Facial Hair Removal: Everything You Need To Know About Doing It At Home
All of this experience means I know the best method for you will depend on many factors: Your threshold for pain, whether you'd prefer to do it yourself or see a professional, how quickly your hair grows back, and the sensitivity (or not) of your skin. Here's a breakdown of the best way to remove unwanted hair, directly from the experts.
One caveat before we dive in: whether you choose to keep or remove facial hair is a personal preference. This is for people who are looking for advice on removing it in a skin-safe way.
What's the best method to remove facial hair?
Waxing
One of the quickest ways to remove facial hair, waxing can leave skin noticeably smoother and hair-free for anywhere between two and four weeks. At home, wax strips are the most common way to remove facial hair, while in a salon, hot wax is more likely to be used.
'In addition to hair removal, waxing also gently exfoliates the skin by removing dead skin cells,' Monica Ella Botros, managing director at Strip Hair Removal Experts, tells Vogue. 'However, facial skin is significantly more delicate and sensitive than the skin on the rest of the body, so it does require extra care.'
One concern about facial waxing is that some people experience bumps and small breakouts afterwards, something Botros says is avoidable with the right after-care routine. 'Breakouts and bumps happen when bacteria enter the freshly 'opened' pores (the removal of the hair follicle leaves an opening in the skin),' she explains.
'For the first 12 to 24 hours, you must avoid using any perfumed products on the treated area, as well as refraining from hot baths, showers, sunbathing, sun beds, swimming and strenuous exercise.' Steam, sweat, and SPF are all things that can trigger post-wax irritation. This also applies to strong topical treatments, like retinol, potent exfoliators and peels.
Benefits of waxing
Quick
Cost-effective
Easy to do at home
Extended hair-free period
Drawbacks of waxing
Depending on your pain threshold, it can hurt
Possibility of post-wax breakouts
Can increase the likelihood of ingrown hairs
Can cause irritation in sensitive skin types
Threading
Threading involves taking a carefully twisted piece of cotton thread and using the tension to hold and pull on unwanted hairs.
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How To Find A Sunscreen That Won't Break You Out
The most common issue most people have with sunscreen for the face is that it breaks them out. Certainly, sunscreen formulas can feel heavy on the skin and potentially clog pores, especially when combined with sweating, sea or pool water, sand and reapplication (which should be every two hours or after water exposure or sweating). 'Breakouts from sunscreen are usually from the ingredients and your skin's sensitivity,' said Dr. Richard Bottiglione, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Dermatologist's Choice Skincare. HuffPost spoke to three board-certified dermatologists on which ingredients can break you out, offering some tips on how to find a product that works for you. Ingredients That Can Make You Break Out Sunscreen formulas often contain heavier ingredients, when compared with moisturizing creams, that may be comedogenic — i.e., pore-clogging — such as certain oils, waxes and silicones. 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'I share with my patients to look for these terms not only on their sunscreen but skin care products, makeup and any products they will use on their skin,' agreed Houshmand. Avoid These Common Sunscreen Mistakes That May Cause Breakouts The first step when buying a new sunscreen is to patch test it for a few days, to check if a formula breaks you out or not. 'Using exfoliants or retinoids in your routine makes your barrier and skin more sensitive, so look out for barrier-supporting and soothing ingredients,' like niacinamide, ceramide precursors, peptides, panthenol or gentle peptides and antioxidants, said Sajic. 