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Set out to get rid of excess hair on the body, if not forever, then for a long time? So, it’s time to thoroughly understand the methods and intricacies of hair removal.
Epilation – what is it?
The action of both is the same – the removal of unwanted hairs. But the execution technologies and the very principle of influence are different.
During depilation, the superficial part of the hair is removed, the effect lasts up to 3 weeks, depending on the method.
But what is epilation and how does it differ from depilation? One of the most important differences is the long-term result.
During the procedure, the hair is removed from the root. Types of hair removal are distinguished depending on the principle of exposure to the hair (light, laser, etc.). The technologies used today destroy the hair follicle itself, stopping hair growth forever. In other words, epilation is a method of removing unwanted hair with the help of certain physical effects with a long-term effect.
The process requires patience, since the devices can only affect the hairs at a certain stage of growth, while at the same time they are at completely different stages of development: some have just appeared above the skin, others have already “aged”, and still others are only being laid in the bulbs. To completely get rid of vegetation, you will need a course of 5 to 10 procedures, all individually.
Pros and cons of hair removal
There are many benefits to epilation.
As a result of the destruction of the hair follicle, the growth of new hair stops.
All-season procedure.
A second session and all subsequent ones are carried out at intervals of about once a month (depending on the growth of dormant hairs).
After a full course, the hair does not grow and the skin becomes smooth for a very long time.
Minimizes the number of ingrown hairs.
As for the cons, they also, alas, are.
Depending on the method and type of epilation, the process can be painful.
The skin sometimes becomes irritated.
High price.
Types of hair removal
When choosing one or another method of hair removal, we focus on the main criteria: that it is not painful and preferably not too expensive. Let us tell you in more detail what epilation is.
Laser Hair Removal
One of the most popular hair removal methods is fast and almost painless thanks to new devices. The doctor selects the laser of the desired intensity and pulse strength. All types of hair are affected.
Photoepilation
The hair follicle during the session is destroyed by a light pulse. But flashes affect only hairs that are in the growth phase. To get rid of sleeping hairs, you will have to do several procedures.
Electrolysis
After the appearance of new modern devices in cosmetology, electrolysis is considered not the most progressive method of hair removal. Hair follicles are destroyed pointwise with the help of electric current. The procedure is long (especially for the legs), quite painful. But on the other hand, she has an undeniable plus – the hair is removed immediately and forever.
Ultrasonic hair removal
Ultrasonic hair removal is another way to remove hair for a long time. The problem is solved with the help of ultrasound, which delivers a special active substance to the hair follicles, as a result of which they are destroyed.
ELOS-epilation
This hardware technique resembles laser or photoepilation. During the session, two types of energy are used, light and electrical. This mix allows you to get rid of unwanted hairs even in the early stages of growth. However, during the procedure, you can get minor burns, which, however, pass very quickly.
AFT epilation
One of the innovative painless hair removal methods developed by Israeli scientists. It is based on a system of uniform distribution of radiation. The principle is as follows: the light pulse is absorbed by melanin, which is contained in the hair follicles, as a result of the released heat, they are destroyed. 7-10 days after the procedure, the hairs simply fall off.
By the way, this method is used not only to remove excess vegetation, but also to combat pigmentation, traces of rosacea and other skin imperfections.
Qool hair removal
This is a cold way to remove hair from the body using light radiation. Unlike laser hair removal, the laser acts directly on the hair follicle without affecting the surrounding skin. For the same reason (the skin does not heat up), the procedure is painless.
How to prepare for epilation?
In order for the epilation process to be as efficient as possible, we advise you to approach the issue thoroughly. Our advice may seem banal, however, do not neglect them.
Eliminate exposure to ultraviolet light a few days before the procedure, whether it be the open sun or a solarium cabin.
Try to grow hairs at least up to 3–5 mm by the time you visit the beautician, but no more.
On the day of epilation, go over the desired areas with a scrub, but then do not use a cream, milk or lotion to moisturize the skin. The skin must be clean.
A couple of weeks before the session, you should not use antibiotics and in general it is better to limit medication.
How to care for the skin after epilation?
Skin irritation after epilation is completely normal. For recovery, light lotions or fluids with aloe extract are suitable for her, which will not only moisturize, but also soothe.
You should not immediately apply deodorant to the skin after the procedure, it is better to wait 10-12 hours.
Also, on the day of hair removal, it is not recommended to take a bath, go to the pool, as an infection can get into open pores and cause pustules.
For the next two or three days, forget about tanning to avoid unwanted pigmentation.
After the procedure, do not forget to moisturize the skin.
We have prepared a small overview of suitable cosmetics for skin care.
Lipid-restoring balm for face and body Lipikar Baume AP + M, La Roche-Posay
Soothes the skin, reduces the feeling of dryness. The active ingredient Aqua Posae Filiformis regulates the natural microflora of the skin. The tool also restores its lipid barrier.
Cream deodorant for sensitive skin and skin after epilation Deodorant Bocage, Lancôme
Thanks to its soft texture, the cream perfectly cares for the sensitive skin of the armpits, including after epilation.
Moisturizing body milk Lait Corporel, Biotherm
Moisturizing lotion for dry and very dry skin of the face and body, CeraVe
It has a light and non-greasy texture, perfectly moisturizes, restores and strengthens the skin’s protective barrier. Provides 24 hours of hydration, restores and strengthens the protective skin barrier.
Summary results
What is the difference between epilation and depilation?
During depilation, the hair itself is removed – with or without a root; The effect lasts up to 3 weeks depending on the method.
Epilation in one way or another destroys the hair follicle, and the hair stops growing.
What type of epilation is preferable?
It all depends on the budget and in some cases on the type of hair (for example, photoepilation is not suitable for removing light hair on the body). As numerous reviews on the Internet show, laser hair removal, AFT and Qool hair removal are the most popular. Their advantage is that they are considered painless and highly effective. If you set a goal, then in 5-7 months you can completely get rid of excess hair on the body, subject to the regularity of the procedures.
How to properly care for the skin after epilation?
It is worth adhering to a special algorithm of actions. A hint from our expert Maria Nevskaya:
On the day of the procedure, the areas for epilation should not be wetted (to prevent folliculitis).
Over the next 2-3 days, you should not sunbathe, go to the bathhouse and sauna, and wear tight underwear and clothes that can provoke irritation.
Starting from the second day, use moisturizing and restoring gels or creams with panthenol until the next epilation session – to prevent ingrown hairs due to increased dryness of the skin.
For the same purpose, it makes sense to use a scrub once a week. In the bikini area and armpits, it is recommended to use special products to slow down hair growth on an ongoing basis.