We might deny it publicly, but all of us suffer from humiliating body issues. Backs get pimply, butts get cellulite-y and chins—heaven help us—sprout hairs. Not exactly the look we’re going for. So here goes: a laundry list of some of the unfortunate issues we deal with and the OTC remedies that can come to our rescue.
FACIAL HAIR MADNESS
Be honest. How often do you ask yourself, “Where did that hair come from?” If random hairs are always popping up in random places, it’s time to tweeze, bleach and trim.
For unruly eyebrows, grab a tweezer that’s anything but dull. I like the Japonesque Artisan Tweezer ($20 at b-glowing) for its pointed end and ability to maintain sharpness far longer than its competition.
Use Jolen Creme Bleach ($5.99 at Walgreens) to lighten facial hair on sensitive areas like your upper lip, chin or cheek. Note: People also use this product to conceal hair on their arms and tummies.
For little annoyances like excess brow, ear or nose hair, try the Panasonic Facial Trimmer ($17.99 at Drugstore.com), which quickly and easily shears off hairs wherever they pop up. There are two different blades—one for neck and facial hair and another strictly for coarse eyebrow hairs. Bonus: Should you need to remove stray hairs on the go, you can fit this battery-operated wand in your purse.
DIMPLED BUTT/CELLULITE
Do you cringe when you look at your backside in the mirror? Unfortunately, most of us are prone to cellulite. Exercise combined with a cool cellulite-diminishing product can help temporarily smooth those bumps.
As far as products go, I’ve had the best luck with the Anti-Cellulite Grapeseed Exfoliating Body Scrub ($20 at SkinStore) and the Grape Seed Anti-Cellulite Intensive Cream ($26). Using the products takes a little time and a little work (massaging, alternating water temps, etc.), but if you’re planning to hit the beach soon, I’d say it’s worth it.
If butt dimples are preventing you from wearing your favorite leggings, I have a new trick: CoveRumps. It’s a collection of ultra-light cotton skirts ($28 each) that are the perfect length to cover your butt, meaning no more stretching out your sweaters or tees to try to make them longer!
WEIRD BODY HAIR
Think shaving makes your hair grow back thicker and faster? Wrong. That’s a total myth. Still, waxing or laser hair removal is a longer-lasting solution, and you can do both right at home.
Because I’m not a fan of running up and down my stairs with hot wax, I prefer a microwave-free option. I recommend the Remington Smooth & Silky Wax Kit ($19.99 at Target), which heats wax right in the roll-on device’s base, or the Veet Ready-to-Use Wax Strips Hair Remover ($5.24 at Drugstore.com), which are pre-waxed strips that you warm in your hands before applying to skin.
If you want something a bit more permanent (about 50 to 70 percent reduction in hair growth on average), invest in a home laser system, such as the Silk’n SensEpil Home Hair Removal Device ($199.99 at Silk’n). This handy gadget is designed for areas like underarms, the bikini line and even the legs. If you’ve ever had professional laser hair removal, the Silk’n SensEpil is fairly similar. You’ll experience a beeping noise, a bright light and the faint smell of burning hair—but it’s a hell of a lot cheaper if you calculate how much laser treatments cost!
Note: Do not use the above treatments for nipple hair! Not like it needs saying, but this is a very sensitive area and should be treated similarly to the face.
BACNE
Pimples on your chest or back? This issue is especially annoying during bathing suit season. Even worse, these blemishes are often deeper and more inflamed than facial acne. Basically, unless you want scarring, don’t scratch or pop this type of acne.
Get into the habit of washing the offending area with the Special Cleansing Lotion O ($15 at Mario Badescu). This soothing body tonic contains an extra-strength dose of acne astringent and will make quick work of those unsightly pimples when used regularly. Treat isolated pimples with the cult-favorite Mario Badescu Drying Lotion ($17 at Ulta).
Note: Bacne can be hormonal, but sweating doesn’t help. Be sure to treat the areas that are prone to breakouts with the Cleansing Lotion right after your post-workout shower.