'Terms like 'barrier repair,' 'adaptive hydration' or 'multi-peptide complex' can hint at these,' he added. Reapplication can also cause breakouts, as the potentially irritating ingredients accumulate on the skin. Plus, 'When you're sweating outside, or at the pool, or at the beach, this can be a bigger issue because the sweat and dirt are major contributors to breakouts,' noted Bottiglione. To minimize the risk of breakouts when you are reapplying, you can opt for lighter formulas like sprays, powders or cushion compacts. Lightly cleansing the skin with a micellar wipe before reapplying could be helpful, said Sajic. A quick mist of a hypochlorous acid spray that naturally disinfects the skin is also a good choice. Make sure to let it fully dry before reapplying your sunscreen. Related: 'A common mistake is using a sunscreen formulated for the body and applying it on the face,' warned Houshmand, while offering a helpful tip: 'Always wash your hands before applying your sunscreen and when washing your sunscreen off at the end of the day.' Another reason sunscreen may be breaking you out — because you don't cleanse your skin properly at the end of the day! Even if you aren't wearing makeup, a deep, thorough cleanse is recommended to remove any sunscreen residue, sweat and debris from the skin. Sunscreen is formulated to form a film on the skin, so a simple micellar cleanse won't do. 'If sunscreen is not thoroughly cleansed at the end of the day, residue can accumulate and lead to breakouts,' said Houshmand. TL;DR The possibility of a sunscreen breaking you out in the summer depends on various factors, including the formula, ingredients, reapplication and accumulation of sweat, sand, salt or chlorine, all of which play their part. Ultimately, the best sunscreen for you is one that you will use consistently every day, all year round. The experts recommend you pick a broad-spectrum formula and a texture and feel that you like, so you can apply (and reapply) the appropriate amount. Words like 'weightless' and 'invisible finish' are good indicators of that. Related: Looking for a great sunscreen? These are some of our favorites. HuffPost and its publishing partners may receive a commission from some purchases made via links on this page. Every item is independently curated by the HuffPost Shopping team. Prices and availability are subject to change. Dermstore EltaMD UV Restore SPF 40 If you're looking for a sunscreen that doubles as anti-aging skin care, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Sonia Badreshia-Bansal recommended the EltaMD UV Restore sunscreen. She said, "sunscreens that combine physical blockers with antioxidants like niacinamide, vitamin C, or DNA-repair enzymes" can help combat oxidative stress and visible signs of aging. This particular SPF has with squalane and ginger root extract, both of which support skin health and appearance. $46 at Dermstore $46 at Amazon Sephora Ultra Violette Future Screen SPF 50 The cult-fave Australian brand Ultra Violette is finally available in the US at Sephora! If anyone knows how to protect their skin from harmful rays, it's Southern Hemisphere-dwelling Australians. I stock up on their sunscreens and lip balms every time I'm Down Under, and this development is a real thrill for skin care lovers. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Jessie Cheung of Chicago's Cheung Aesthetics & Wellness told HuffPost that this must-have SPF is 'packed with mineral blockers to protect from the harsh Aussie sun, but feels silky and lightweight.' $40 at Sephora Amazon L'Oreal Paris Bright Reveal Broad Spectrum Daily SPF 50 According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Alexander Witkowski, one of the most noteworthy new sunscreens of the season is this SPF 50 fluid from L'Oreal. He told HuffPost that it has an innovative formula that "combines advanced sun protection with skin-brightening benefits." It's enriched with vitamin C and vitamin E, which can help "to reduce the appearance of dark spots and promote a more even, radiant complexion." He is also a fan of the lightweight finish that doesn't leave a white cast and the fact that it is formulated for sensitive skin. $25 at Amazon $33 at Ulta $26 at Walgreens Amazon Isdin Eryfotona Actinica SPF 50+ Both Badreshia-Bansal and Cheung recommended this Barcelona-based skin care brand's sunscreen. It is 100% mineral-based and infused with skin-loving ingredients that make it a great multitasker. It is one of the most comfortable mineral sunscreen formulas I've tried. It's formulated with zinc oxide, DNA repair enzymes and vitamin E — so not only is it preventing sun damage, but it's helping to nourish and repair the skin as well. The Isdin sunscreen is significantly lighter and easier to blend than traditional mineral SPFs, and doesn't have that lingering zinc smell that personally drives me up the wall. It dries down to a soft matte and is a nice base for dewy makeup looks. While this sunscreen blends well, there is a very slight white cast that's typical of a mineral sunscreen formulation. The combination of lightweight finish, formula and UV protection has made it worth the troubleshooting. Many shoppers noted that it's great for anyone who has sensitive skin, rosacea