Body hair is rooted in two divided camps: those who have embraced their natural growth and others who try every means possible to remove those pesky tendrils. Bella Thorne posted a photo on Snapchat where she was shown licking her underarm hair. The message was a clear blast to anyone who tried to shame her for daring to grow out what we normally remove.

Love the furry look or hate it, we all have body hair. Whether we choose to embrace it, grow it out or remove it with every tool at our disposal, hairiness is our natural mammalian feature. For those that want to get rid of it, though, the means to remove the unwanted body hair can be downright painful…and dangerous. Plucking, waxing, laser removal, and tweezing all can harm our sensitive skin.

While, yes, we might want smooth, baby-soft skin, torturing those hair follicles is no way to achieve a silky smooth complexion. If you’re spending your summer nights with hot wax, a pair of tweezers, or hair-removal cream, you could be doing more harm than good in your plight for hairlessness.

Laser Hair Removal

The permanence of laser hair removal is its ultimate appeal, but what many don’t know is that those laser removal procedures can go horribly, horribly wrong.

The issues of laser hair removal don’t just deal with your skin, but your body as a whole. According to an article in Elle, a recent study by Gary S. Chuang, a dermatological surgeon, found that laser hair removal emits numerous harmful chemicals into the air. While the article in Elle pointed out that doctors are most at risk, the idea of anyone breathing in chemicals from the destruction of hair (and possible bacteria) is more than a little unsettling.

An article by Roni Caryn Rabin in The New York Times noted even more risk factors. When wielded by the wrong practitioner, a laser hair removal procedure can cause severe burns, injuries…and, in rare cases, death.

In her article, Rabin interviewed Dr. Tina Alster, who is the founding director of the Washington Institute of Dermatologic Laser Surgery and also a clinical professor of dermatology at Georgetown University Medical Center in Washington, D.C.

“There’s a perception by the public that anybody can do this,” Dr. Alster told the New York Times. “People need to remember, it’s not the laser doing the work, it’s the operator.”

While all cosmetic laser procedures carry a risk, patients should find a doctor with experience in dermatologic laser surgery. Be diligent and research practitioners. Don’t trust your face and body to just anyone.

Hair Removal Creams

While not as dangerous as a laser, hair removal creams (or depilatories) carry their own potential hazards. Yes, those creams are cheap and convenient, but, hair removal creams aren’t always effective at removing hair and they can damage or irritate your skin.

The Food and Drug Administration recommends testing a small area to see how skin reacts to the product. Be advised, though, the FDA reports that its “Office of Cosmetics and Colors has received reports of burns, blisters, stinging, itchy rashes, and skin peeling associated with depilatories and other types of cosmetic hair removers.”

Tweezing

In the 90’s, barely-there brows were all the rage. Armed with a sharp pair of tweezers, hairs were plucked one by one to create the perfect skinny brow. The caveat was that those hairs didn’t always grow back. And decades later, the tweezing trend has left bald spots in brows.

Tweezing removes the hair by the root. While tweezing is an effective form of hair removal, be very cautious when wielding tweezers. Not only does overzealous plucking leave permanent bald patches in brows (or other areas), but the procedure also may cause ingrown hairs and leave an area with bumpy, painful pimple-like blisters.

Use tweezers only for the occasional one-off hair removal…like the annoying long hair that sprouts in a random area. Invest in a good pair of tweezers when removing the hair, and be sure to disinfect skin and tweezers with witch hazel or rubbing alcohol before and after tweezing. Also, don’t forget to use something to soothe the area when you’re done.

Waxing

Waxing hurts. The procedure is enough to induce tears, and yet it remains an extremely popular way to remove those pesky hairs in the bikini area, brows, and upper lip.  However, it’s the bikini area that requires the most caution.

When entrusting anyone to smear hot wax on your most sensitive region, it’s important to be diligent in finding the right spa and the right professional. According to an article by Emma Kaywin over at Bustle, there are many risk factors to ridding the bikini line of hair with hot wax, and not all of these risks have to do with the procedure.

Hair protects the skin…it’s like a furry shield. And in the bikini area, hair works to keep away bacteria. Removing the hair also can cause irritation, which increases the risk factor for sexually transmitted diseases. Open wounds (however minute they may be) are open windows for viruses and bacteria to enter the body.

