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Product Review: Arezoo Ingrown Hair Cream

BellaSugar — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 10:54:45 -0700

Arezoo Kaviani worked at posh Mayfair salon in London for years, where she had a constant client waiting list. After much success she decided to venture out on her own. She now owns a private salon kitty-corner to the world-famous Harrods department store. Her specialties are extremely gentle waxing and facials, but she is so talented that her one-stop shop also offers a gamut of alluring body treatments.

While in London, I had the pleasure of meeting Azeroo for a bikini wax - not an easy feat, considering her schedule is jam-packed with clients that include Gwyneth Paltrow, Claudia Schiffer, Daniel Craig, Jake Gyllenhaal and Reese Witherspoon. I was dying to ask her if Jake comes in for a manly parts waxing or just an eyebrow shaping, but I resisted - I didn't want to put her in a compromising position or anything.

The one product she used that smelled great and cut the pain of a wax by at least half was her tea tree oil wax. She also handed me an ice cube before she began to help numb the area -it's kinda fun, actually! When we were finished, she recommended a terrific anti-ingrown hair product that I want to share with you.

Arezoo Ingrown Hair Cream contains no alcohol, but it does have tons of tea tree oil. That acts as an antiseptic and drying agent, so those nasty, itchy bumps don't form on your nether regions. It smells better than most products in its genre, and it won't thin your skin like other alcohol-based ingrown hair products do.

The cream works wonders for anywhere on the body suffering from cuts, scrapes, burns, or blemishes. Plus, men can use it as an aftershave. It costs £15, but since Arezoo has so many international clients, she's willing to ship any orders for a minimum charge of $5.

How Do You Handle Ingrown Hairs?

BellaSugarUK — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 04:00:00 -0700

Ok, so this is definitely not the most pleasant subject to discuss on a Saturday morning, but let's just call it what it is -girly coffee talk!

Ingrown hairs hurt, they're unsightly to look at as they tend to get red and bumpy and everyone (yes everyone) gets them. I unfortunately have a bad habit of poking and picking at them until I get the trapped hair out.

Shame on me! The correct way to deal and prevent ingrowns is by exfoliating and then applying some kind of bump fighting product like Arezoo Ingrown Hair Cream or a hair re-growth minimising cream like Bliss Get Out of Hair.

Because of the picking, I cause even more irritation, hence slowing down the healing time. Leave a comment below and tell me about how do you handle your ingrown hair dilemma.

How-To: Prevent Red Bumps in the Bikini Area

BellaSugar — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 12:00:48 -0700

As we all know, hot weather is just around the corner. Whether you prefer a one-piece or two - or perhaps no swimsuit at all - there's nothing worse than calling attention to "down there" (as Mr. Bella's grandma would point and whisper) than with red, splotchy bumps caused by shaving.

But, the good news is that these bumps, aka pseudofolliculitis barbae, can be avoided. If you're looking for smooth skin with irritation-free results, I've got the answers. Check them out when you read more.

Before breaking out the razor, wash skin with a gentle antibacterial soap to keep germs at bay, exfoliating with a washcloth to create a smooth surface.
Before shaving, rinse or soak in warm water for several minutes to soften the hair.
Next, apply a conditioning shaving gel or cream to the area, such as Skintimate Moisturizing Shave Gel in Soothing Lavender ($3.50) or Bikini Zone Anti-Irritation Shave Gel ($4.30).
It should go without saying, but dull blades make for bumpy results. Always use a sharp razor. I like Gillette Venus Divine Razor For Women ($11).
Shaving tips: While you can shave in the opposite direction of hair growth, if you are prone to ingrowns, go with the grain. Try not to go over the same area multiple times or shave each day, as this can cause unnecessary irritation. Also, rinse the razor after each swipe to prevent clogging, and pull the skin taut to get a nice, close shave.
Splash on some cool water when you are done, and pat dry with a towel. For added protection against bumps, apply a postshaving product to reduce inflammation, like Tend Skin ($16) or Bikini Zone Anti-Bumps, Medicated Bikini Pads ($8).

What are your favorite tips?

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Three Solutions for Ingrown Hairs

BellaSugar — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 06:00:28 -0700

Ah, Summer! Time to break out the bare legs and bikini bottoms - and to start worrying about battling ingrown hairs. Waxing and shaving frequently can easily lead to razor burn and painful bumps that get infected if left untreated. Fortunately, there are some great solutions to the problem, whether you're looking to pamper yourself or you're shopping on a budget. Here are three ingrown-hair treatments to try.