and skin cancer. $46 at Dermstore $46 at Sephora Amazon Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Oxide Dry-Touch mineral sunscreen SPF 50 When you're going to hit the beach or pool, water-resistant formulas are key. Badreshia-Bansal said, "Look for something labeled 'water resistant (80 minutes)' and at least SPF 50. I recommend mineral sticks or lotions because they tend to be more photostable." In previous reporting, Dr. Brandan Camp, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology, said, "This lightweight, non-greasy product provides SPF 50 protection and contains zinc oxide as the active ingredient," Camp said. It's specially formulated with antioxidants to be water-resistant, is naturally sourced and dries down quickly without leaving a greasy finish. $19 at Amazon $13 at Walmart Elemis Elemis Pro-Collagen SPF 50 This silky sunscreen is one of Elemis' newest products, but given how great it is, you'd think the brand has been in the SPF game for decades. I've been using it for a couple of weeks and absolutely love it. I'm extremely fussy about sunscreen texture, finish and scent — and luckily this beauty knocks it out of the ballpark on all counts while providing powerful SPF 50 protection. It's a sheer, imperceptible fluid that dries down quickly with no white cast and leaves your complexion looking radiant and dewy, never greasy. I can't help but add it to this list of must-haves that your skin will love. $70 at Elemis Dermstore EltaMD UV AOX mist SPF 40 For beach days, Cheung recommends a water-resistant SPF, preferably a mineral formula that won't cause your eyes to sting or slide off when you're sweating in the sun. She pointed out that the EltaMD UV AOX Mist is great for full body coverage, since it "sprays on white but dries clear, so you won't miss any spots. It also has 360-degree sprayability, so you can apply it upside down." $46 at Dermstore $46 at Amazon Ulta La Roche-Posay Anthelios tinted light fluid sunscreen SPF 50 Badreshia-Bansal said, "I'm really impressed by the new La Roche-Posay Anthelios mineral tinted SPF 50+ Fluid – it's sheer, has a universal tint, and offers high UVA/UVB protection with 100% mineral filters. It's ideal for sensitive skin and has a great, elegant feel." Perfect for those days when you don't want to wear makeup want an easy pick-me-up. $40 at Ulta $40 at Amazon Amazon CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 30 According to Witkowski, this CeraVe lotion with SPF 30 is "an excellent, affordable and widely accessible option for a daily morning routine." It provides sun protection while doubling as a moisturizer and is formulated with ceramides, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to support skin barrier health and hydration while also soothing irritation.. He also pointed out that it's non-comedogenic and fragrance-free, making it appropriate for sensitive and acne-prone skin. $15 at Amazon $16 at Ulta $15 at Target Ulta Blue Lizard Sensitive mineral sunscreen SPF 50+ Another Badreshia-Bansal recommendation for days spent outdoors, this reef-safe mineral sunscreen from Australia contains no active chemicals and is suitable for use on sensitive skin. It's also sweat- and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes so you can enjoy all types of outdoor activities without worry. $13 at Ulta $12 at CVS Merit Merit The Uniform tinted mineral SPF 45 This sunscreen from the internet- and celeb-beloved beauty brand Merit is hot off the presses, and promises to be a lovely choice for those who want a sunscreen option that also offers a soft splash of color. It features a formulation that's designed to be lightweight and buildable with a silky, soft and velvety sheer finish to impart a natural glow, while also helping to smooth and blur the look of skin. It's available in 15 blendable hues. Be one of the first to check out this SPF. $38 at Merit Amazon La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Sunscreen Dry Touch SPF 60 Having earned The Skin Cancer Foundation's Seal of Recommendation, this La Roche-Posay is Witkowski's personal favorite and 'go-to' sunscreen, both for daily use and for days with extended sun exposure. It's also what he uses on his four-year-old child on beach days, bike rides or hikes. He noted that this oil-free SPF is very popular among dermatologists and is formulated with antioxidants that can help protect the skin from environmental damage. He also noted that it contains senna alata, "a tropical leaf extract known for its ability to combat oxidative stress and support the prevention of premature skin aging." You can't go wrong with this