Exfoliate Like Cleopatra

The most common answers to my pre-treatment question “How are your results?” are…

“I’m seeing a difference but I still get ingrown hairs (not as bad).”

and

“I don’t think my hair shed.”

or

“It took a long time for my hair to shed and I had black dots on the area.”

Not to worry … these are all normal post-laser experiences.

Today I am going to talk to you about exfoliating after your laser hair removal service. You may be asking yourself, “Isn’t my skin too sensitive after my treatment to apply an exfoliant?” The answer is yes and no, but it is so important and here is why.

Is it trapped hair or ingrown?

First, the black dots clients see after a laser hair removal service is hair that has been lasered, killed and trapped. It is trapped inside the follicle and can’t fall out or shed because of dead skin cells on the surface. It is not painful and not an ingrown; it is just plain unsightly.

Ingrown hairs are caused by dead skin clogging up a hair follicle. The dead skin cells force the hair inside the follicle to grow sideways under the skin, rather than upward and outward. Sometimes, cutting naturally curly hair too closely will result in the sharpened end of the hair piercing the skin, causing an ingrown hair.

Exfoliate, like Cleopatra did.

I recommend exfoliation to our clients each time these two concerns are brought to my attention. Exfoliation goes back to the ancient Egyptians, and it is the removal of dead skin cells on the surface of your skin. Anywhere you have skin you can exfoliate. That means everywhere. Even down there, if you know what I mean.

I tell my clients to wait to exfoliate about 72 hours post-treatment or when their skin doesn’t feel as sensitive. Wait until the end of your shower so your pores and follicles are open and so the wash can penetrate.  All you need is a body wash, preferably with salicylic acid, and a shower puff or washcloth. I tell clients who are already using a loofah to exfoliate to continue but to be gentle. Apply warm water to the area, then add your wash to your sponge or cloth. Then gently scrub away those dead skin cells

Salicylic acid is the answer.

Image Skincare’s Clear Cell line is my top choice. Salicylic is an oil-loving acid so it will get deep down into your pores and follicles and clean them from the inside out. It removes dead skin cells and trapped hair gently and effectively.

If you want smooth skin, but you’re not sure where to start, let Skin Bar NYC help you. Our skin care specialists can customize an laser hair removal regimen that will help you achieve your goals.  At Skin Bar NYC, we offer the ultimate laser hair removal program in the form of memberships. Pay a monthly membership fee and choose any area based on your membership level. Our program is designed to ensure that you maintain a consistency. It’s affordable: memberships start at $59. Call us today to find out more.