If you have any kind of skin condition or disease, you should see a professional rather than attempt to do it yourself.
Electric clippers are the type of clippers normally used to cut hair. They typically have different guards that go on the blade so you can cut your hair to a specific length.
In general, retinol products can dry and irritate your skin; make it peel, crust or blister; and make it sensitive to sunlight. [4] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School’s Educational Site for the Public Go to source Waxing your skin while taking retinol products can make these side effects worse and damage your skin.
Exfoliation includes using a brush, face cloth, loofa, etc. , to scrub your skin. You can also use specific exfoliation products, such as body/face scrubs, that contain small, rough pieces of things like seeds to help exfoliate your skin. [7] X Expert Source Melissa JannesLicensed Esthetician Expert Interview. 30 August 2019.
Try to avoid foods and drinks that can dehydrate you before you wax, such as coffee, soda, alcohol, fried foods, and anything with a lot of sodium/salt.
If you use an ice pack, hold a towel between that ice pack and your skin. Also, make sure the area is completely dry before applying the wax. You can also apply an ice pack to the area after you wax to reduce the pain.
Some at-home wax kits come with a pre-wax cleanser that you can use to wipe down the area you’re going to wax. If you aren’t able to wash the area before you wax, sprinkle baby powder (or another powder like cornstarch) onto your skin to absorb the oils. [11] X Research source
If the test area becomes really red, swollen, painful, or irritated, don’t use the wax anywhere else on your body.
In general, you’ll likely need the following items to wax: a brightly lit room, a mirror (depending on where you’re waxing), a towel, moisturizer or aloe vera, and tweezers (if you’re waxing your face).
Some at-home waxing kits may instruct you to rub the strips between your hands for a few seconds before removing the back. This is to heat the wax slightly before you apply it to your skin.
Keep in mind that the wax doesn’t go to the edge of the strips. Therefore, the unwaxed edges of the strips will need to be located where there’s no hair or where you’ve already waxed.
This is one of the reasons it’s best to wax larger areas that are easier to see (e. g. , your legs) if this is your first time waxing at home.
Try to remove the entire wax strip in one smooth movement. Don’t stop and restart partway through pulling off a wax strip, this will just cause you more pain and won’t pull out as many hairs.
You can also use the wax strip to remove any wax residue on your skin. Apply the strip and remove it the same way you would if it were hair.
Larger areas, like legs and arms, will require multiple wax strips. Smaller areas, like your upper lip or eyebrows, may only require 1 strip.
Some at-home waxing kits will come with a product that’s specifically for removing residual wax from your skin.
It is also recommended that you wear loose-fitting clothing around the waxed area immediately afterward to prevent skin irritation. Avoid having a hot shower or bath immediately after waxing, as it may make the area more painful.