Epilator: Applications & Health Benefits

An epilator is an electric device used for hair removal. In this method, the hair is removed directly at its root. An epilator can be used on different areas of the body and guarantees several weeks of smooth skin.

What is an epilator?

An epilator is equipped with a tweezer system and removes body hair at the hair root. An epilator is an electric device for hair removal and is characterized by the fact that it removes body hair at the root of the hair, not just cutting it off at the surface of the skin. The device is equipped with a tweezer system, so the regrowth of hair usually takes four to six weeks. However, while the advantage is the long-lasting effect, the disadvantage of epilation is that this method is painful and skin irritation often occurs after the procedure.

Forms, types and types

Epilators come in different shapes and sizes. Depending on the model or with the help of special attachments, hair can be removed from the legs, under the armpits, in the intimate area or even on the face. However, the use in the latter three areas can be very joking, as the skin there is much more sensitive than on the legs. Whether the use there as makes sense, each user should determine for themselves. Epilating the legs represents the classic type of application. However, due to the high demand, there are more and more epilators that also allow epilating other parts of the body. Some epilators are designed for different parts of the body and can be used universally. Others offer additional special attachments so that the hair can be removed even from hard-to-reach and sensitive areas. Some models also feature the so-called hair-lift technology, which ensures that the hairs lying flat on the skin are straightened. Overall, there are two types of epilation: temporary and permanent. The temporary procedure pulls out the hair while the root remains. Thus, regular application is necessary. In the permanent procedure, the hair root is destroyed by means of a laser treatment (electroepilation), so that no more hair can grow back. However, the application of this procedure must be performed by a specialist, while the temporary procedure can be performed at home by yourself with the help of a suitable device. In addition, there are wet or dry epilators. Wet epilators have a battery instead of a cord and thus can be used in the shower or bathtub without any problems. Dry epilators, on the other hand, must not be used in wet condition at all due to the risk of electric shock. In some cases, epilators are equipped with an additional massage function to reduce pain.

Structure and mode of operation

An epilator is similar in appearance to a razor, although the way it works is different. While a razor has blades and only cuts the hairs on the surface of the skin, the epilator rips them out of the skin. For this purpose, special tweezers are used, which rotate and tear out the hair at the root. Up to 50 tweezers can be integrated in one device. A prerequisite for epilation is that the hairs to be removed have a length of two to five millimeters. Before epilation, the skin can be freed from dander and creams with the help of a peeling. Warm water additionally opens the pores so that the skin is more relaxed and less sensitive. To reduce the pain of epilation, it is recommended to use devices that have a cooling or massage function. The use of ice cubes to cool the skin before epilation is also useful for pain relief. Underarms and bikini area should be used very carefully, as the skin there is very sensitive. If the pain is too great, the user should rather refrain from the application. In addition, the hairs in the intimate area are usually thicker and harder, so epilating causes greater pain. Due to the stress, skin irritations can occur after the treatment, which can be soothed by creams. Products containing aloe vera, chamomile or allantoin are particularly suitable. Redness and slight swelling of the skin are normal during the first applications and usually subside significantly after some time.

Medical and health benefits

Apart from the fact that epilation is mostly associated with pain, there are very many benefits that speak for the use of epilators. For one, epilation is a great way to rid the skin of hair for a longer period of time. By pulling out the hair at the root, it takes some time for the hair to grow back to the surface of the skin. Although a good epilator costs on average around 60-70 euros to purchase, there are no other costs. Waxing or shaving, on the other hand, requires new blades or wax strips on a regular basis. A good epilator usually lasts about three to four years with regular use. Another advantage is that the hair becomes thinner and softer over time and hair growth is generally reduced. In addition, the different parts of the body can be epilated in almost any hair length. With waxing, on the other hand, they must permanently have a minimum length of about 4mm, so the hair must always grow back in between. Unlike shaving, epilating does not require any preparation and the application can be done without a bath or shower. With the help of cordless models, epilation can even be done on the go. It may happen that some hairs in the regrowth after epilation grow between the layers of the skin and do not quite penetrate to the surface. This can lead to small inflammations at the hairline. However, this is not a health concern. In addition, exfoliation can loosen the hair from the skin layers.