Irritation after depilation

Facial and body hair removal is a popular procedure for women and men. Whatever tool you choose, a razor or hot wax, your skin can become irritated. Let’s learn how to get rid of it.

Signs of irritation after depilation

Irritation is an absolutely normal skin reaction to hair removal with tweezers, wax, a razor or an electric epilator, because this procedure injures the skin and hair follicles. To make the instructions for eliminating irritation as useful as possible, we first find out what is the difference between epilation and depilation.
  • RџSЂRё hair removal hair is removed completely, along with the root. This effect can be achieved with a laser, electric epilator, sugaring or wax.

  • Depilation – the procedure for removing the visible part of the hair, for example, with a razor or depilatory cream.

After the procedure, the skin may behave differently, depending on its initial state and the method of hair removal.

  • Dryness and flaking occur, as a rule, after using a razor – the blade injures the upper layer of the epidermis, damaging its integrity.

  • Appearance of red dots at the site of hair removal – a common problem for those who use an epilator or wax. Usually the points pass quickly: after a couple of days if the skin is normal, a little longer if it is sensitive.

  • Ingrown hair appear on the skin, which has a thicker stratum corneum, and cause various inconveniences – from an unaesthetic appearance to the risk of inflammation.

  • Extensive redness may indicate an allergic reaction to the components of the depilator or a burn after epilation with hot wax or sugar

Take our test and find out if your cream is right for you.

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Causes of irritation

The chances of a negative skin reaction after depilation are really high. And there are explanations for this.

The skin often reacts with irritation to the hair removal procedure.

Microtrauma

Even the most advanced razor, when shaving hairs, injures the top layer of the skin, which can lead to redness, dryness, and flaking.

Injury to the nerve endings causes a natural response in the form of local redness – red dots appear in place of the hair follicles.

Pollution

If, in addition to red dots, after depilation, small inflammatory elements with pus inside appear on the skin, epilation probably led to damage to the barrier properties of the epidermis and disruption of the normal bacterial flora.

Ingrown hair

If the stratum corneum of the skin is thickened, for example, with hyperkeratosis, and the cells of the epidermis are renewed too slowly, the hair begins to grow. Unable to reach the surface, the hairs grow in the skin, forming bumps and dark spots.

Allergic reaction

In this case, not only irritation and redness of the skin are possible, but also itching and even swelling.

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How to reduce the likelihood of irritation: your actions before depilation

In order for the skin to react to hair removal as painlessly as possible, it is worth preparing it for the procedure in advance.

  1. exfoliate

    The best prevention for ingrown hairs is timely exfoliation. Use scrubs at least once a week.

  2. Moisturize

    If your problem is post-epilation dryness and flaking, start intensively moisturizing the skin a few days before the procedure. The easiest option is to apply daily body cream immediately after a shower.

  3. Absorb

    Immediately before waxing, the master treats the skin with powder or talcum powder. This is an important point: after all, the more moist the skin is, the longer it will take to work on it and the stronger the irritation will be.

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How to reduce irritation: what to do after depilation

For different types of procedures, methods for eliminating irritation and redness are different.

A few days before waxing, start moisturizing your skin.

  • After treatment with a razor or depilatory cream, a moisturizer with soothing ingredients (allantoin, chamomile extract) is useful.

  • After epilation with wax or an electric epilator, on the contrary, it is not necessary to moisturize the skin on the first day. It is best to avoid getting water on the hair removal sites. Apply an absorbent powder, this will prevent the growth of bacteria in the follicles.

  • To prevent ingrown hairs, you can treat the skin with a special tool or practice gentle exfoliation.

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Ways to eliminate irritation

The skin on different areas of the face and body reacts to hair removal in different ways. For example, the skin of the legs becomes dry, and inflammatory elements may appear in the bikini area.

After hair removal, apply a moisturizing soothing cream to the skin.

  • A frequent companion of irritation after epilation is small inflammatory rashes. This is folliculitis. To prevent its occurrence after hair removal with wax, tweezers or cream treat the skin with an antiseptic.

  • If irritation on the skin of the legs, arms and body occurs after a razor, generously lubricate the treated areas soothing cream.

  • From irritation after epilation with wax or an electric epilator, ordinary baby powder or any product with talc in the composition.

In no case do not wet the skin after epilation (a procedure involving the removal of hair from the root): moisture can increase the negative reaction of the skin. To prevent or reduce inflammation, use talcum powder.

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Funds overview

These soothing and restorative products can be helpful before, during and after depilation and epilation.

Before the procedure

Body Scrub “Precious Beauty Scrub”, Garnier

Seeds of cupuaçu tree fruits exfoliate dead cells, a complex of four oils softens the skin. Apply under the shower with light massaging movements, rinse with water.

During the procedure

Shaving foam for sensitive skin Men Expert, L’Oréal Paris

Alcohol-free product with aloe vera extract is designed for sensitive skin. Reduces irritation from shaving, reduces discomfort.

Shaving foam against skin irritation, Vichy Homme

Soothes the skin while shaving. Reduces the likelihood of irritation due to antibacterial action.

After the procedure

After Shave Gel “Hydra Energy” for sensitive skin Men Expert, L’Oréal Paris

Due to the cooling component in the composition, it reduces burning sensation and reduces redness after shaving. Thanks to its light texture, it does not feel sticky.

Soothing aftershave gel for irritated skin Post Shave Repair Gel, Kiehl’s

Contains Aloe Vera Concentrate, Squalane & Peppermint Extract to instantly soothe & comfort skin.

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