Looking After Your Skin Whilst Having Electrolysis

Electrolysis is a safe and reliable treatment for the removal of unwanted hair, but regular treatments can strip the skin of moisture and cause skin to become dehydrated and sensitised if the skin is not looked after correctly.

It may feel that this is an added expense on top of electrolysis treatment, but good skin care is essential if you want speedy results and it doesn’t have to cost the earth. There are all sorts of skincare ranges out there, all varying in price. As long as you are using an appropriate product for your skin, your treatment will proceed more smoothly.

There are some ingredients/products that you do need to avoid using though as they can be detrimental to your electrolysis treatment.

A quick and easy routine will include a cleanser to clean the skin, and an exfoliant to lift off excess dead skin and debris. Both of these products prepare the skin to absorb your moisturiser more effectively. A toner can refresh the skin and remove the last bits of makeup if you happen to have missed some after cleansing.  Your moisturiser treats and protects your skin type and conditions. If you are having electrolysis you will need to use a moisturiser that maintains and boosts skin hydration and you will also need to wear sun protection as your skin will be more sensitised.

Toning

Toners are used to refresh and revitalise the skin. They help in the removal of final traces of make-up and skin debris.  Toners can also help other products absorb into the skin more effectively. Hydrating toners misted over the face can help to put moisture back into the skin and can be spritzed over makeup to help improve and maintain coverage during the day.

Toners can be used to cool and calm the skin - perfect for use on hot days, on aeroplanes, in airconditioned environments, etc.

When having electrolysis, you need to avoid toners that have astringent effects or are for oilier skin. These toners can be too harsh on electrolysis skin. Stick to soothing, healing and nourishing toners that don’t contain any alcohol. Although alcohol is a good degreaser, that is all it does. Alcohol strips the skin of all its oil, leaving the skin vulnerable to bacteria and infection, which is not good at the best of times. Toners with natural plant extracts that regulate sebum production are much better for the skin, but as mentioned earlier, if you are having electrolysis, you need to stick to soothing, anti-inflammatory and hydrating toners.

Exfoliation

This is one of the most essential parts of a skincare routine, especially if you are having electrolysis treatment. Keeping the hair follicles clear of dust and debris prevents ingrown hairs and infection from bacteria.

An exfoliant can be:

A) Mechanical

A product with particles that buff over the skin when the exfoliant is massaged over the face to remove excess dead skin cells.  These can range from very gentle, allowing it to be used daily, or can be stronger, meaning it is used less often. Try not to over-scrub the skin when using these products, gently massage over the skin in upward circular motions. It is important not to use products with rough particles as they can scratch the skin. Use an exfoliating scrub that has polished particles that roll over the skin without causing damage.

If you have broken facial veins. this type of product may not be suitable and could make things worse.

B) AHA’s (Alpha Hydroxy acids) and BHA’s (Beta Hydroxy acids)

These include fruit acid exfoliants and are much more powerful than mechanical products. They are generally only used once a week, depending on the types of acids and concentrations used. It can cause the skin to pink up and tingle. Sensitive skins need to be more careful with this type of exfoliant as it could be too reactive.  

This type of exfoliant is best avoided when having Electrolysis as it can be too stimulating and cause irritation, slowing down skin healing and, therefore, the results themselves.

C) Enzyme

Enzyme exfoliants are a bit like a Pacman gently nibbling away at dead skin cells and debris. It is great for more sensitive skin and broken veins that can be irritated from the sloughing effects of a mechanical exfoliant or a fruit acid. Again, these are generally used on a weekly basis. Enzyme exfoliants that are applied like a mask and left on for a few minutes before washing off are great for more delicate skin as you are minimising overstimulation of the skin that can be caused by mechanical scrubs and acids.

Moisturiser

Moisturiser is important for all skin types including oily skin.  It is a myth that oily skin doesn't need to use moisturiser.

Depending on the ingredients used, moisturisers can treat conditions such as acne, sensitivity, dehydration, eczema etc.

When receiving electrolysis treatment, the skin can be stripped of moisture (dehydration) and become more sensitive to products and their ingredients. This can make electrolysis harder to perform, creating stronger skin reactions and slower results.

When having electrolysis you may need to use a hydrating, soothing moisturiser on the area being treated and a different moisturiser for the rest of the skin if it has different needs.

Hydrating creams and lotions put moisture back into the skin, plumping it up. Imagine a piece of dry pasta; when you cook it in water, it becomes soft, plumps up and becomes flexible. That’s exactly what moisturiser does to your skin. When the skin is well nourished, your electrolysis treatment will be easier and more comfortable, and you will get faster results.

When deciding on specific products and/or skincare ranges, be mindful of the ingredients. You need to avoid any products or medication that contain AHAs and BHAs (Alpha Hydroxy and Beta Hydroxy acids), and Retinoids  (a derivative of vitamin A), as they speed up cellular renewal and are too stimulating and sensitising for electrolysis-treated skin. Be aware that some products don’t always make it obvious they contain these ingredients, so it's particularly important to read the ingredients list on the product label or packaging.

Cleansing

This term describes washing or cleaning your skin morning and night or when you need to remove make-up.

Hand soap can be very harsh and over-strip the skin of natural oils that form part of the acid mantle and protect the skin from infection.

It's important to use a proper facial cleansing product for your skin type and condition. Your skin is an organ just like your lungs or kidneys and to function effectively needs to be looked after just like the rest of your body.

After Care

Your electrolysist will recommend an aftercare product for you to use post-treatment. It will often be the same product applied to your skin directly after your treatment.

It is essential to follow your electrolysist's aftercare advice. The aftercare will focus on soothing, healing and antiseptic properties and is generally used for up to 48 hours after treatment, although this can vary depending on how your skin responds to treatment. Once your skin has settled and you no longer need your aftercare, you can pick up your usual skincare routine before your next booking.

Sun Block and  Sun holidays

Whilst having electrolysis it is important to avoid direct sunlight on the skin. Use sunblock, and if you go on holiday somewhere hot, you must wait approximately a month before re-starting treatment to minimise the risk of skin pigmentation developing.