Dermatologists Share Best Practices for Home Hair Removal

 

Whether you’re shaving, waxing, or using a depilatory cream, there are certain precautions and best practices for safely doing your hair removal at home. To help, we asked dermatologists for the most important tips they share with their patients.

All hair grows from a small tube inside your skin called a hair follicle. The follicle is filled with a hard protein called keratin, which is also found in fingernails and toenails. It is not only the skin’s natural protective barrier, but it is also what makes hair feel rough and thick when you touch it.

Shaving

If you want to get rid of unwanted hair in a hurry, shaving is the fastest and cheapest option. However, it’s not as effective for long-lasting results as some other options.

While shaving, you can cut yourself or nick your skin, especially if you’re not careful. The good news is that you can minimize the risk of razor burn and other injuries by choosing a quality razor, applying a moisturizer to the area before shaving, and exfoliating afterward.

Waxing is a bit more painful than shaving, 北谷 セルフ脱毛 but it can give you two to three weeks of smooth skin. You can use a hot or cold wax kit at home, but before you start, check for any redness or irritation. Also, don’t wax if you are taking isotretinoin (a prescription acne medication that thins the skin) or have a sunburn.

Dermatologists can perform electrolysis, which permanently stops hair growth by sending an electric current through your follicles. However, you can also purchase a home electrolysis device that uses a probe to insert into your hair follicles. This method is more permanent than shaving, but it can be expensive, and you’ll need to visit the dermatologist for follow-up sessions.

There are also several at-home laser and light treatments that can reduce the appearance of unwanted hair, though it can be expensive to keep up. One of the most popular at-home options is a device that uses Intense Pulsed Light technology, like this Tria Beauty product.

This device has a skin tone sensor that automatically adjusts the light intensity to match your complexion. To use it, place the nozzle against your skin and the light will flash white to indicate a correct match. Then press the treatment button to pulse single flashes, or slide it along the skin in stamp mode for a more gradual effect. For optimal results, treat your body twice a week for four to 12 weeks.