What are Your Choices for Face Hair Removal?

For thousands of years, men have been shaving facial hair to achieve a clean, smooth look (except for the Vikings, of course). But as men and women get older, facial hair tends to thicken and become more pronounced for both sexes. There are options for face hair removal besides using a razor.

Before getting rid of unwanted facial hair, determine if a hair removal product or method will cause irritation or an allergic reaction with your skin type.

Some products, like hair removal creams, are more likely to cause an adverse reaction due to their strong chemicals. Similarly, when the hair root is removed, the skin is minutely broken which can lead to swelling, redness & soreness.

Facial Hair Removal Tips

Preparing the sensitive facial skin for the removal of hair is simple.

1. Try different hair removal methods to find the best one for your face. And as we age, changes in hair and skin may require a change in method to achieve the results we want.

2. Between hair removal treatments, exfoliate to remove dead skin cells to allow more of the hair shaft to be exposed and removed.

3. Stay hydrated, internally and externally, to keep skin taut and to causing the hairs to stand away from the skin. Prior to hair removal, drink lots of non-alcoholic fluids and wash the area with warm water to soften the hair. Apply a moisturizing conditioner to cause more of the thick hair shaft to perk up.

4. After hair removal treatment, avoid direct sunlight as the skin is very sensitive. Avoid applying sun block which may clog open pores or cause irritation to broken skin.

Getting Rid of Facial Hair

Men are accustomed to scraping a sharp metal blade across their face every morning. However, because women's skin is softer and more sensitive, more care is needed to reduce pain and avoid complications.

Try different methods to discover which one works the best for your skin type.

• 
  Shaving - The razor removes the hair only at the surface of the skin, leaving sharp bristles that become more pronounced as they regrow. This method comes in handy at the last-minute. Always shave with the direction of growth to avoid in-grown hairs and use shaving cream or gel to reduce friction.

• Plucking - This is a tried-and-true method where individual hairs are methodically yanked out with a pair of tweezers. The skin isn't left irritated as like epilation, but the method is time consuming. Smooth skin can last up to 4 weeks.

• Epilation - Pulling out multiple hairs by the root with an epilator is going to hurt. Sensitive skin will show injury by swelling and redness (not recommended for last minute treatments). Wet epilators should be used only on large, less sensitive areas of the body such as the legs and arms.

• 
  Hair Removal Creams - By nature, this is a harsh method but there are creams available that are meant for the sensitive facial skin. Some brands include aloe vera to leave skin smooth as silk. However, even ones mixed with a strong perfume still will not mask the caustic smell of the depilating chemicals.

• Waxing - Gentle waxing can be done at home and can be very effective on the upper lip, cheeks, chin & even eyebrows. Waxing can last from one to two weeks.

• Electrolysis - This is a mature method that is very effective at deadening the hair follicle. However, inserting the tiny electrical probe into individual follicles is time-consuming and the treatment is expensive.

• 
  Laser Hair Removal - Dermatologists and trained clinicians can treat the area with a low-power laser. This is the most expensive solution but the cost may be justified as the results can last for months at a time. Most clinics will apply the laser for hair removal to the upper lips, chin, cheeks and neck but will not treat the eyebrows as the eyes are sensitive to injury from the light.

Since everyone has different hair and skin type, take your time and discover which face hair removal method works best for you.