There are various types of hair removal, including shaving, waxing, or hair removal creams. Each method differs in benefits and characteristics; however, they all share one common need: the importance of exfoliation before hair removal. This article presents the significance of this practice in enhancing the process of hair removal and discusses the best practices of exfoliation.
Understanding Exfoliation (1)
Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells, any debris, dirt, and oils from the outer layer of the skin, which can be done either by physical methods, such as scrubs or by chemical methods.
Doing this process properly helps prevent skin damage, redness, or acne formation. However, not every skin type is suitable for exfoliation. For example, sensitive skin may burn or hurt after exfoliation, while normal skin often responds well.
Benefits of Exfoliating Before Hair Removal (2,3,4)
1.Minimizes the Risk of Ingrown Hairs
One of the main reasons people exfoliate is to prevent ingrown hair, which can be annoying and inconvenient. Ingrown hair can be caused by dead skin cells, and exfoliation removes these cells, allowing hair to grow properly.
2.Ensures a Smoother Skin
Naturally, the body sheds dead skin almost every 30 days for new skin to form; however, some dead skin cells don’t shed. Exfoliation removes these cells and prevents hair follicles from being blocked, therefore the hair removal process becomes more effective and less painful. This results in smoother skin with minimal chances of irritation, breakouts, or skin burns.
3.Enhances Treatment Efficacy
Exfoliation enhances the absorption of hair removal gels and creams by removing any debris and excess skin cells, allowing direct contact between the product and the skin. These products then effectively break down proteins in the hair, making it easily wiped. The same concept applies to laser hair removal treatments; as exfoliation allows the laser device to penetrate effectively, disabling more hair follicles.
4.Improves Skin Health and Reduced Aging
Regular and proper exfoliation stimulates blood circulation, encourages cell turnover, and increases collagen production, resulting in younger, healthier, smoother, and more radiant skin.
5.Reduces Post-Hair Removal Irritation (5)
Hair removal from clean, dirt-free skin that has been exfoliated properly results in clear and healthy skin with a reduced risk of acne, irritation, and rashes. This makes the whole hair removal process more convenient and comfortable.
Best Practices for Exfoliation (6)
It is essential to properly exfoliate the skin to enhance skin texture and prevent skin irritations and acne formation. However, over-exfoliation can result in dryness, itching, redness, and inflammation. The right practices for exfoliation include the following:
- Exfoliate depending on your skin type, as the following:
- Dry skin needs a mild exfoliating cleanser, followed by a moisturizer. Avoid chemical exfoliation.
- Oily skin requires physical exfoliation with scrubs or brushes.
- Combination skin needs a combination of exfoliation techniques, such as scrubs and exfoliating cleansers; however, these two methods must be separated in time if applied to the same area.
- Sensitive skin should avoid scrubs. Instead, it is recommended to use a small quantity of mild serum, followed by a moisturizer.
- Normal skin can use any preferred exfoliation method that doesn’t irritate the skin.
- Timing: Exfoliate 1-2 days before the hair removal process to allow skin recovery and prevent any potential skin harm.
- Skin Hydration: Moisturize your skin after exfoliation to prevent skin dryness and irritation.
References
- https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/routine/safely-exfoliate-at-home
- https://myethosspa.com/should-i-exfoliate-before-laser-hair-removal/
- https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/meaning-of-exfoliating#benefits
- https://www.gslorganics.org/post/top-5-benefits-of-exfoliating
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4720453/
- https://www.grove.co/blog/10-tips-to-properly-exfoliate-your-face-and-body#6Gjw01x9GrO62KgboIQA6E
