Summer is the season when we shave the most… but also when the sun can weaken the skin. Razor, wax, epilator, depilatory cream or laser: not all methods react in the same way to UV. Here are the deadlines to respect before exposing yourself, as well as the new beauty products that can make your routine easier.
In summer, not all hair removal methods are equal in the sun
Before a day at the beach or prolonged exposure, the choice of hair removal method is very important. Indeed, certain techniques further sensitize the skin and increase the risk of redness, irritation or pigment spots after exposure to UV.
The razor remains the method most compatible with vacations. By simply cutting the hair at the surface of the skin, it causes little inflammation. On the other hand, the blade removes a tiny part of the protective layer of the epidermis, which can make the skin more sensitive for a few hours. The ideal is therefore to shave the day before or at least a few hours before exposing yourself to the sun.
Conversely, wax and electric epilators pull out the hair at the root. This action causes a natural inflammatory reaction which weakens the skin. Immediate exposure to the sun can accentuate redness, cause irritation or encourage the appearance of pigment spots, particularly on dark or dark skin. It is therefore recommended to wait between 24 and 48 hours before tanning.
Depilatory creams, which dissolve hair using chemical active ingredients, can also sensitize the skin. Even if they do not mechanically attack the epidermis, it is better to wait 24 hours before significant exposure to the sun.
Finally, regarding laser or pulsed light hair removal, caution remains essential. According to aesthetic doctor Gérard Boutboul, founder of the EstheClinic center, it is possible to carry out a session before or after sun exposure, provided that you avoid any exposure during the three days before and after the session. He specifies that the Permanent Pulse® technology used by EstheClinic also makes it possible to treat certain recently tanned skin, provided that it does not show any sunburn or irritation and that the parameters are adapted to the patient’s phototype.
How to limit ingrown hairs after hair removal?
Repeated waxing or shaving can cause ingrown hairs to appear. This phenomenon occurs when the hair fails to penetrate the epidermis or grows back under the skin. Result: redness, spots and inflammation.
Several factors can promote their appearance: clothing that is too tight, thick skin which accumulates dead cells, or even naturally fine, curly or curved hair.
To limit this risk, Acorelle offers its Organic Anti-Ingrown Hair Treatment (50 ml, €9.95). ECOCERT and Cosmébio certified, and made in France, this treatment combines AHAs, notably lactic acid, to gently exfoliate and promote cell renewal. Its formula also contains organic honey and organic wheat alcohol to cleanse the skin, as well as organic aloe vera and vegetable glycerin to soothe and hydrate the epidermis. It can be used after hair removal or daily to prevent ingrown hairs.
Three new features for a more comfortable hair removal routine
Several new products accompany hair removal and shaving procedures this summer.
Wilkinson Sword launches the Quattro razor (€7.50) and its four-blade refills (€10.95). The razor has four blades, a patented protective grid designed to limit micro-cuts, a titanium and diamond coating as well as a lubricating strip enriched with aloe vera. Its handle is made with more than 30% recycled materials.
For its part, Nair is focusing on a more sensory experience with two new body depilatory creams (100 ml tube, €4). The first combines argan oil and orange blossom extract, with a fragrance with notes of orange blossom and bergamot. The second contains coconut oil and vitamin E, with a scent inspired by coconut water and aloe vera. Both formulas come in tubes made with recycled plastic and promise fast, effective and pain-free hair removal.