Truth being spoken, facial hair is a natural phenomenon. Nevertheless, it may turn out to be an issue once it gets dark and noticeable – and it can dent one’s confidence. However, there is no need to fret, because using a hair removal cream is arguably one of the quickest, easiest and least painful options.
Here are some points to keep in mind the next time you go in for a facial hair removal cream.
Do’s of Facial Hair Removal
1. Wait for reasonable hair growth:
Heading for a facial hair removal cream before you really need to could do more harm than good. You might have on too much cream for hair that is less than required in order for just those tiny hair to get removed. And you definitely do not want any unnecessary rashes or skin damage, do you?
2. Find out your skin type:
Which hair removal cream to use will vary depending on what your skin type is. The way the hair around your lips will benefit from depilatory creams will naturally differ from those in between your eyebrows. And clearly, a very sensitive skin may want to pick a hair removal cream that is way less potent than that for a normal or an oily one.
3. Try patch tests:
Do a patch test to ensure your skin is not irritated by the hair removal cream. Be sure to check what areas and number of applications work best for you and your skin.
4. Pat, don’t rub:
While wiping away your facial hair removal cream, it is best to use a damp washcloth or sponge, and gently wipe in the opposite direction of hair growth. Once all hair has been removed, rinse your skin thoroughly with lukewarm water and pat your skin dry to prevent irritation and to ensure there is no lingering cream left.
5. Ice and soothe your face:
If you have a sensitive skin, you may be no stranger to seeing your skin flare up after a hair removal process. This is the part you make a beeline to the refrigerator and pull out an ice tray. Place 4-5 cubes of ice in a muslin cloth and dab it over the inflamed areas. What’s more? It also helps close pores that are left open post the removal of the hair.
6. Don’t exceed the maximum time:
Granted, it is incredibly tempting to leave the hair removal cream on longer just to make sure every last bit of hair has been removed. Having said that, the shorter the amount of time the hair removal cream is in contact with your skin, the less likely you are to develop redness or irritation.
7. Apply evenly:
Apply an even layer over the hair you want to remove. Use a spatula, if provided. Uneven application could lead to your hair coming off in patches, leaving you with little areas of unwanted hair here and there. Remember: you only need so much hair removal cream so as to coat the hair you’re trying to remove. Nothing more, nothing less.
8. Read the specific instructions:
Read any specific warnings in the directions, like avoiding sunbathing, swimming, and tanning for 24 hours. You might also want to wait at least 24 hours before using antiperspirant or products with fragrances. Moreover, this will allow you to learn the potential side effects and check the ingredients for anything you may be allergic to.
Don’ts of Facial Hair Removal
1. Touch your face too much:
Picking your face before or after applying a hair removal cream is not something you should make a habit of. This is because the skin will be subjected to harsh effects of the hair removal cream anyway, and picking it will only irritate your skin further. This could lead to rashes and inflammation which could well take some time to dwindle.
2. Moisturise beforehand:
Moisturising your face before a hair removal cream isn’t the smartest thing to do, since it won’t work well on moisturised skin as well. It makes the hair stick to your skin and it will be difficult for the hair removal cream to pull it out. Save the moisturising for the after.
3. Step out of the sun:
Stepping out in the hot sun will make your skin all the more sensitive after all that it has been through with the hair removal cream. It is best to stay indoors for a few hours after the treatment. If you absolutely must step out, make sure you wear sunscreen 20 minutes prior to heading outside.
4. Apply Hair Removal Cream on/around acne:
Doing any sort of hair removal process on skin that has active acne will only damage your skin further and aggravate your acne. It is advisable to wait until your skin has cleared out. Never treat infected or inflamed skin.
5. Do it frequently:
If used too frequently, the cream will harm the skin and may even darken it. Hair removal creams can also have potential side effects, some of which can be extremely painful.
6. Using it anywhere not meant to:
This one’s a no-brainer. While the process might seem obvious, it is imperative to read the directions and make sure you understand them before using the hair removal cream. Ensure the cream is intended for facial use, since not all hair removal creams are suitable for facial use. You can also look for a cream that is designed specifically for the type of facial hair you are looking to remove, like eyebrow hair or moustache hair. You definitely do not want to use a cream intended for thick leg hair on the thinner hair on your upper lip.
7. Leave any residue:
Remove the cream with a damp washcloth or spatula if provided. Rinse with warm water to ensure the cream is wiped off entirely. If you don’t rinse off the residue, the chemicals could remain reacting with your skin and cause a rash or chemical burn.