non-comedogenic, water-resistant formula that is also well-suited for sensitive skin. $20+ at Amazon $20 at Ulta Dermstore EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 Badreshia-Bansal echoed the saying that "the best SPF for daily use is one that you'll actually wear — lightweight, invisible and comfortable under makeup." She recommends a mineral SPF with low irritation potential, like this cult-fave SPF that is beloved by both HuffPost readers and editors alike. It's formulated with hyaluronic acid to deeply moisturize skin while the inclusion of lactic acid lightly exfoliates skin and can help to reduce hyperpigmentation and shine. It's a great option for people like me with sensitive and acne-prone skin. I turn to it anytime I'm going to be spending a lot of time in the sun or when I'm post-procedure and want to protect my skin without irritating it. $44 at Dermstore $44 at Amazon Amazon TiZO2 facial sunscreen and primer "I recommend Tizo 2 Facial Mineral Sunscreen SPF 40 for individuals seeking both high-performance sun protection and anti-aging benefits," said Witkowski. It's enriched with powerful antioxidants that canhelp neutralize free radicals and support overall skin health, while the gentle formulation makes it well-suited for sensitive and post-procedure skin. He also pointed out that it has a matte finish that "wears comfortably under makeup." $45 at Amazon $25 at Target (regularly $45) Dermstore Lancer mineral Sun Shield universal tint SPF 30 Cheung recommends a lightweight, tinted mineral SPF with antioxidants for everyday wear, like the Lancer Mineral Sun Shield SPF. "It multitasks as sun protection, skincare and a glow-up in one," she said. The iron oxides that provide the tint can also help to protect your skin from blue light, which penetrates deeper than UVB and contributes to hyperpigmentation. She added that this sunscreen "soothes while protecting and reducing sun damage, and will blend into all skin tones." $60 at Dermstore More And More Men Choose Not To Wear Metal Wedding Bands — Here's Why Dermatologists Say Your Moisturizer Could Be Causing Acne. Here Are Non-Comedogenic Formulas To Use Instead. Is Botox About To Get More Expensive? Doctors Reveal How Tariffs Will Impact Cosmetic Procedures. Related... 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The 9 healthiest dark chocolates, according to dietitians
These sweet morsels are packed with good-for-you compounds. Downing a smooth, sweet morsel of chocolate may feel like the ultimate indulgence, but did you know that certain compounds in dark chocolate could actually be good for your heart? Yes, you read that correctly — dark chocolate is more than just a delicious treat; it has some sweet potential benefits for your cardiovascular health too. Before you start stockpiling candy bars, though, there's a bit more to the science than simply grabbing the darkest-looking chocolate on the shelf. As a registered dietitian, here's what I think you need to know about the potential health benefits and drawbacks of dark chocolate, plus the healthiest dark chocolate options to consider the next time you hit the grocery store. Table of contents The heart-healthy perks of dark chocolate What to look for in dark chocolate What about heavy metals like lead and cadmium in dark chocolate? How much dark chocolate can you eat? The best dark chocolates for heart health Meet our experts Update, Aug. 14, 2025: We checked all product prices and availability. We have updated our choices for the healthiest dark chocolates based on the latest research and information. (back to top) The heart-healthy perks of dark chocolate Dark chocolate isn't just a decadent treat. It's a delicious source of nutrients and compounds that support heart health. Dark chocolate contains health-promoting antioxidants "Dark chocolate has flavonoids, a type of antioxidant, which studies have correlated with heart health, improved blood flow, and potential for cancer prevention," says Amanda Goodman, a registered dietitian. When focusing on heart health, these flavonoids have been shown to deliver a host of cardiovascular benefits, including improved blood flow, lower blood pressure and enhanced function of blood vessels. A 2019 meta-analysis published in the BMJ looked at data from 23 previously conducted studies on chocolate and heart disease risk, with more than 400,000 combined participants. The authors concluded that eating chocolate — notably, they don't specify dark chocolate here — was associated with a reduced risk of heart disease. They note that this reduced risk applied only for people who eat less than 100 grams of