Body Hair

Excess Body Hair:

If you want smooth, flawless skin on your body, you have to tackle the ins and outs of removing hair.

Depilatory Creams:
If you're in a hurry to remove hair, depilatory creams are a good bet.They're easy to apply and effective in the short run by removing hair just below the skin's surface.Their disadvantage is that the chemicals that "burn off" hair can also cause skin irritation.Those with very sensitive skin may not be able to tolerate depilatory creams.(Never use them around the eye area.) For best results, first apply a warm washcloth to the area; this will soften the hair and open the follicles so the depilatory can be better absorbed.Never leave the cream on your skin longer than recommended.Instead of rinsing, wipe it off with the washcloth and then rinse.Test the cream on a patch on your forearm before using it to determine whether your skin reacts to it adversely (some cause skin discolouration or staining; others provoke allergies).If your skin breaks out, wash the area with an anti-bacterial solution (like Betadine) and consult a doctor.And never apply it on an area that has any cuts, scratches or other wounds.

Brazilian Waxing:
Waxing and sugaring are the best ways to remove hair from the bikini area.Thses methods give a clean, smooth surface and the longest-lasting results.Hair grows back finer because waxing pulls the hair out below the surface of the skin.Expect to be waxed to the max if you visit a salon for a Brazilian Treatment.It removes the hair from the entire pubic region, except for a small patch just above the vaginal area.The key to allowing wax to penetrate into the follicles (and provide the closest possible wax) is to relax.And many women claim the treatment is not nearly as painful as it sounds.

Sugaring:
And ancient method, its similar to waxing, although the sugar is only slightly warmed (never as hot as wax).As it tends to stick only to the hairs, not to the skin, it causes less discomfort.Warm sugar is applied to the skin and then removed with muslin strips.It takes a certain skill-nimble fingers-to perform this procedure, and some say sugaring is not as effective as waxing in the end.

Laser:
When used for hair removal, laser light passes through the skin to the hair follicle, where the hair absorbs it and is destroyed.Because the light is attracted to dark colours, those with light skin and dark hair often see the best results.Darker skin absorbs some of the laser light, which can cause burning.For these people, lower-level light is recommended, but often is less effective.Currently there is no guarantee that laser hair removal is permanent, but hair does tend to grow lighter each time.Laser treatment can be expensive so choose wisely, know what results to expect, and go to a reputable practitioner.

Shaving:
Shaving is the most easy and inexpensive way to remove body hair and is especially effective on the legs and underarms.Although safety razors provide a close shave (outperforming electric shavers by far), the results are temporary.Regrowth usually occurs within 2-3 days.For the smoothest, closest shave always use a new blade and a light touch.Wet the skin thouroughly and apply a shaving gel or cream (soap is too drying) to keep the skin soft and moist.This prevents nicks and makes it easier to shave the hair.Starting at the ankle, shave in the opposite direction of the hair growth, drawing the razor up the leg.Since underarm hair grows in many directions, you may have to stroke in several different directions.For the bikini area, pull the skin fairly taut with the fingers of your free hand so the surface is flat.If you need to shave a specific area twice, apply additional gel or cream.Rinse the skin and gently towel dry.Use oil or moisturizer to finish.Avoid shaving dry or sunburned skin.Dont shave before an exfoliating treatment (shaving itself is a form of exfoliation).Never use a blunt razor or share a razor with someone else (especially one that has been used on a beard).

Skin Irritations:
1.Unsightly Red Shaving Bumps:
These often occur because there are oil glands attached to nerve endings, which are easily irritated.To avoid this, try dissolving two aspirins (anti-inflammatory) and a drop of glycerine in one-fourth cup of distilled water; apply the mixture after removing hair.Using an antiseptic cream to calm the skin after shaving can also be helpful.
2.Razor Burn:This can occur when you're pressing too hard or if you shave with a dull blade or with a blade thats been left open in a bacteria encouraging puddle.The thing to do is change the blade at least once a week.Also, be sure to let warm water soften your skin and hair before getting started, and use plenty of moisturising shaving cream-not soap-as an added cushion.
3.Post Waxing Red Marks: The only thing more annoying than unwanted hair is getting rid of the post waxing red marks it leaves behind.Soothe the skin by applying cold compresses and keeping your skincare routine down to water and light moisturisers for a few days.Dont layer on products in the hope that one of them will do the trick; it will just exacerbate the situation.For a quick fix, apply some concealer and powder.The marks should disappear in a day or so.