for those that epilate, how...

RoseFairy

.. do you deal with regrowth?

i have been epliating for many years and i do the usual suggestions of exfoliating, epilating, moisturising and regularly exfoliating. this year i have noticed that i have been hair free for at least 4 weeks -usually for me it is 2-3weeks only - however regrowth has been very itchy. for couple of days my legs have been itching like mad :eek:. i understand that it's the hairs trying to grow back but i'm not sure what to do to ease itchiness or rather help the hairs break out quicker to prevent ingrown hairs. i have been exfoliating with those bath sponges, and bodyscrubs - and its only helping with itch temporarily.

does anyone else get this and what do you do.....?

love_potion

Unfortunately I can't help as I have exactly the same problem. After epliating I exfoliate and use lots of moisturiser on my legs, but they still are really itchy! I know that they are not ingrowing hairs as there is no problem with the regrowth, but I have been using stuff that calms the skin after an insect bite.

Would love to know if anyone has a better soution as I much prefer epliating to shaving. Thanks.

Kira000

I epilate my legs (3/4 leg) and my underarms :eek:. You do find the longer you do it for, the longer you can go without regrowth being obvious and needing to be zapped. I occassionally do get itchy legs, but it is mainly as epilating can be quite drying to the skin.

I use NADS Xfol (http://www.nads.co.uk/nads_products_uk/xfol_scrub_uk) a few once or twice a month after showering, which seems to help hairs grow through OK, and Bio Oil on my legs to deal with the itchy dryness. I use a regular moisturiser when i'm not epilating, but i find bath, epilate, pat dry gently and Bio-oil, seems to sort me out!

K x

jenniewb

When I used to epliate I got the itchy skin issues too- it does fade the more you epliate but do continue to exfoliate and then cleanse with a normal wash after doing so. The exfoliation buffs the dead skin cells away from where there was hair, the cleanser rinses any residue of skin cells to make sure they are gone. The reason I say this is because its so easy to get ingrowing hairs- the dead skin cells block the path of the hair growth, you get an ingrowing hair and it is very itchy and can lead to scarring!

There is also a spray by Nad's which is designed for ingrowing hairs. Basicly its a rather harsh alcohol. The reason I suggest it is there isn't anything else I have seen like it- as harsh as it is. I think its useful as it dries out the skin- so the dead skin is easier to remove, harder to block the hair in. But it is harsh, if you have been scratching and have any mild scratches on your skin, it will sting! Resist the urge to slap on heavy moisturiser first, let the spray dry, buff your skin with a dry towel or muslin cloth, then apply moisturiser. But really its useful if you cannot wash and exfoliate your legs once (or even twice if you find once isn't enough) a day.

Magpye

I use a body brush on my legs and epilate regularly - more often than once a week. Regrowth never has a chance to itch!

love_potion

I think I'll just have to stick with it if the itching fades over time. I have been using my epilator for about 3 months, but last week my legs were so itchy it was unbearable. I exfoliate and moisturise daily and epilate a couple of times a week, but will make an effort to stop itching as it can't be doing my skin any good!

jenniewb

love_potion wrote: »

I think I'll just have to stick with it if the itching fades over time. I have been using my epilator for about 3 months, but last week my legs were so itchy it was unbearable. I exfoliate and moisturise daily and epilate a couple of times a week, but will make an effort to stop itching as it can't be doing my skin any good!

If your doing everything on your power to prevent any ingrowing hairs, thats all you can do. Just be aware that scratching is your skin reacting to something- whatever it is (ingrowing hairs, dryness, infection etc) as long as you've covered all the bases, done everything you can I wouldn't worry too much.

Have you tried using Eurax insted of a daily moisturiser on your legs?

love_potion

Thanks for the suggestion, I will try Eurax to see if that helps.

Kira000

love_potion wrote: »

I exfoliate and moisturise daily and epilate a couple of times a week, but will make an effort to stop itching as it can't be doing my skin any good!

Just a suggestion, but exfoliating every day is probably a bit much especially if your skin is sensitive, which it sounds like it is, and might be aggravating the itchiness. I wouldnt recommend exfoliating more than once a week. Moisturise as normal, but try reducing the exfoliating a bit. Eurax is a good bet to try and calm it down.

tiamaria

I've had this problem for many years, though not so much these days. I tried many things but I do recommend using "Tend Skin" solution (google or look on Ebay). It is a bit smelly and drying but you can moisturise after. I've also found using Boots Sanctuary Salt scrub daily can help and also smells lovely, salt is healing and beneficial to the skin.