the stuff every week, since eating more than this increases a person's sugar consumption enough to negate some or all of the benefits. For reference, 100 grams is between 3 and 4 servings of most of the dark chocolate bars listed below, which publish serving sizes between 25-30 grams; or the equivalent of 22 Hershey Kisses. One reason this may be the case is that chocolate consumption may help improve blood flow in your arteries, making it easier for your heart to do its job. Additionally, flavonols (a subgroup of flavonoids) in dark chocolate help combat inflammation, an underlying cause of many cardiovascular problems. Dark chocolate offers an assist during stressful moments But there's more to dark chocolate's magic, especially when it comes to handling stress and heart health. A smaller study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition showed dark chocolate consumption may help reduce the cardiovascular strain induced by stress, making it easier for the body to stay calm under pressure. Milk chocolate, on the other hand, didn't produce these stress-busting benefits, further underscoring why dark chocolate reigns supreme for heart health. Dark chocolate contains heart-supporting magnesium "Dark chocolate is also a source of magnesium," shared Samantha Turner, a registered dietitian and the owner of Forks and Grace. If you have low levels of magnesium, you may be at greater risk for heart problems like irregular heartbeats, high blood pressure and strokes, while maintaining healthy levels of this mineral could play a key role in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Dark chocolate may reduce the risk of other chronic diseases and complications associated with them But the health benefits linked to dark chocolate don't stop at heart health. Data published in BMJ in 2024 indicate that an increased consumption of dark, but not milk, chocolate was associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes. There's also evidence that dark chocolate helps reduce the inflammatory burden of chronic kidney disease and may help improve cognitive function and mood in older adults. However, the benefits of dark chocolate aren't automatic. Choosing high-quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa and enjoying it in moderation is crucial to reaping the rewards. Overindulgence or opting for varieties overloaded with sugar could dampen its positive effects. And, of course, your overall diet should be balanced and rich in nutrient-dense foods in order to reap the most positive health benefits. The conclusion? Dark chocolate, in the right form and portion, is more than just a snack — it's a heart-helper and stress soother all rolled into one delicious package. (back to top) What to look for in dark chocolate When choosing dark chocolate, aim for bars that contain at least 70% cacao, since cacao is where the flavonoids come from. Colleen Wysocki, a registered dietitian and the owner of ZEST Nutrition, advised that consumers will get more antioxidants if they choose a cacao percentage of 85% or higher. When you're choosing which one to buy, keep in mind the fact that dark chocolate is still a treat, not a health food. If you can't stand the flavor of an 85% cacao bar, go ahead and buy the 70% cacao bar that you actually enjoy. Another reason not to assume that higher-cacao bars are always better is that some brands sneak in extra sugar or cocoa butter (which contains mostly saturated fat) to balance out the bitterness of the cacao (which, admittedly, can be an acquired taste). Be sure to check the label — if added sugar tops the list, it might be time to swipe left. "Look for cacao as the first ingredient instead of sugar," says Wysocki. Some brands add sweetness by leaning on low- and no-calorie sweeteners, like stevia. These additions can help make dark chocolate taste a bit sweeter without the worry about too many added sugars. In fact, evidence from one small study indicates that among people with diabetes, consuming sugar-free dark chocolate bars sweetened with stevia, erythritol and inulin may result in better blood glucose control versus eating a conventional dark chocolate bar. That said, not everyone tolerates these sugar alternatives well, so if you prefer to steer clear of them, be sure to check the label before making a purchase. You may also want to consider choosing Fair Trade Certified chocolate if you prioritize supporting brands that ensure their workers are paid fairly and work under safe, ethical conditions. Fair Trade chocolates also promote sustainable farming practices that benefit communities and the environment. Finally, you