Kaywin’s article also explains that the waxing procedure isn’t without risk. Hot wax can lead to burns and even scarring, and ripping out those hairs may cause painful (and gross!) ingrown hairs.

Shaving

Most men and women still opt for the most tried and true form of hair removal: shaving. However, of all the hair removal options available, shaving is the least effective at keeping hair away. While tweezing and waxing removes hair by the root—and lasers remove it permanently—shaving just cuts off the hair at the base. Shaved hair will grow back pretty quickly, so within a day, those stubbles are back and need another pass with the razor.

While shaving is only a short term solution, at least it’s fairly safe. However, as with other hair removal techniques, there is still a risk for injury. With shaving, cuts are the most common injury…and sometimes those lacerations can be serious. To avoid cuts and irritation, make sure the blade is fresh, as dull blades cause more nicks. Use razors with more blades for a closer shave, and don’t try to save money by buying a cheap razor at the dollar store.

A close shave requires a lubricant. Coconut oil has become a favorite among beauty enthusiasts, but soap and shaving cream also works. Never dry shave, and be sure to shave with the hair…never against it. Always moisturize the skin after shaving to prevent irritation.

Every hair removal procedure has some degree of risk. Whether you wax, tweeze, opt for the permanence of lasers or DIY with creams, proceed with care. Always turn to a licensed professional when a laser is involved…or hot wax. Invest in your skin, and remove hair safely and under the care of a professional. Or channel Bella Thorne and go au natural.

Razor burns on your face can result in an unpleasant experience and an even bigger inconvenience as you search for ways to reduce the appearance of redness and irritation that go hand-in-hand with razor burn. The following are some suggestions you can use to put your best face forward and eliminate razor burn for good!

Preventing Razor Burns on Your Face

Razor burn is a skin irritation that occurs immediately after the face has been shaven.  It often comes with an itching, burning, or tingling sensation followed up by bumps or a red rash on the affected area of skin. Razor burn can occur for a number of different reasons but the most obvious reasons are associated with bad shaving habits. The following are a few simple steps you can take to eliminate razor burns on your face forever:

1.       Properly Moisturize the Skin Prior to Shaving

One of the top contributors to razor burn is dry shaving. It is important to properly hydrate the skin and the hairs prior to shaving your face. Hard soaps that do not have the necessary moisturizing properties should be avoided. Ideally, you should moisturize your skin daily and then shave with warm water. And don’t forget a silicone-based shave gel, which helps the razor glide along the skin.

2.    Gentle Shaving Strokes

Sometimes you may be in a hurry and you may rush through the shaving process. In your haste, you may even press down too hard on your skin or pass the razor too many times when you don’t receive the results you were expecting on the first few strokes. These habits can easily cause razor burn.

To prevent the likelihood of razor burn, take your time while shaving and use light, gentle strokes to prevent irritation. Remember, this razor is scraping against the outer layer of your skin and too much pressure can result in not only razor burn but unintentional cuts as well.

3.       Replace Old Razors.  

Razor burn can also be caused by old, dull razor blades. Shaving with a dull razor means you will shave the skin a little harder, which can lead to irritation. It is very important to replace dull razors often for the best results. A new blade can help capture the maximum amount of hairs per stroke and it will also be more gentle on your skin.

If you have been shaving all your life, you may have just accepted razor burn on your face as inevitable. The good news is that you do not have to live with razor burn forever. With the right approaches to shaving and facial care, razor burn can quickly become a problem of the past. Follow these simple steps to prevent razor burns on your face and enjoy the comfort of clean, freshly shaven skin without the irritation.

Due to embarrassing razor bumps, many women refrain from wearing shorts or dresses and men avoid regularly shaving their faces. While there are many solutions that may assuage the issue, why not start at the actual root of the problem—re-evaluating the way you shave? By working with your skin and following hair removal best practices, razor bumps can quickly become a thing of the past.

Follow these tips and the likelihood of experiencing unsightly razor bumps will decrease dramatically.

How to Prevent Razor Bumps

First, start by examining your shaving habits. While most women shave in the shower and men tend to shave over the sink with soap and water or some other product, there are a few more steps that can be taken to ensure a razor bump-free shaving experience:

1.      Warm water.

Prepare your skin for shaving with warm water. A dry shave, even for just a quick trim of the beard, can create more problems than it solves. Warm water will ensure the pores will be open and less likely to be irritated by the razor blades.