From one of our favorite spa brands, these Ingrown Hair Eliminating Peeling Pads by Bliss ($35) are easy-to-use wipes presoaked in a hydroxy-acid solution, which helps battle bumps and soothe redness.

Two more, including a great budget option, so read more

If you think shaving your legs every other day is tough on your skin, imagine taking a razor to your face every morning. That's why I trust products for guys, like this Ingrown Hair Treatment by Anthony Logistics ($25). This moisturizing gel cleans away dead skin cells to fend off the bacteria that can lead to infection.

Looking for a more budget buy? Pick up a tube of good old hydrocortisone cream, like Cortaid Maximum Strength 1.0% Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Cream ($6.79). This first-aid staple is great for treating razor burn and calming irritated hair follicles.

Product Review: Whish Flawless Bump Fighter

BellaSugar — Fri, 09 May 2008 14:00:02 -0700

I suffer from red, puffy ingrown hairs, so I am always on the lookout for a magical cream that can nip them in the bud before they grow into large, unsightly bumps. So far, I've found two great products - Tend Skin and Arezoo Ingrown Hair Cream - and recently I've discovered Flawless Bump Fighter from Whish ($22.50).

It has a mild scent and comes in an easy-to-travel, slim tube with a fairly aggressive pump. It needs to be said since I consider you guys my friends, is that it's got a clear, whitish (think saliva) type of texture and color. So, let's just say that when it comes shooting out of the container, it reminds me of something downright dirty.

But, none of that really matters, does it? (I just thought I'd warn you.) I appreciate that it won't stain your underpants (it dries clear) and I've been using it every other day for two weeks since my bikini wax. So far I've only noticed one ingrown hair and minimal redness. I'd say that's a great result.

It claims to weaken your hair follicles, help prevent hair growth, and skin inflammation. Also, it's alcohol free, so it won't dry out your skin. Use it on your legs, lips, bikini area, and eyebrows after a wax, depilatory, or a shave. It leaves your skin feeling smooth, not sticky, and it dries quickly so you can get dressed right away. Pretty flawless after all.

What's the Deal With Depilatory Creams?

BellaSugar — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 07:00:13 -0700

Facial hair: it's not just for guys, and ladies, it's nothing to be ashamed of. No matter what your complexion or skin type, it is completely natural for some amount of hair to be present on your face. For some women, it is practically unnoticeable. Other women find it bothersome, so they decide to do something about it. Simply bleaching the hair can work if your skin is fair, but for the rest of you, the best bet for making your facial hair do a vanishing act is with a depilatory cream.

But what is a depilatory cream, anyway, and how does this stuff work? Allow me to clear up the confusion.

Depilatory creams remove the hair deeper than shaving, but not quite as deep as waxing.
The active ingredient is sodium and calcium thioglycolate, which might sound a little scary, but it's actually a safe chemical that has been used for hair removal since 1930.
The chemicals dissolve the protein base of the hair, allowing it to be removed from below the surface of the skin.
The creams can be smelly (the active ingredient is a close relative to the one used in perming), and a bit messy, but the tradeoff is that hair stays away much longer than shaving, and it grows back significantly less stubbly.

If you decide to try a depilatory cream, be sure to select one that is specifically for the face, as it will be gentler than the ones for other parts of the body. Apply to clean skin, and leave on no longer than the directed time. Once finished, all you have to do is wipe away the cream, and voila: hair is gone. Another bonus: no ingrown hairs.

The bottom line? Depilatories are a generally safe, easy way to remove facial hair, as long as you follow the instructions, and don't mind a smelly mess every now and then. Is this your hair removal method of choice? Let me know what you think.

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Ingrown Hair Solutions For Men

DearSugar — Mon, 07 Aug 2006 17:37:26 -0700

Dear Sugar,
I have awful ingrown hairs when I shave and in between shaves. These big, red bumps from all over my jaw line and neck and they look terrible. I am in the Navy, so I must shave everyday. It's starting to affect my self-esteem because it's so gross looking. I've tried everything from anti-bump shaving creams to a dozen different type of razors, but nothing seems to help. Do you have any suggestions? Irritated Ian

To see DEARSUGAR's answer read more

Dear Irritated Ian
You've got to exfoliate. The hairs are ingrown because the follicles are growing in curled and skin is forming over them. I know that it's painful, but sloth it on and rub each day in the shower. When you get out, dab on some of YonKa's famous Juvenil. This highly effective (and non-stinging) solution (that smells great and not girly at all) has a super strong antiseptic and antibacterial ingredients to help fight pimples, redness and ingrown hairs.

