Dermatologists Explain the Proper Use of a Bikini Trimmer

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You have plenty of room for error whether you wax, shave, epilate, or trim. Everyone obviously does not want to cope with a trim gone bad down there. If you’ve ever had a rash or burn in this area, you know how physically painful it is, how it may damage your appearance, and what a pain in the (you know what.) is. That is why it is crucial to understand how to use a bikini trimmer properly.

Of all the body parts, this is one that you should never rush (never dry shave in a rush; it’s not worth it!). It’s plenty to cause you to cross your really silky legs.

The pubic area requires particular care because the hair and skin there differ greatly from those on the rest of the body. According to Woolery-Lloyd (MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Miami and director of the Skin of the Color Division for the University of Miami Department of Dermatology) “Shaving pubic hair with the wrong tools can increase the risk of shaving bumps, ingrown hairs, dry skin, itching during regrowth, redness and irritation.”

Ingrown hairs are more prevalent in the pubic region than anywhere else on the body in my practice. Patients find this issue to be both painful and embarrassing. A thorough approach can help lower the danger of frequent shaving issues. In sensitive places like the pubic area, it’s crucial to utilize products that prepare, prevent from damage, shave, and maintain healthy skin.

Why Do We Trim Down There?

However, why even trim in the first place? Is it truly required, or might you just let nature take its course? The main reasons for trimming are listed below. 

1. Hygiene: When it’s always covered up, it gets sweaty down there. Your skin’s oils and sweat combine to generate bacteria that stick to your pubic hair. The likelihood that something will emit offensive odors increases with time. Short hair facilitates upkeep and discourages the growth of hazardous microorganisms. A pH-balanced body wash can also be used to keep things clean and to lower the likelihood of odor. 

2. Getting Stuck: The majority of us have been there: our short, curly hair is painfully trapped in a zip or our underpants. The intensity of pain is out of proportion to the little hairs, and it is a nightmare. When you trim, you eliminate the risk of uncomfortable pulling and tearing as well as getting them stuck. 

3. Pubic Lice: Pubic lice are a real possibility and enjoy residing in long pubic hair, despite our desire to avoid thinking about it.It is easier to cure the issue and permanently get rid of them if hair is kept as short as possible since they have fewer locations to dwell and breed.

We asked dermatologists to provide detailed instructions on how to use a bikini trimmer in order to achieve the cleanest bikini line in the safest manner possible. 

1. Prep Your Skin 

The key to reducing the possibility of skin irritation or friction is to prepare your skin before using your bikini trimmer. “Typically, this is best done by gently cleansing the skin and keeping the hairs damp, which helps soften the hairs,” Garshick (Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist in New York City at MDCS Dermatology: Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery, as well as an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Cornell.) says. 

Use of an antibacterial wash, such as a benzoyl peroxide wash like Panoxyl or other antibacterial washes like Betadine Surgical Scrub or Hibiclens, may be helpful for someone prone to breakouts and ingrown hairs in order to reduce potential bacteria. Additionally, removing dead skin cells with a gentle exfoliant before trimming can be beneficial. To do this, use a cleanser with salicylic acid, like CeraVe SA Cleanser. However, be careful to avoid abrasive scrubs since they can irritate the skin. 

A light exfoliation will be especially helpful for people who are prone to ingrown hairs. Because it contains mild exfoliating particles to aid in skin smoothing, Venus for Pubic Hair & Skin Smoothing Exfoliant is a fantastic choice.

When using an electronic razor: Wet shavers need shave gel for a little slip, whereas dry shavers function best on dry (obviously), clean, and un-moisturized skin. Choose a water-based one; Mattioli, a medical esthetician at Complete SkinMD in New York City advises against using shaving oils, which can clog the electronic trimmer. The good news is that you won’t have to worry about skin irritation when mounting that enormous swan float because electric razors are often less sensitive to the skin than manual blades. Before you begin, hair should be no longer than two inches. Trim it down initially if you haven’t defuzzed in a very long time to prevent clogging your new trimmer. 

2. Use a Bikini Trimmer That Is Right For You 

Given that the skin in this area is more delicate and the angles can make it more difficult to trim, it may be beneficial to look for a trimmer with an attachment made especially for this area. 

Many women choose to ignore these issues of ingrown hairs, irritation etc. and continue shaving their bikini line because they believe they must. No, you never have to experience discomfort with your skin. You just need the appropriate razor to obtain a close shave without being irritated. Select one with several blades because it will require less force yet have a greater impact. While wet razors are preferable for delicate skin since they are less prone to irritate the skin, dry razors are the quickest and easiest to use. You have options with one that functions both ways. 

Strips made of moisturizing gel are also a game-changer for this delicate region. Even if you don’t think of yourself as having sensitive skin, the improper razor can still cause rashes and razor bumps.