2.      Exfoliate.

One of the easiest ways to avoid razor bumps is to exfoliate before shaving. Using a scrub to rub off dead skin cells will create a smoother surface for the razor to glide over. But be careful to exfoliate gently, as too much rubbing could just lead to more irritation.

3.      Use the proper equipment.

Razors, and razor blades, exist in abundance. Even the most generic equipment exists with three, four, even five blade options. Choose the razor with a higher blade count, as it will lend itself to a smoother shave. A razor with a pivoting head will make areas such as knees and necks much easier to navigate. But most importantly, replace the blades often! The metal quickly loses its sharpness and can cause irritation if used frequently, leading to unsightly razor bumps.

4.      Use the proper techniques.

Though everyone has their own way of moving the razor, there are a few universal tips to follow that will make your routine much simpler. For example, avoid shaving over existing bumps, as it could cause additional irritation. Secondly, shave at most every other day, as shaving more often will only increase irritation. Finally, take your time. Scraping the skin in a rushed manner will only create more of the problems you are trying to avoid.

5.      Consider your pores.

As you finish shaving, rinse the skin in cold water. This will shock the pores and cause them to tighten, rather than leaving them open and susceptible to inflammation. It will also prevent dead skin cells or shorn hair follicles from making their way back into the pores and causing further irritation. Then, pat the skin dry. Never rub a freshly shaven area. A vigorous rub will only damage skin and make razor bumps more likely to appear.

6.      Moisturize.

Once out of the shower or after rinsing at the sink, moisturize your skin. Avoid products with a strong scent, as the fragrance could easily irritate the skin. Consider investing in a product with urea or sweet white lupin that will leave the skin feeling naturally soft.

Invest in a Specialty Product

For even the most conscientious shavers, following these six easy steps may not be enough to completely reduce skin irritations like razor bumps. If you still have razor bumps, it may become necessary to consider investing in a specialty product which can help to reduce the appearance of razor bumps.

By following these steps any redness and bumps on the shaved skin should be dramatically reduced. Incorporate these tips into your skincare routine, and you will no longer be afraid to bare your smooth skin!

No one likes the sight or feeling of an inflamed red welt. Unfortunately, when hair follicles curl and grow back into your skin after shaving, annoying red bumps can be the frustrating result.

And since it’s hard not to pick at irritated skin, your best option is to prevent the problem in the first place. Read on to find the secret of getting rid of ingrown hairs forever!

How to Eliminate Ingrown Hairs

Not everyone likes the idea of laser hair removal or waxing. These methods of hair elimination can be expensive, painful, or simply just not practical.

But just because you choose to shave doesn’t mean you’re doomed to deal with ingrown hairs forever. With a little thoughtful preparation, you can avoid ingrown hairs altogether.

First, you absolutely must toss out any dull or nearly dull razors that could cause chafing and, by extension, ingrown hairs. In fact, throw them away right now. This article will still be here when you get back.

Are all the dull razors in your bathroom gone? Good. Now it’s time for the most important step: exfoliation!

Exfoliate, Exfoliate, Exfoliate!

Before you shave, you should always exfoliate the skin you plan to shave first. Think of exfoliation as giving your skin a rejuvenating scrub down.

Exfoliation removes old, flaky skin that gets in the way of a close shave. After you exfoliate, the dead skin cells that can be trapped in your pores are much less likely to be present when you shave. Exfoliation also brings hair follicles to the surface of the skin making them easier to remove.

There’s a variety of effective methods for exfoliation. Choose one that works best for you or mix and match. You can try a salt, sugar, or oatmeal based body scrub, or you can combine regular soap with an exfoliating glove. One of the most effective effective methods can actually be dry brushing.

Scrub your skin with a gentle but firm up-and-down motion with your chosen exfoliation method, and be sure to use pressure when scrubbing. This will help remove the dead skin more effectively.

Monitor your skin as you scrub and afterward. If it becomes red or irritated, you’ll want to switch to a less abrasive exfoliating method.

After you finish exfoliating, rinse your legs with water to remove any remaining residue.

