Definition
Epilating is one of many methods of removing body hairs. In this procedure, the hair is removed completely, including the hair root, which leads to a longer lasting result than depilation (for example, shaving), in which only the visible hair is removed. A relatively common undesirable side effect of epilation is irritation of the skin, which is often indicated by red spots on the treated area.
Many people find this annoying, as the red dots on bare skin are sometimes even more noticeable than the hair before. However, there are several ways to reduce the likelihood of red spots appearing. Especially people with thick body hair can have ingrown hairs after epilation because the hairs do not grow straight out of the skin, but grow into the skin at an angle.
This is similar in appearance to pimples and is often accompanied by itching. In general, it is important to ensure a healthy general condition of the skin. It is therefore important to keep it moist and supple at all times, which is best done by using moisturizers or lotions every day.
After depilation, it is always advisable to treat the skin, which can also be done with special agents such as camomile extract, panthenol, allantoin or aloe vera. It is also helpful to have an epilation after a shower or bath. This is because at this time the skin is moist and slightly swollen, which makes it easier to pluck the hairs out.
The correct use of an epilator also reduces the risk of red spots: When epilating, you should always work against the direction of hair growth. Massage also has a positive effect on the skin. That is why many epilators have a massage attachment already integrated.
If this is not the case, the skin can be massaged with an exfoliating glove, for example, before use. As a rule, the red spots appear most strongly after the first epilation. After the skin has become accustomed to the process, this skin reaction subsides or disappears completely for most people.
It is important to distinguish the more or less “natural” red spots as a result of the irritation caused by epilation from more extensive redness, which is more likely to indicate a real inflammatory or allergic reaction of the skin and can be caused, for example, by the use of certain creams or shaving foam. Especially people with light skin suffer from unsightly red spots after epilation. In some cases the skin “gets used” to the procedure after several times of using the epilator and the red dots no longer appear.
However, many users find it difficult to get a grip on these unsightly spots. Nevertheless, there are some tips to help prevent the formation of red spots after epilation. After and before depilation, the affected area of skin should be cleaned with warm water and some shower gel.
In this way the blood circulation is stimulated and the hair roots are loosened a little. Then the skin area should be dried well and epilation should be started immediately. Red spots can be prevented by generously spreading a special after-shave balm on the skin surface after depilation.
In this way, the skin irritated by the tearing out of the hair roots is somewhat soothed. In addition, simple baby oil applied to the depilated areas can help prevent the formation of red spots. Moreover, ordinary after-sun lotion is said to be good for treating irritated skin after hair removal.
Many users also recommend creams containing aloe vera extract, allantoin or chamomile. To prevent red spots after epilation, infused, cooled chamomile tea bags are also used, which are gently rubbed over the irritated skin areas. If these tips do not help and nevertheless inflammations in the area of the hair exit points (red dots) appear, the application of a thick layer of wound and healing ointment can possibly help.
In addition, the choice of a suitable epilator and its regular maintenance also plays a decisive role in preventing red spots. In general, those affected should note that red spots after epilation are a sign of damage to the skin. The hair roots are torn out of the skin, causing a trauma in the deep layers of the skin, which in many cases provokes inflammatory processes.
The consequence is the formation of red spots after epilation or waxing.For this reason, constantly alternating between using an epilator and a razor can help prevent the formation of red spots. In addition, the depilated skin areas must be provided with a sufficient amount of moisture on a regular basis. Those affected should therefore apply a suitable moisturizer after each shower and allow it to be absorbed before dressing. Dry, flaky skin should generally not be depilated with the epilator, as inflammatory processes can take on very serious proportions in such skin.
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