SWEATY PRIVATES
Stinky privates are a girl’s worst enemy. Excessive sweating or an overabundance of bacteria can cause vaginal odor. The best approach: Keep your precious parts clean! Be careful what you use, however, as this is (obviously) a very delicate area.
The Healthy Hoohoo collection was created specifically for down-there care. There are Feminine Wipes ($4.79 at Drugstore.com) for cleansing on the go, a Gentle Feminine Wash ($10.99 at Drugstore.com) and a Gentle Foaming Cleanser ($11.99 at Drugstore.com). All of the products are paraben-, alcohol- and fragrance-free and pH-balanced for gentle yet effective cleansing.
Consider switching to underwear that’s designed to be extra-absorbent. The folks at apparel line Believe I Am teamed up with designer Dear Kate to create I Am Strong ($58 at Believe I Am), a line of performance undergarments for female athletes. These super-cute pink and black panties come in a set of two, with one mini bikini and one full bikini.
Warning: If the odor you’re experiencing is abnormal, check in with your gynecologist, as you may be suffering from a bacterial infection.
CHICKEN SKIN
You know those hard bumps that sometimes appear on the backs of your arms, thighs or butt? That’s “chicken skin,” otherwise known as keratosis pilaris. According to Mayo Clinic, chicken skin typically diminishes as we age. Of course, that doesn’t help if you’re dealing with it now, so here are my quick fixes.
First of all, whatever you’re cleansing your skin with might be aggravating the issue. Use something extra-gentle like the SheaMoisture African Black Soap ($4.99 at Drugstore.com), as it will target eczema, psoriasis and even acne.
Next, nourish your skin with an exfoliating product, which will help smooth that bumpy texture. Go for the new Resist Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment ($27 at Paula’s Choice). It treats bumpy skin with retinol and antioxidants. You’ll love how weightless this product feels and how soft your skin is after using it!
NIGHT SWEATS
Maybe you’re going through “the change” and experiencing hot flashes. Or maybe you just tend to overheat when you sleep. If so, you’re probably mortified by how drenched you are when you wake up. Never mind the fact that you’re uncomfortable to boot!
Now, I actually don’t have this issue; I’m usually cold at night. But I tested a moisture-wicking nightgown from Cool-jams and remained quite chilly, so I’m sure that sweaty types will be comfortable while wearing one. There are lots of styles to choose from. My favorite is the menswear-like Sophia Button Front Nightshirt ($59 at Cool-jams), which you can get in black or blue.
EXCESSIVE SWEATING/HYPERHIDROSIS
Yeah, we all need deodorant, but do you feel as if you need it more than most?
Whether you’re constantly sweating like crazy or only perspire when you’re under pressure, the solution might be stronger-than-the-average deodorant.
DERMAdoctor Med-e-tate ($48 at Sephora) contains a mix of sweat-deterrent ingredients that can actually mimic the effects of Botox, another effective sweat inhibitor. The 30 wipes come packaged in handy take-along packets perfect for that unexpectedly moist moment!
HARD, FLAKY FEET
You moisturize your feet when you get out of the shower, so why is your body smooth, and your feet dry and flaky? Turns out that foot skin is much thicker and more difficult to nourish than the rest of your body. Unless you have the time or the budget to get pedicures every week, prepare to commit to a little elbow grease at home.
Scrubbing the feet with a pumice stone or massaging them with a foot scrub might do the trick. But if your feet are still dry and hard to the touch, you need to put some power behind your efforts. My new favorite cocktail is the Silk’n Pedi Callus Remover ($36.95 at Silk’n) followed by O’Keeffe’s for Healthy Feet Daily Foot Cream ($6.99 at Walgreens). The Callus Remover is like a sander for your feet, sloughing away dead skin in a flash. Follow with the ultra-rich Daily Foot Cream and a pair of cotton socks, and your feet will be pedi-soft!
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