After any unwanted hair removal procedure, no one wants to continue feeling insecure about his or her skin.
Laser hair removal is designed to not only remove hair, but to make the skin look smooth and flawless. If you’re suffering from dry or acne- prone skin, you might still be feeling frustrated, so here’s the skincare guide you can’t go a day without. Whether you’re having trouble with the skin on your face or the skin around your bikini line, these step-by-step instructions will change your life.
For Dry Skin
Some of us are cursed with year-round dry skin, while others are lucky to only experience dry skin during the colder months—lucky, yet inexperienced. If you’re not used to having dry skin, you might also not be accustomed to having to take a few extra steps to take care of it because, let’s face it, skincare can be tricky! Here are some morning face washing tips that will help you say goodbye to dry, flakey skin.
Step 1: Warm Water
Start your morning by splashing your face with some warm water. This will not only remove the night’s crud from your face–it will also soften your skin and open the pores so that it’s more receptive to the products you’re about to use. This step can apply to all skin types, since going straight for a cleanser or exfoliant after waking up can be irritating and actually damage your skin. For this reason, it’s best to exfoliate other areas of your body while taking a shower or immediately after.
Step 2: Use a Gentle Exfoliant
So your skin is rough and flakey, making it nearly impossible to apply your makeup. After you’ve used warm water to soften the epidermis, your skin will then be ready for exfoliation. This doesn’t necessarily mean you need to use a beaded scrub, especially if you have sensitive skin, as these can be harsh. It’s always best to use organic and chemical free products, as these kinds of exfoliants and face washes will irritate dry skin and tend to dry out the skin even further. It’s recommended to use a warm washcloth to gently scrub your face or facial scrub brush designed for those with dry skin.
Step 3: Use an Oil-Based Cleanser
If your skin is prone to acne, you might be tempted to use a face wash that contains salicylic acid to clear that up, but don’t. Many people don’t realize that acne can also be caused by dry skin clogging up the pores, so using a face or body wash with these kinds of harsh ingredients will not only dry out your face more but will also likely cause more breakouts. Using shea oil, argan oil, and even coconut oil to wash your face and body has many benefits because you’re no longer using damaging chemicals. These oils not oil hydrate, but even out your skin tone, and reduce acne. If your skin is prone to acne scarring, use an oil with vitamin E, which is a healing agent. Oils can be used as a daily face wash, as well as a body moisturizer throughout the day.
Step 4: Use a Toner
Using a gentle and all natural toner after washing your face will shrink your pores, trapping the hydrating oil where it belongs so that it can do its job. By closing your pores, you are also keeping out the dirt and impurities that are found in the environment that can lead to breakouts and a buildup of bacteria. Using a toner around the eyebrows can also help to prevent ingrown hairs, which we all know can lead to some seriously nasty blemishes. For ingrown hairs in other areas, such as the pubic region, there are products like Fur Oil, which is specifically designed to soften pubic hair and clean the pores so that you’re less likely to have ingrown hairs. This can be extremely useful if you choose to leave a landing strip when getting full Brazilian laser hair removal near you, as you deserve for the area to look its best.
Step 5: Moisturize
If your toner isn’t a moisturizer as well, it’s important to thoroughly hydrate your skin before applying any makeup. Thick and healing moisturizer works best for dry skin, and should contain sunscreen if you plan on going outside. It’s best to let it sit for 5-10 minutes before applying your foundation.
For OIly Skin
Suffering from oily skin can be just as frustrating as having to deal with dry skin. Even though your makeup glides on without a problem, you know that no matter how much you pack on, it won’t last very long. Not only that, but those with oily skin tend to break out more often than others, and the acne isn’t only limited to your face. It can pop up on your chest or back, making that laser hair removal you got in order to wear a backless dress pointless. Before you give up, try this skincare routine.
Step 1: Use Warm Water
Just like those with dry skin, using warm water is essential to open the pores and prepare your skin for cleansing. If you’re focusing on your face, you can simply splash some warm water on your face, but if you’re focusing on other body areas then it’s best to hop in the shower. Even 60 seconds under warm water will do the trick, and you’ll be able to proceed from there.
Step 2: Use an Oil-Free Cleanser
A foam oil-free cleanser is best for those with oily skin, as it will remove excessive shine without drying out for your skin. If your skin is prone to acne, use a foam oil-free cleanser that contains salicylic acid, which will reduce your oil production as well as prevent breakouts.
Step 3: Use Toner
Using a toner will close your pores, locking in cleanser so that it has a chance to work. Often toners will also help to remove any extra oil not removed by your cleanser, and make your face appear less shiny. This is not always necessary though, depending on how oily your skin is.
Step 4: Moisturize
Even though you have oily skin, you can’t skimp on moisturizing because you don’t want to accidentally dry out your skin. It’s best to use an oil-free, lightweight lotion that won’t block your pores, combined with sunscreen if needed. After letting your moisturizer settle for 10-15 minutes, you’ll be able to apply your makeup.
Over time, you’ll see the results of following these steps. And don’t forget to be consistent. The more often you follow this routine, the better the results.
