Epilating? No pain, no gain? Not anymore!

Epilating has long been regarded as an effective way to remove unwanted hair from various parts of the body. However, the pain associated with the process has been a major drawback, causing many people to avoid epilating altogether. But the good news is that with some simple tricks and tips, epilating can be made less painful, and you can enjoy silky-smooth skin without the fear of pain.

1. Epilate After a Warm Shower

Epilating after a shower helps to soften the skin and open up the hair follicles, making it easier for the hairs to be pulled out. This reduces the pain and discomfort you feel during the process.

What to do:

Take a warm shower or bath before epilating. If taking a shower is not possible, you can use a warm towel to dampen the skin for a few minutes.

2. Exfoliate your Skin

Exfoliating your skin before epilating helps to remove dead skin cells and unclog hair follicles, making it easier for the hairs to be pulled out. This also reduces the risk of ingrown hairs.

What to do:

Use a gentle scrub or exfoliating glove to exfoliate your skin a day or two before epilating. Avoid over-exfoliating as this can cause skin irritation.

3. Use a Good Quality Epilator

The quality of the epilator you use can make a huge difference in the pain you experience during epilation. Low-quality epilators may not be able to remove hairs effectively, requiring multiple passes over the same area, which can be painful.

What to do:

Invest in a high-quality epilator with multiple tweezers and varying speed settings to suit your needs. Look for epilators with features like a pivoting head and massage rollers to reduce pain and discomfort.

4. Numb the Skin with Ice

Numbing the skin before epilating can help to reduce the pain and discomfort you feel. Ice is a natural numbing agent that can be used to achieve this.

What to do:

Wrap some ice cubes in a towel or washcloth and apply it to the area you want to epilate for a few minutes. This will numb the skin, reducing the pain and discomfort during epilation.

5. Use a Numbing Cream

If you have sensitive skin or find epilation very painful, you can use a numbing cream before the process. These creams contain ingredients like lidocaine or benzocaine that numb the skin.

What to do:

Apply the numbing cream to the area you want to epilate and wait for the recommended amount of time before starting the process. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use.

6. Stretch the Skin

Stretching the skin helps to make the hair stand upright, making it easier for the epilator to pull it out. This also reduces the pain and discomfort caused during epilation.

What to do:

Use one hand to stretch the skin taut while holding the epilator with the other hand. This makes it easier to remove the hairs and reduces the risk of skin damage.

7. Epilate Regularly

Epilating frequently helps to reduce the pain and discomfort associated with the process. Regular epilation also helps to minimize hair growth, making the process quicker and less painful over time.

What to do:

Epilate every 2-3 weeks once the hair starts to grow back. This will help to reduce the pain gradually and make the process more comfortable over time.

8. Take Painkillers

If you have a low pain threshold or find epilation very painful, you can take painkillers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen before the process. These help to reduce pain and discomfort.

What to do:

Take the painkiller around 30 minutes before epilation. Follow the recommended dosage and consult a doctor if you have any medical conditions or are taking other medication.

Conclusion

Epilating may seem painful, but with a few simple tricks and tips, you can make the process more comfortable and less painful. Follow the tips mentioned above and enjoy the benefits of silky-smooth skin without the fear of pain.

Common Questions:

  • Q. Is epilating more painful than waxing?
  • A. This depends on the individual’s pain tolerance and the area being treated. However, with regular epilation and the tips mentioned above, the pain can be reduced over time.

  • Q. Can I use a numbing spray instead of a numbing cream?
  • A. Yes, numbing sprays are also available in the market. However, sprays may not be as effective as creams as the skin may not absorb them as well.

  • Q. Should I epilate on dry or wet skin?
  • A. Epilating on wet skin is recommended as it reduces pain and discomfort during the process. However, some epilators can also be used on dry skin.

  • Q. Can I use an epilator on sensitive skin?
  • A. Yes, most high-quality epilators come with adjustable speed settings that can be adjusted to suit your skin type. However, it is always recommended to do a patch test before using any new product on your skin.

  • Q. How often should I exfoliate my skin before epilating?
  • A. Exfoliating once or twice a week is recommended. Avoid over-exfoliating as this can cause skin irritation.

References:

  • Nair, S. (2021). 8 tips to minimize pain while epilating. Health Shots. https://www.healthshots.com/beauty/skin-care/8-tips-to-minimize-pain-while-epilating
  • Sinha, U. (2021). 5 ways to make epilation less painful. NDTV Food. https://food.ndtv.com/beauty/5-ways-to-make-epilation-less-painful-1624955
  • Epilation tips for beautiful and smooth skin. Braun. https://uk.braun.com/en-gb/female-hair-removal/all-about-hair-removal/epilation-hints-tips

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