may want to consider opting for organic chocolate. When a chocolate is certified organic, you know it's made from cacao and other ingredients grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides or genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The farming methods used in organic chocolate production prioritize soil health, biodiversity and sustainable practices, ensuring environmental and consumer benefits. (back to top) What about heavy metals like lead and cadmium in dark chocolate? To be honest, the topic of heavy metals in food is kind of a doozy. While the Food and Drug Administration provides guidance on and monitors the levels of heavy metals (like lead and cadmium) considered safe or unsafe in foods and states that they're committed to lowering levels of these metals in our food supply, they don't strictly enforce any official limits on these compounds. That means that it can be impossible to know how much lead or cadmium is in the various food products you buy, unless the brand voluntarily tests and discloses these levels. For a 2024 study published in Frontiers in Nutrition, the authors tested 72 different chocolate products, including many popular dark chocolate brands, and found that 43% of them contained more than the maximum allowable dose for lead and 35% contained more than the maximum allowable dose for cadmium. It's worth noting that they got these maximum doses from California's Prop 65 standards, which are stricter than the FDA's recommended (but not strictly enforced) maximum allowable doses. There's probably no reason to panic and get rid of every chocolate product in your pantry. The aforementioned study authors say that heavy metal exposure in chocolate likely doesn't pose any real health risk for the average person when consumed in moderation, which means no more than a single 1-ounce serving per day. That said, some populations (particularly infants and children) are more susceptible to heavy metal poisoning, and the amount of lead and cadmium in dark chocolate might pose some risk to these higher-risk populations if they're eaten in large quantities or in a diet that contains other foods high in heavy metals. If you're worried about heavy metals in food, Consumer Reports published a list of heavy metal amounts in several popular chocolate bars, using California's Prop 65 standards as a benchmark. (back to top) How much dark chocolate can you eat? Now, for the million-dollar question — how much dark chocolate can you actually eat to stay healthy? Moderation is key. Wysocki suggests sticking to about 1 ounce (one or two small squares) of dark chocolate per day to reap the cardiovascular benefits without loading up on calories and sugar and to minimize the risk of consuming excess heavy metals. While it might be tempting to devour an entire bar, remember that dark chocolate, like all good things, is best enjoyed in moderation. Here are some ways to enjoy dark chocolate without "overdoing it": Pair with fresh fruit. Enjoy a small piece of dark chocolate alongside fresh fruit like strawberries, oranges or cherries. The natural sweetness of the fruit complements the rich flavor of the chocolate while adding vitamins and fiber. Choose pre-portioned options. Buy individually wrapped dark chocolate squares or pre-portioned bars. Use as a topping. Shave or grate a small amount of dark chocolate over yogurt, oatmeal or a smoothie bowl for a sweet touch without consuming a full bar. Make DIY trail mix. Combine a few dark chocolate chips with nuts, seeds and dried fruit for a balanced snack packed with protein, healthy fats and antioxidants. Enjoy mindfully. Take the time to savor each bite of dark chocolate. Eating slowly allows you to fully appreciate its flavor and helps prevent overeating. (back to top) The best dark chocolates for heart health Now that you're armed with the science of dark chocolate's heart-healthy perks, it's time to put theory into practice. Don't just grab any old chocolate bar. Show your heart (and your taste buds) some love by choosing wisely. From rich, velvety options to ethically sourced delights, we've got the sweetest suggestions to make your chocolate choice as savvy as it is indulgent. Let's unwrap the best dark chocolates to keep your ticker happy and your sweet tooth satisfied. (back to top) Meet our experts Amanda Goodman, MS, RDN, CDN, registered dietitian and owner of Amanda Goodman Nutrition Samantha Turner, MPH, RD, registered dietitian and owner of Forks and Grace Colleen Wysocki, MS, RDN, CLC, registered dietitian and owner of ZEST Nutrition Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.
