Quels sont les dangers de l'épilation ? Dossier Typology

What are the dangers of hair removal?

Even though hair removal is by no means mandatory, today, this social norm is adopted by the majority. Razor, electric epilator, waxing, laser...there are certain risks and contraindications specific to each technique.

Waxing, what are the risks?

The main risks associated withhot wax hair removalare burns. Cold wax strips can help to mitigate this type of discomfort. Furthermore, the presence of essential oil in hot or cold wax can also lead to skin allergies such as contact dermatitis. Waxing can also cause ingrown hairs. These are hairs that cannot break through the skin barrier or that exit the hair follicle outward but then curl back and re-enter the skin. The face and neck in men; legs, bikini line and underarms in women are the most vulnerable body regions. Although generally a minor issue, the swollen bumps they cause can nevertheless lead to irritation, pain and sometimes even become infectious. To prevent the formation of ingrown hairs during regrowth, opt for aregular exfoliation. Perform itonce a week. Ournourishing body scrubhelps to soften and smooth the epidermis. It is particularly suitable for dry and uncomfortable skin. Thetoning body scrubcontains organic green coffee macerate (draining) as well as lemongrass and cedar essential oils (anti-cellulite). It is recommended for smoothing, firming and toning the skin while reducing the appearance of orange peel skin.

Note : Waxing is not recommended for individuals with circulatory disorders (venous problems, varicose veins...), respiratory disorders, sensitive and reactive skin, and a high number of moles. For pregnant women, it is advisable to seek a doctor's opinion.

Shaving, what are the risks?

Given that a razor is a sharp object, the primary risk of shaving is cuts and micro-lesions. It also promotes the appearance of ingrown hairs, especially when shaving against the grain. To avoid this, exfoliations are highly recommended, both for the face and the body.
In addition to the two body exfoliations presented above, we have developed a facial exfoliation. The radiance exfoliation is recommended for unclogging pores and promoting cellular renewal. It gently exfoliates and unclogs the pores. The gel transforms into an exfoliating oil under the effect of massage, then into a milk upon contact with water. Containing essential oils, it should not be used by pregnant women.

The complete bikini hair removal and its undesirable effects.

Whether hair removal is done by shaving or waxing, it is often the case that women experience gynaecological disorders (fungal infections, cystitis...) following a full hair removal. This can be due to a lack of hygiene when carrying out the hair removal. A study published in the British Medical Journal has thus highlighted the link between bikini hair removal and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) . This can be explained by the fact that the absence of pubic hair allows for the colonisation of viruses and bacteria. It's worth remembering that hair originally has a protective role against external aggressions... Removing it entirely can therefore be a source of intimate discomfort.

The laser, what are the risks?

When improperly calibrated, laser hair removal can lead to depigmentation and burns on the skin. Therefore, appropriate machine settings are essential to prevent skin injuries. Moreover, at present, no research has established a link between laser hair removal and melanoma or skin cancer. The exposure to the laser beam is brief and poses no risk.

Caution!Laser hair removal isnot recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women, individuals suffering from skin diseases (herpes, lesions, infections...) as well as those underphotosensitising treatment (roacutane, cortisone, antibiotics…).

Source:

  • E Charles Osterberg, Correlation between pubic hair grooming and STIs: results from a nationally representative probability sample, BMJ, (2016).

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