Getting a Smoother, More Comfortable Shave

February 25, 2013 by Leave a Comment

shaving techniques for smooth skinSmooth skin that is silky and free of stubble is what all women aim for. No one wants to feel prickly or have irritated skin because it is annoying and can kill some confidence. There are some things that you can do to ensure you are getting a close shave that reveals nothing, but silky, healthy skin.

How is Your Skin?

Assessing your skin before shaving is very important. If you have razor bumps, excessive dryness or redness then shaving could just make this worse. This does mean that the hair will grow a bit, but it is critical to allow for healing. Once the issues are gone, you can shave without having to worry about worsening your skin.

Take Some Preparation Time

Before you shave take a shower in warm water so that the hairs can soften a bit. This will help to prevent some friction. This also helps to lubricate and hydrate the skin, and skin that is well-hydrated is less likely to become irritated.

Keep it Simple

When you are shaving, you do not want to go over the same area multiple times. The old rule that you should never shave against the growth direction is not true either. You can and will get a much closer shave this way. The key is to go over an area twice max so that the skin does not get traumatized.

Treat Irritated Skin

There are a variety of things you can do to calm irritation. If your skin is really sensitive stick with pure aloe vera. If this still causes discomfort then make an appointment with your dermatologist to get some advice on what you can use. A cool washcloth can help most people with mild irritation. This will provide an immediate soothing of the area.

If you are prone to ingrown hairs, you will want to exfoliate the skin at least once a week and not on a day when you shave. This will help to prevent hair follicles from getting clogged and trapping the hair in them. Benzoyl peroxide can also help with ingrown hairs by preventing inflammation. Before using a topical corticosteroid, consult a doctor. Ingrown hairs will eventually go away on their own as the body works to get them out.

Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize

Every single day you should be applying a moisturizer to your skin and this includes the skin under your arms because you shave here too. Now, if you have sensitive skin and lotion burns and stings on freshly-shaved skin, use an in-shower lotion when you skin is still wet or an oil while your skin is still wet. This significantly reduces burning and stinging on freshly-shaved skin and adds a big punch of moisture. Then, apply lotion after about 12 hours when the hair has started to grow more into the follicle. A good rule of thumb is to moisturize day and night, and always moisturize after a bath or shower because your skin is best able to absorb your creams and lotions at this time.

Filed Under: Style/Beauty Tagged With: , ,

Is Laser Hair Removal an Option for You?

October 7, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Laser hair removalAside from pumpkin pie, bonfires and Halloween parties, do you know what else fall is perfect for? Laser hair removal. Yep, that is right. It is true that with the change of seasons we begin that slow transition from barely-there summer clothes to body-hiding, toasty sweaters, unflattering hoodies and comfy fall jackets. More clothes means less incentive to shave, but the perfect time to begin laser hair removal treatment that will provide you with a silky smooth body that never has to be touched by a razor again by spring time.

Why Choose Laser Hair Removal?

The two main reasons that women choose laser hair removal are: convenience and appearance

Let’s start with appearance. Who else deals with highly sensitive skin? You know what I mean, right? Those annoying red bumps that appear within hours of shaving that look worse than leaving your legs looking like a Sasquatch  In addition to those red bumps, who has ever bought  a cheap razor and tried shaving in a rush? Do your legs resemble the legs of Bloody Mary?

Permanently de-fuzzing is also convenient. Imagine sleeping an extra twenty minutes every morning. Imagine just being able to throw on a pair of shorts or a tank top without worrying about finding a razor first. Right now I am imaging all of this and becoming very jealous.

How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?

Easy question. A concentrated beam of light is aimed at the section where hair growth is that you want eliminated. The light is absorbed by the pigment, damaging the hair follicle and eliminating future growth.

Does it Hurt?

I wouldn’t know because I am still on the jealousy train, remember? But . . . Here is what I have heard from friends who have tried the procedure. It really depends on your pain tolerance. Some say it feels like a rubber band snapping at your skin, while others insist it is not any more painful that getting your ears pierced.

Alyssa Milano Arm Hair 4 213x300 Alyssa Milano and Laser Hair Removal

Alyssa Milano is one celebrity who had laser hair removal and insisted it was more painful than a tattoo. Ouch!
Photo Obtained from Zimbio

Is it cost effective?

I think that depends on how you define cost effective. In the long run, I believe it is. Considering how expensive decent razor blades and shaving cream can be, over the course of one’s lifetime the long-term cost effectiveness of laser hair removal is unquestionable. But that doesn’t mean that it is not an investment up front. When I went to Ideal Image, they quoted me around  $1000 dollars just for underarm hair removal. The price points vary on either side of that $1000 depending on the body part you want treated. Also, keep in mind, that was about two years ago.

Another consideration when contemplating the cost-effectiveness of laser hair removal is that sometimes it doesn’t work as well as you would like. In some cases, the hair will return, maybe patchy or completely, within a few years. You should discuss this possibility with your technician if you choose to pay for laser hair removal services and ask if there is a lifetime guarantee that includes follow-up treatments.

How Do I Know if I am a Good Candidate?

It is hard for me to tell you if you are a good candidate. You would have to schedule a consultation with a certified expert. However, I can pass along some information I learned when I spoke with a treatment specialist. I learned that the greater the contrast between your hair and your skin, the better the results. For instance, I have really dark hair and fair skin. This would make me the best candidate (which I found shocking because usually I am the bad exception to everything).

Ideal Image Laser Hair Removal Endorser and Guest Karina Smirnoff

Karina Smirnoff is working with Ideal Image to obtain a sleek body perfect for dancing.
Photo Obtained from PRWeb

Why Am I Sharing This With You?

The truth? Because I heard a commercial on the radio this morning and again felt jealousy that is like a gnawing in the pit of my stomach. So, instead of lamenting on what I cannot do, I thought I would pay it forward and share with you.

Have you had laser hair removal? What advice would YOU give someone who is considering the treatment? Did it work for you? What were the pros and cons?

Filed Under: Health Tagged With: , ,