Looking After Your Skin
Electrolysis is the only proven method of removing hair permanently. It is a safe and reliable treatment to have but it can cause the skin to become dehydrated and sensitised if the skin is not looked after correctly.
When having electrolysis it is important to have an effective skincare routine to help protect, nourish, hydrate and heal your skin between treatments.
For transgender male-to-female clients that are on HRT, it is important to not only look after the skin due to electrolysis but also as the skin and facial features begin to feminise.
As the skin feminises your skin type and any conditions or concerns can change. The skin can become finer and more delicate requiring a change in your skin care routine.
All clients having electrolysis including those with hormonal imbalances such as Polycystic Ovary syndrome will benefit from a good skin care routine.
Many clients will feel that this is an added, unwanted or unnecessary cost but good skin care really is essential if you want speedy results. There are all sorts of skincare ranges out there all varying in price and at the end of the day as long as you are using an appropriate product for your skin and the treatment you are having it really doesn't have to cost the earth.
Below is a simple routine that anyone can benefit from.
Cleansing
The term is used to describe washing or cleaning your skin morning and night.
Using soap can be very harsh on the skin and can over-strip the skin of natural oils that protect the skin from skin damage and infection.
Using a proper skin cleanser or facial wash for your skin type and condition will help to keep the skin balanced and healthy. (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).
Cleansers are also used to remove make-up effectively.
Toning
Toners are underappreciated and have many beneficial uses.
They can help to remove any last traces of makeup that may have been missed when cleansing.
They can help the moisturiser to absorb into the skin even more effectively.
They can be spritzed over make-up to help improve and maintain coverage throughout the day depending on the make of toner.
Some toners not only clean and refresh the skin but can treat specific concerns and help to nourish, hydrate or regulate the skin depending on the ingredients used in them.
Toners can be used to cool and calm the skin perfect to be used on hot days, on aeroplanes or in airconditioned environments etc.
Exfoliation
One of the most important and essential parts of any skin care routine next to cleansing and moisturising especially if you are having electrolysis treatment.
Exfoliation is the act of removing excess dead skin cells that haven't sloughed off naturally to keep the skin looking fresh, healthy and hydrated. By exfoliating you reduce the risk of pores becoming clogged with dirt and grime leading to skin damage and infections such as spots or acne.
exfoliating on a regular basis will result in effective electrolysis treatment and healthier skin.
There are lots of different types of exfoliant some are very gentle and can be used daily others can be used once or twice a week.
It is important not to over-exfoliate as you don't want to over-strip the skin.
It is important to follow the instructions on the packaging or as advised by your Electrolysist or Beauty Therapist so you get the best results.
The best time to exfoliate is the day before your treatment.
Do not exfoliate for up to 48 hours after your treatment or if the skin still feels and or looks sensitised.
Moisturiser
Moisturiser does just that, puts moisture into the skin.
Moisture is important for all skin types including oily skin. If the skin is not moisturised it can make skin types and conditions such as oilyness or sensitivity worse.
It is a myth that oily skin doesn't need to use moisturiser.
There are different moisturisers for different skin types and conditions.
They not only nourish the skin but depending on the ingredients used can treat conditions such as acne, sensitivity, dehydration, eczema etc.
When having electrolysis the skin can become stripped of moisture (dehydration). This can make electrolysis harder to perform and result in stronger skin reactions.
By using the correct moisturiser you can help prevent dehydration and maintain skin health generally which in turn encourages more successful electrolysis treatments.
