Latest news with #razorburn
CTV News
a day ago
- Health
- CTV News
This Canadian-Made Body Scrub And Oil Have Totally Changed My Summer Shaving Routine
I seriously can't believe how long the results last. Every time summer rolls around, I know I have to revamp my shaving routine. Warmer weather means I'll be spending more time in shorts, dresses, and swimsuits, and I like my legs to be hair-free and smooth as can be. Although I've been shaving for a long time, my skin has become a little more sensitive in the past few years. I recently discovered I could only shave my legs once a week unless I wanted to deal with razor burn, and I'm sometimes left with an uncomfortable rash if I shave too frequently. I was able to banish most of the irritation when I started using my beloved Billie Razor Kit last year, but my skin would only stay smooth for two days. I, like most people who shave, aim for longer, so I started looking into options. Bushbalm is a Canadian brand based in Ottawa that creates products to help treat ingrown hairs, razor burn, dark spots, and more. Since I'm always interested in trying new products, and especially from Canadian companies, I wanted to see how their Ingrown Hair Oil and Ingrown Hair Exfoliating Scrub worked on my skin. Good news: I can't say enough good things about them. My Experience Using The Bushbalm Ingrown Hair Scrub and Oil I started with the Ingrown Hair Scrub before shaving my legs. As soon as I opened it, I noticed it was slightly drier than other scrubs I've tried in the past. I took a scoop in the middle of my palm and rubbed the scrub into my legs, working in circular motions. I immediately realized that the dryer texture of the scrub allowed for a deeper exfoliation in half the time. Bianca Guzzo After about a minute of scrubbing, I rinsed it off and got to shaving. The smell of the scrub (I went with the Nude scent) is very subtle, and smells faintly of essential oils, but doesn't stick around, making it perfect for anyone like me who doesn't love strong fragrances in their skincare products. Following the instructions on the Ingrown Hair Oil, I rubbed the product onto freshly-shaved skin within two minutes of getting out of the shower. The oil absorbed right into my skin and didn't leave it feeling slick or slippery. I let my skin air dry after applying it, and my legs were left feeling smooth like butter and shiny without feeling oily. Before, my legs would only stay smooth for a few days before the prickles of new hair growth would re-appear. After using the Bushbalm Ingrown Hair Scrub and Oil, I was able to go a full five days before my legs started to feel prickly again, which is a major win for me. The oil also kept my legs moisturized for at least a full day, and I didn't have to apply more oil or cream until the next time I showered a day later. Bianca Guzzo All in all, I had a great experience with this product and would definitely recommend it to anyone who wants to elevate their shaving routine. What Other Reviewers Are Saying With an average reviewer rating of 4.1 stars, a lot of the reviewers of the Bushbalm Ingrown Hair Scrub and Oil agree with me that it's one of the best products they've ever used on their skin. While I don't deal with post-shaving breakouts, others report it's helped with keeping their skin blemish-free between shaves. A lot of other reviewers also say it's changed the way they feel about showing off sensitive areas like their bikini line in the summer. Other Shaving Products We Love I Tried 4 Popular Non-Aerosol Dry Shampoos, And Here Are My Thoughts I Tried This At-Home Laser Hair Removal Device, And Here Are My Thoughts Product Testing: 5 Canadian Skincare Products I've Been Loving This Month Disclaimer: The prices displayed are accurate at the time of publication. We'll do our best to keep them as up-to-date as possible, but you may see slight changes.
Globe and Mail
2 days ago
- Health
- Globe and Mail
Tired of ingrowns? It's time to revamp your summer hair removal routine
If razor burn or ingrown hairs are stopping you from feeling confident and fuzz-free this summer, it's time to rethink your hair-removal routine. 'What you do after is just as important as the treatment itself,' says Kyla Dufresne, the Vancouver-based founder and CEO of Foxy Box Laser and Wax Bar. 'Whether you've waxed or lasered, the skin needs a little TLC afterward to keep it calm, smooth and happy.' The same goes for shaving. Preventative care is the best way to manage any form of irritation, inflammation or hyperpigmentation (such as dark spots) that occurs because of hair removal, says Danny Guo, a dermatologist at Rejuvenation Dermatology in Calgary. 'Apply a gentle post-treatment product – we love aloe vera, tea tree or chamomile to calm redness and reduce inflammation,' says Dufresne. In the case of razor burn, Dr. Guo suggests applying a cool compress to hydrate the area. 'Follow that with a thicker moisturizer such as an ointment or a balm,' he says, pointing to the CeraVe Healing Ointment and La Roche-Posay Lipikar Baume as solid options. Then, it's best to practice patience. Dr. Guo says it's best to allow the skin to fully heal before shaving again, as it will be prone to further irritation. This can take a few days; once any burning or redness subsides, you're in the clear. For maximum smoothness and to prevent ingrown hairs, it's worth incorporating regular exfoliation sessions. Ingrown hairs are caused by the hair shaft poking into the skin and getting trapped underneath, causing irritation and inflammation. 'This often appears as a red pimple,' explains Dr. Guo, adding those with curly or coarse hair are particularly at risk of developing ingrowns. 'This is definitely more common if you shave against the grain because there will be no portion of the shaft that is outside the skin.' After hair removal, it's important to maintain a buffer period before exfoliating the area. 'Wait 48 to 72 hours, then exfoliate gently two to three times a week,' says Dufresne. 'This helps keep dead skin cells from clogging follicles.' Whether you choose a mild scrub, a dry brush, or a chemical exfoliant with ingredients such as alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) or beta hydroxy acid (BHA), use a light touch and don't overdo it, she warns. As for the 'best' hair-removal option, different methods offer various perks and trade-offs. Dufresne highlights waxing as incredibly versatile, because it's suitable for all skin tones, hair types and nearly every body part. 'It's perfect for people who want quick, immediate results without a big commitment,' she says. 'Plus, it actually damages the bulb of the hair, so when it does grow back, it's weaker, finer and less noticeable.' Laser hair removal is pricier, but offers long-term results. 'It's generally a very successful treatment that can permanently remove or reduce hairs in the treated area,' says Dr. Guo. However, it isn't suitable for all skin tones. 'The laser has trouble distinguishing the melanin in your skin and your hair,' he says. 'The bigger the contrast between the hair and skin colours, the easier it is to optimize the laser's energy output.' Shaving earns top marks for speed, accessibility and low cost. If you're going the razor route, the first step is to clean the area to minimize infection, says Dr. Guo. Next, trim hairs longer than a quarter inch for a more effective shave. He adds that you should never shave dry. 'It's best to use shaving gel to reduce friction and irritation. At the very least shave with water.' And don't underestimate the impact of grooming with a tool that's in top shape. 'Use a clean razor and ensure the blade is sharp,' says Dr. Guo. 'People often overuse razors without replacing them, which can cause the blade to be dull, thus causing disruption to the skin barrier.' At-home hair-removal helpers, starting at $16