A Close Shave

Once you have finished your exfoliating routine, it’s time to shave. Pick a great silicone-based shave gel that has great moisturizing qualities. Buying silicone-based instead of soap-based is key.

If you’re using a fresh blade and the right shave gel, it doesn’t matter if you shave with or against the grain. This applies equally to legs, arms – anywhere you shave. Just remember, no dull razors!

Dermatologists agree that the best way to avoid ingrown hairs is to simply shave less. Identify the optimum time between shaves that still keeps you looking, and feeling, your best.

So remember, follow these simple steps when shaving your legs to say goodbye to ingrown hairs!

Medicine isn’t just the little bottles of pills you get at the pharmacy. You can find medicines all over the natural world, and some of them have probably made their way into your kitchen. In fact, your kitchen is already full of natural methods for healing and revitalization if you know where to look. The following natural medicines can be used for everything from menstrual cramps and nausea to acne and constipation.

Basil

Well known as a prominent ingredient in pesto, basil can also help unclog pores, fight bacteria, and cleanse the skin. Mashing basil into a thick paste and applying it to your skin can prevent blackheads and remove warts. It’s also been shown to lessen irritation caused by snake and insect bites. Consuming basil orally can settle the stomach, stimulate appetite, and combat everything from intestinal gas to head colds and worm infections.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Consuming apple cider vinegar is known as a highly effective treatment for acid reflux and sore throats. Apple cider vinegar can also be used as foot soak to get rid of toenail fungus. You can even rinse your hair with it to add shine and use it as a facial toner to fight acne.

Cucumber

This one’s a classic. Everyone’s seen people wear cucumbers on their eyes to reduce puffiness. But few know the cucumber can soothe and hydrate the skin more generally. It’s one of the most natural anti-aging tools in the world. Splashing cucumber juice on your face and neck can do wonders. Or for a more intensive treatment, try making a cucumber puree and applying it to any part of your skin that needs rejuvenation. Be sure to leave it on for at least 30 minutes before you rinse off.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is the MVP of natural medicines commonly found in the kitchen. It’s medicinal uses are practically endless. It’s an excellent moisturizer and healing ointment that penetrates the skin without drying it out. On top of that, it can be used as a hair conditioner, a lip balm, a makeup remover, dandruff reducer and exfoliating body scrub. Coconut oil also combats fungal infections, cold sores, rashes, and constipation.

Mint

A few mint leaves can go a long way. Whether they’re submerged in water, brewed in a tea or sprinkled over a salad, mint leaves can ease menstrual cramps, boost digestion, and improve immune system function. You can also use mint as scalp treatment, hair rinse, or skin toner. Here’s how: boil mint leaves in water until the water reduces by half, then cool the water and apply. You can aid hair growth, lighten scars and blemishes, and fight acne with this method.

Ginger

Ginger is a powerful medicine employed more readily outside the Western tradition. Use it to remedy inflammation, bloating, nausea, indigestion, and menstrual cramps. Sliced ginger in water or a smoothie can go along way. You can also make tea or even use it in cooking to achieve similar results.

Turmeric

Turmeric is increasingly being recognized as something of a wonder spice. An ingredient in curry, oral consumption of Turmeric can help fight throat infections, reduce the risk of stroke, and slow down the aging process. When mixed with sandalwood powder and a little water, it can reduce the appearance of acne when applied to the face. It can also even out skin tone and even give skin a glowing appearance when used as a body scrub.

Oats

Humble oats have more to offer than their traditional role as a low calorie, constipation-reducing breakfast food. Combining oatmeal with milk makes for a terrific facial cleanser that moisturizes the skin.

Lemon

Lemon juice is a utility player in both the culinary and medical worlds. Lemon juice is great for relieving sore throats. When combined with other ingredients such as honey, ginger, garlic or pineapple juice, it can fortify the immune system against flu, improve digestion, and aid in weight loss.

Olive Oil

Daubing the scalp with olive oil and washing it off after 6-8 hours is a natural way to thicken hair and boost cranial hygiene more generally.

Natural Remedies on the Spice Rack

So next time you’re in your kitchen, take stock of all the items with medicinal and hygienic uses. Your spice rack alone is a treasure trove of natural aids and remedies. Sometimes, you may already have the cure right at home.