After you apply the Juvenil, dab on some of YonKa's Creme 11. This will help the redness tremendously. The plant extracts in this cream help to combat irritations on sensitive skin. Creme 11 also helps to prevent any escalating redness and it tones down irritated and upset skin.

These products are amazing and they are simply packaged so you will feel comfortable carrying them around in your bag around your Navy buddies.

Some other suggestions are to use an electric razor. If you can use them in the Navy and if your skin can handle it - they are less harsh. Also, see how your skin reacts to using a little bit of witch hazel after shaving. Apply it with a cotton ball and wait a few minutes. This might help soothe your skin a great deal.

How To: Take Care of Your Skin After a Wax

BellaSugarUK — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 03:00:00 -0800

I know that most of you are divided about which method of hair removal you prefer. While shaving is undoubtedly the cheapest and most convenient way it can become annoying having to do it every other day -plus there's the problem of ingrown hairs (check out my top tips to prevent those). Personally I'm a devotee of waxing as it's just more relaxing having someone else take care of the problem.

I recently had the best wax of my life by expert therapist Dee Wilson who runs her own mini salon at Favela Shop (020 3222 0042) in Shoreditch. Dee specialises in brazilians and while I'm not brave enough to go all the way, I got the most thorough bikini wax I'd ever experienced. Plus my legs are still hairless two weeks later.

I spoke to Dee about her top tips for taking care of your skin post-wax and how to ensure that you stay super smooth for as long as possible. For her expert advice simply read more.

Exfoliate your body at least once a week. Dee suggests that you "exfoliate the area you're having waxed a few hours prior to the treatment and afterwards don't exfoliate for at least four days."
Don't use shower gel or body lotion on your waxed skin for around 24 hours. "Try and keep the bath or shower water luke warm instead of hot, as this can irritate the skin." says Dee.
"If you've had a bikini wax - especially if it's a brazilian, then cold ice or a cold compress can help the redness disappear." suggests Dee.
"Tea tree or lavender oil will soothe the skin." Dee recommends.
To avoid any redness or those irritation bumps that sometimes occur on the legs after a wax then try and expose your skin to the cold air. "Avoid the sun" says Dee "but having bare legs instead of being wrapped up in tights or jeans will help the skin to recover."
After 48 hours apply a cream that will minimise hair re-growth. I swear by Bliss Get Out of Hair! (£27) moisture milk.

Source

How-To: Extend the Life of a Razor

BellaSugar — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 09:00:55 -0700

While replacing yet another razor blade in the shower, do you ever stop and think, "Didn't I just change this thing a few days ago?"

Considering the relatively high cost of replacing razor blades, you might as well try to prolong the life of them. By following a few easy steps after each shave, you'll reduce the likelihood of some common disasters (the nicks, the cuts, the ingrowns), and your wallet will be very happy.

For tips on how to "save the shave," read more.

Even though it may seem obvious, thoroughly rinse the blade after each use. A razor should be free of hair and shaving cream for optimal sharpness.
Water is a blade's worst enemy, as it causes corrosion, so dry off the blade when you are finished. You can break out your blow dryer to give your razor a blast of heat, or lightly dry the blade with a tissue or towel - but be careful to not cause unnecessary wear and tear. At the very least, store your razor outside of the shower.
Vodka martini, straight up! Well, maybe not during your morning shave. You can, however, dip your blade in alcohol, and it will assist in keeping the blade dry and disinfected. Rubbing alcohol is cheaper, but vodka will do if that's all you've got.
Use baby oil instead of shaving cream in a pinch. The oil acts as a lubricant on the razor, preventing tiny chips in the blade. Plus, it smells pretty great, too.

Source

New Product Alert: The Art of Shaving

BellaSugar — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 06:02:17 -0700

I've always liked the looks of men's line from The Art of Shaving, so I'm really happy to explore its new women's shaving collection. The just-launched, seven-piece line ($18–$60) is specifically formulated for skin on the body, and it's infused with rose absolute. While I probably wouldn't go for all of the products because I don't have time for a four-step shaving process, I'm interested in trying the Ingrown Hair Night Cream ($30), a shea butter formula that soothes skin and prevents bumps and ingrowns. It sounds like someone's finally figured out how to tackle shaving problems without leaving skin oily or overly mentholated.