Avoid pesky ingrown hairs with ‘SERSM’ method for removal – it works with shaving and epilating your bikini area
INGROWN hairs are out and smooth skin is in.
A five-step method will help you get out of a hairy situation – literally – and just in time for summer.
Redditor Krissycole87 shared her tips for bettering your bikini area.
“Ingrown hairs are caused by two things – bacteria getting into the pore and hairs unable to pass back through the skin,” she said.
SANITIZE
The first step to shaving more efficiently involves sanitizing.
“Sanitize everything that is about to come in contact with your skin before you shave or epilate,” she said.
“I actually stick the head of the epilator into a shallow dish of rubbing alcohol and let it spin. Also, I swish my razor around in rubbing alcohol.”
She also shared how she never forgets to sanitize her scrubby glove with Dial antibacterial soap.
Just remember – if it touches your skin, it needs to be cleaned.
And that includes your hands.
“Anything about to touch your skin needs to be cleaned, including your hands,” she said.
EXFOLIATE
Before shaving or epilating, don’t forget to do this – exfoliate.
“Exfoliate before you shave or epilate,” she said.
She shared how she always exfoliates in the shower using Cerave Salicrylic Acid Cleanser.
Currently on sale for $11.50 on Amazon, Cerave Salicylic Acid Cleanser acts as a chemical exfoliant.
The find claims to be less “harsh” than traditional face scrubs.
The clear gel even becomes a foaming wash once you begin to lather.
Skin is hydrated without any feelings of tightness.
REMOVE HAIR
Next up, it’s time to say goodbye to those unwanted hairs and hello to smoother skin by shaving or epilating.
She recommends using a “nice” shaving cream.
Her favorite is the Albas Extremely Emollient Shave Cream which sells for $4.99 on Vitacost.
“If you are epilating, proceed to this after the shower,” she said.
SANITIZE
Once you’re out of the shower or have fished epilating, it’s time to sanitize again.
“I use pure witch hazel that still has natural alcohol in it, or actual rubbing alcohol on a cotton pad, and swipe over the area,” she said.
MOISTURIZE
Last but maybe most importantly, you’ll want to moisturize.
To make skin smoother, she especially recommends incorporating Cerave Salicrylic Acid Body Lotion into your shaving routine.
“It moisturizes and exfoliates in one step,” she said.
Some other tips include making sure to repeat the exfoliation process every time after shaving or epilating.
“Applying oils and lotions after shaving reduces friction and helps the hairs pass through the skin,” she said.
She is also a fan of Bliss Ingrown Hair Pads.
“Any method of killing the germs and exfoliating will cure the razor bumps, and upkeep everyday will keep them away,” she said.
Another Redditor shared what works best for them.
“Cannot stress the magic of witch hazel for this. I have the toner and an after-wax cream with it in as well. Best combo so far,” she said.