Gillette
Venus Gentle Trimmer for Pubic Hair & Skin

Schick
Hydro Silk TrimStyle Razor Women’s

3. Read the Instructions Carefully 

Every bikini trimmer has a different method of operation. Always read the label and use the trimmer as instructed. Some trimmers may advise using on dry hair. Some trimmers can be used in conjunction with shaving cream; in this case, shaving cream should be applied beforehand to reduce the possibility of friction, which could otherwise cause irritation. 

4. Warm up for 10 minutes 

You’ll be eager to start shaping and shaving as soon as you acquire your miracle tool. But before you get started, soak in warm water for around 10 minutes, whether it’s in the bathtub or by taking a hot shower and unwinding. In addition to lowering the risk of razor burn and making hair removal easier, the warmth will soften the skin’s surface layer. Next, use a moist flannel to gently brush the area to remove any dead skin cells or hair. Then, use the bikini trimmer to shorten any long hair so that it can be easily shaved and is neatly arranged with any remaining hair. 

5. Shave with a clear shaving gel

Never attempt to dry shave your bikini area; it will make you uncomfortable. To ensure a smooth glide across the skin, invest in a high-quality shaving gel. Intuition Complete is one of many Wilkinson Sword products that has a moisturizing lubricating strip integrated into the razor head to provide a smooth glide. 

6. Shave with the hair growth – not against

Pulling the skin taut will allow you to see the various hair growth directions before you begin shaving. Always trim your hair in the same direction as the growth. This stops those uncomfortable lumps and bumps, as well as ingrown hairs. No need to apply pressure; just let the trimmer glide over the hair. Avoid cutting or shaving against the grain since it will hurt. The outcome of your trimming will be better if you gently pull the skin until it is taut. The trimmer’s cutting angles will also do a better job of contouring and following the form of the region. 

7. Rinsing 

After trimming is complete, jump in the shower and rinse off to get rid of all the stray hair.Additionally, it means you’ll be able to remove cut hairs that have attached to your body, stopping them from curling and developing into ingrown hairs. Additionally, you can clean the blade and any extras. 

8. Treat Your Skin Afterwards 

To lessen irritation and discomfort, thoroughly rinse the area, pat it dry, and then use a topical post-shave solution. To assist soothe the skin without causing outbreaks, it is advisable to apply a mild non-comedogenic moisturizing cream or lotion, like Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion or Dove Body Love Sensitive Care Body Lotion, to the affected area. According to Dr. Woolery-Lloyd, post-shave products assist in repairing the skin barrier and maintaining skin moisture. Additionally, avoid wearing tight clothing shortly after shaving if you are prone to shaving irritation. 

9. Clean the trimmer 

Not keeping the trimmer clean is one of the most frequent errors. According to Woolery-Lloyd, selecting a trimmer that is simple to clean frequently is crucial to avoiding infection.It’s best to clean the bikini trimmer right away after each usage and replace the blade as needed to make sure it’s ready to go for the next time. According to Garshick, “people frequently neglect to clean or change their blades, which might effect the efficacy, make it more painful, and help to irritate or infect.”

Tips to Follow

There are a few useful pointers and techniques you should keep in mind when cutting your bikini area to keep things easy and avoid unwelcome breakouts.

Don’t trim every day. Since this isn’t a regular part of your schedule, once a week is good. Too much trimming and shaving can result in bumps and lumps that become uncomfortable and itchy. They are the consequence of razor wounds and may also contain pus.

Confirm the Length. A trimmer can become clogged by even the short and curlies. You’ll need to initially perform some manual trimming if you haven’t kept up with the gardens for a while. The trimmer will become clogged by anything longer than two inches.

Look at the trimmer type. Only dry skin that hasn’t been moisturized will allow a dry razor to function correctly. For a wet trimmer to work effectively, it needs additional lubrication. Prior to beginning, always examine the type of trimmer and prepare your body as necessary.

Avoid using aftershave. After trimming or shaving, just wonderful baby oil or mild lotion should be applied to the skin. You don’t want to suffer any stinging or burning from anything else.

Steady and slow. To start, trim carefully to prevent any nicks or cuts. Second, avoid improvising with the blade; one bad move will leave you with a decent cut to remember the occasion. So go slowly and educate yourself. Practice makes perfect.

Have a bath. Take a warm bath (or a shower if you don’t have a tub) and allow the water penetrate your skin thoroughly before trimming or shaving.In addition to opening the pores, this makes the hairs easier to trim. Have a bath first; we promise it will make the experience much more enjoyable.

FAQs

Does a bikini trimmer hurt? No, using a bikini trimmer is not painful. You might experience a minor tugging feeling that might be slightly painful if the hair is very long. You shouldn’t have any pain when taking it, though.

How do you trim pubic hair without causing itching? Trim pubic hair in the direction that the hair grows to reduce itching, and make sure the area is properly moisturized. Always keep the skin moist and keep the razor clean to avoid razor burn and cut yourself less frequently. These recommendations should result in little to no itching.

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