Kayla Young
Have you ever used an epilator before and were dissatisfied with the results? Sometimes when using an epilator we make minor mistakes when holding the device. If left untreated, these minor mistakes can lead to red, sore, bumpy skin.Â
For those who have yelled “Help! An Epilator Ruined My Skin”, this article is here to help. We’ll give you the information needed to determine the cause of the skin issues and how to prevent them.Â
By the end, you’ll have enough information on how to protect your skin from your epilator. Always be careful when operating it, and use it once your hair grows back at a reasonable size.
That being said, let’s get started!
Contents
Help! An Epilator Ruined My Skin
For first-time users, chances are you’ve been surprised by the results of an epilator on your skin, whether it just be left-over stubble, ingrown hairs, or red, sore bumps. Fortunately, there are some ways to diagnose the cause of this problem.Â
If the epilator has ruined your skin, there are multiple reasons behind it. First, it could be due to the lack of preparation before using the epilator.
Let’s face it, if you’re going to use one, it’s best to make sure that your skin is moisturized before turning it on.Â
Many find epilating in water to be more effective and less painful.
Or, it could be a sign of ingrown hairs.
When you’re finished epilating, your skin will appear bare. To protect your skin, make sure you don’t use any fragrance or scents. This will further irritate the skin and lead to further issues.
Use aloe vera to aid in soothing your skin. If you’re serious about protecting your skin, make sure that it is cleaned regularly.
Why Is My Skin Reacting To The Epilator?
With any skincare routine, our skin might react negatively. Here are some reasons why:
1. Cheap Epilator
The quality of your epilator will determine what results you’ll get. The tweezers of the epilator could be the reason why your skin is reacting differently. If the device has a small number of tweezers, it will remove less hair from the root.
On average, a good epilator will have 20-60 tweezers. This gives you enough tweezers to prevent ingrown hairs while removing unnecessary hair from your body.
Stick to good brands like Philips or Braun.
See also:
2. Loose Skin
You might not be passing over the skin taut with the epilator.
During this process, the epilator is unable to grab the hair near the root and breaks the hair shaft midway.
How can you solve this issue?
Make sure that the epilator head is as flat as possible.
This makes it easier for it to grab onto the skin and remove it. In areas like your upper thighs and armpits, you can use one hand to pull your skin and start epilating.Â
3. Reaction To Pain
Your skin is going to be less durable at first. When you use the epilator for the first time, your skin will become more sensitive.
If it hurts, you might be afraid of pressing your epilator head flat towards the skin.Â
The epilator will feel more painful when hair is removed from the roots. However, it will feel less painful if the hair is removed halfway.
How To Use An Epilator Correctly
Poor technique can lead to ruined skin.
To effectively use an epilator, read the directions on your particular device first. That way, you can utilize it correctly and reduce the chances of nicking your skin.Â
Make sure you shave a few days before you use an epilator. This helps you remove excessive hair and get it prepared for the epilator’s tweezers.Â
You wait your hairs to be somewhere around 1/8″ in length.
Once you’ve understood how to use your epilator, it’s time to start using it on your body. Start by targeting less sensitive areas such as your arms or legs. After you’ve gotten used to the epilator, you’ll have the muscle memory to utilize it to your advantage.
What Are Ingrown Hairs?
While virtually anyone can receive ingrown hairs, people with coarse or curly hair are more likely to have them. Ingrown hairs form when the dead skin cells and hair follicles are clogged together.
The average human sheds 600,000 skin particles an hour. If the dead layer particles aren’t removed, the hair will remain trapped under the epidermis. As a result, ingrown hairs start to form, which can lead to further skin damage if you’re not careful.
Epilator Disadvantages
Epilators are good for hair removal, but that doesn’t mean they’re perfect. Here are some of the disadvantages you might experience when using an epilator.
Pain
Epilator users experience pain when using the device. Depending on where you epilate, some compare it to getting a tattoo.
However, some people have a higher pain tolerance and state that they barely feel any pain. But the act of pulling out multiple hairs with tweezers does appear pretty painful.Â
Most users stated that the pain resided after using the epilator multiple times.
That’s because once the hair is removed from the root, it comes back weaker and thinner than it was previously.Â
Once you’ve used the epilator for a year, you’ll realize you won’t have to reuse an epilator for 5-6 weeks.
Time
Another reason why epilators are disadvantageous is that they take more time than shaving or waxing methods. This is true, especially if it’s your first time using it.
Alternatively, you can epilate your body by section if you’re busy. For example, you can epilate your underarms in the morning, and then your legs during the evening, and clean your back during the next day.
Some people like this method because they don’t have to go through the process of waiting for each session. The time is easier if you can do it over 5-minute increments.
How To Protect My Skin From Ingrown Hairs?
To reduce the amount of skin damage and ingrown hairs, you must have a good skincare routine. Always make sure that the epilator is clean before attempting to use it. Doing so prevents bacteria and dirt from getting clogged with your pores.
Next, always wash with soap before epilating. This ensures that you’re removing your hair on a clean surface. Lastly, use a toner to close up the pores. If you follow these steps, your pores, hairs, and skin will thank you!
