in mind.
Is waxing suitable for everyone?
- Never wax red, irritated skin or skin that has been sunburned
- Never wax skin that has any cuts or abrasions
- If any medications or creams are used containing retinoids then waxing should not be done as the skin becomes thinner and could tear
- People with varicose veins or have hairy moles should avoid those areas
- People with diabetes should seek medical advice before waxing
- If you have hair that is under 1/4” or 6mmm the wax will not be able to get a grip sufficient to pull the hairs out.
What is involved in waxing?
- The area to be waxed will need to be non greasy and completely dry
- The area being waxed will be covered with warm wax with a spatula
- A cloth or paper strip is placed on the wax and drawn up and away quickly to remove the wax and hairs attached to it
- The complete hair and the root are removed – so yes you will be hair free for a while and yes it hurts!
- A soothing, calming lotion will be applied after the waxing.
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Is waxing for everyone?
November 10, 2008 by admin · Leave a Comment
Almost anyone who wants to remove unwanted body hair is suitable for waxing both male and female. Waxing can be done on many different body parts including moustache, chin, eyebrows, legs, bikini line and the back. Waxing can be done at any age.
Who shouldn’t wax?
People who are taking oral retinoids, usually taken for skin conditions, should not have waxing done for at least six months to one year after the course of retinoids has been completed. Ask your dermatologist or doctor for advice.
The skin can thin while taking these medications and will be more prone to tearing and possible scarring. Retinoids may also be prescribed to be used topically, that is applied to the skin and waxing should not be done for 1-2 months after finishing the topical retinoid treatment.
Anyone who has skin that is broken, has sunburn or skin that is sore, red or irritated.
Before you wax
- If you are taking any medication check to see if it
not an oral retinoid or topical retinoid. - If you are doing it yourself – the skin should be non greasy and perfectly dry
- Always check the temperature before applying wax to the skin – wax that is too hot can give a nasty burn
- Check to see the area is not already irritated or broken
- Do not wax the same day you have exfoliated
- Consider getting waxing done professionally the first time so you can learn the process if you want to do your own waxing
After you wax
- Avoid direct sunlight exposure for at least twenty –four hours after waxing
- Loose clothing will feel more comfortable
- Massage or rubbing can further irritate the skin
- An icepack can be applied if the area is still painful after waxing, cover the icepack before applying to the skin
- A soothing lotion with anti inflammatory ingredients will help to relieve redness and soreness
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