Image via Dirt/FOX.
Recently, during an already awkward wax, my beauty therapist paused at the end, looked at my nether region, and announced to me that I need to start exfoliating my lady parts.
Erm, sorry? What?
Exfoliating my face is part of my skincare routine, but exfoliating down there? Does everyone know about this? Am I the only one not aware that my vagina region required this kind of attention?
Too taken aback to question this at the time, I lied and said that I am, of course, already exfoliating my bikini line.
Now that I have pants on and a clear mind, what else to do other than investigate this madness?
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I chatted to Ann Paterakis, who has over 20 years experience in waxing, and has founded her own salon, Soho wax lounge. She says exfoliating after a wax is good because it helps to prevent ingrown hairs.
"Exfoliating your bikini line can be done about a week to 10 days after a wax, or just until you start to see the hair beginning to grow," Paterakis explains.
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"You exfoliate to remove the top later of dead skin. Use a loofah glove or an exfoliating cream. Obviously don't exfoliate the labia, just the bikini line." (Post continues after gallery.)
Hair removal methods
And just when you thought you couldn't learn anything else about waxing, Dr Ilana Galgut, a leading Associate Doctor and Cosmetic Physician at enRich Dermatology, says exfoliating can also be done before a wax.
"Waxing principles in terms of before and after care, are similar for all parts of the body. It is not a bad idea to do a gentle exfoliation two days prior to waxing the bikini area, ensuring you do not irritate or traumatise the skin so that it's in good condition for the wax," Dr Galgut says.
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Because your bikini area is more sensitive than other areas of your body, use a gentle product and also apply a gentle pressure when exfoliating. If you have an adverse reaction, stop immediately.
"Once an ingrown hair is trapped under the skin, aggressive rubbing to pop it out will only cause damage which can then result in infection and even scarring. So the purpose of exfoliating is really just to thin the top layer of skin, not to release trapped hairs. Should a swelling develop, particularly if it is red or tender, the hair needs to be released, ideally in a sterile manner by a doctor or professional who has training to avoid further problems," Dr Galgut explains.
Everyone's different; some people may be prone to getting more ingrown hairs more than others. The best thing to do? Visit a dermatologist or waxing specialist to work out whether exfoliating your bikini area is right for you.
