The autumn season may be knocking on our doors which means fewer
opportunities to step out in beautiful swimsuits, but grooming your nether
regions never really goes out of vogue. That move is fashionable all year round!
A University of Texas study found that 77% of women cite shaving as their bikini
line grooming go-to. And of course, with that, you can get bumps, redness and
irritation. But, is it possible to shave AND avoid these? You bet!
Check out these tips:
1. Invest in a good razor
When it comes to other beauty products, you go
top of the line so why not do the same when choosing your razor? Picking the
right one could make all the difference. “If there are more blades, it dispenses
more pressure, allowing each blade to cut with less force but more effect,” says
Dendy Engelman, M.D., of Manhattan Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery in New York
City. Remember, disposable razors are called disposable for a reason. “They’re
not meant to be used for a month,” says Eileen Bischoff, esthetician and
hair-removal specialist at Eve Salon in New York City. “Choosing a firm, sturdy
razor with soothing strips will make a huge difference.”
2. Prep the area
If it has been a long time between shaves, you might
want to consider trimming the hair first. It should be about a quarter inch
long. Next, soak the area in warm water for 10 minutes. This will help you
prevent razor burn by softening up the outer layer of skin and making the hair
easier to remove. After the 10 minutes, pat the area dry to remove excess water.
Then, it is time for a little light exfoliating action. “Using a wet washcloth
or an exfoliating scrub teases out any stubborn ingrown hairs prior to shaving,”
says Engelman.
3. Apply shaving cream
“When you shave, you’re shaving your skin, too,”
says Bischoff. “If you don’t use enough shaving cream to create enough slip,
you’ll lightly abrade your skin, leaving it irritated.” It is tempting to skip
the cream or to buy something cheap but like choosing a razor, quality
matters. “Use a good-quality shaving gel with a short list of moisturizing
ingredients, like shea butter, olive oil, and coconut oil—these types of bases
will give a proper buffer for your razor,” says Engelman. And don't lather up
like crazy, just a thin layer is perfect. You should still be able to see the
skin and hair follicle. “This is much safer, so there’s no need to move the
blade back and forth on the skin,” says Fumi Ozaki, an esthetician and
electrologist in Redondo Beach, California.
4. Shave smart
“
How you shave can be really, really important,
especially for people who are prone to bumps,” says Bischoff. “This is because
if you shave against the hair growth, the razor will nick the follicle and
almost always leave a red bump." Gently glide along the bikini line, keeping the
blade downward. No need to apply pressure. “One pass should be fine, especially
if you’re using a razor that has many blades,” says Ozaki. “The more blades
used, the fewer times you should feel the need to re-shave over this sensitive
area.”
5. Rinse immediately post shave
As soon as you put your razor down, wash
and hold a compress to the area for 10 minutes. You can also apply an
anti-redness serum -- preferably one without fragrance. “I recommend tea tree
oil, both a natural anti-inflammatory and antiseptic, which can help calm razor
burn,” says Engelman. “If you’ve really caused some irritation, more intense
creams, like topical steroids, can be prescribed to reduce redness, swelling,
and pain."
6. Follow up with a moisturizer
Always hydrate and
moisturize after shaving. “Apply an unscented, alcohol-free moisturizer to both
sides of the bikini line to lock in the moisture and avoid over-drying, which
leads to further irritation,” says Engelman. “Skip heavy creams, which can clog
your skin’s pores.” Look for something that contains aloe or lavender oil as
both have soothing properties.
7. Clean your razor
After each use, clean your razor blades with rubbing
alcohol and warm water. If you see rust or have been using the same blade for a
while, toss it. “Replace old blades—ones you’ve used for more than five to seven
shaves,” says Engelman. Doing this can help prevent bacteria that can grow while
the razor sits in the shower between uses. Well, I've been shaving for years --
I'm too wimpy to wax, and I definitely learned a thing or two here. How about
you? How do you keep your delicate areas looking soft and smooth? Source:
Women's Health
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