Say Goodbye to Summer Skin Irritation
As temperatures rise, so do the struggles of hair removal.
Our new survey from the team at SmoothSkin has unfortunately found that nearly half (42%) of UK women experience more irritation when removing hair during the summer than at any other time of year. But what’s behind this seasonal skin sensitivity?
What are the common skin irritations during summer?
Well, although we may love what the summer brings, the combination of heat, humidity, and more frequent hair removal can take a toll on our skin.
And as our research found that three-quarters (76%) of UK women remove their body hair more frequently during the warmer months, it’s no surprise that irritation becomes a widespread concern.
Increased sweating can clog follicles, leading to inflammation and even heat rash, where sweat gets trapped underneath your skin, leaving you with itching, irritated skin. If you’re finding that you have itchy skin when warm, you may have heat, or sun rash, which looks like small raised spots over the affected area.
However, there can be other causes for itching and skin rashes in summer.
Improper hair removal routines can lead to skin problems such as shaving rashes, bumps, and even ingrown hairs.
In fact, two-fifths of UK women (41%) are faced with ingrown hairs and inflammation more often in the summer. You can check out our blog on proper ingrown hair removal if you find yourself struggling with these red spots after shaving.
Skin irritation after shaving is not rare at all. In fact, it’s quite normal to have itchy legs after shaving, as shaving can create small cuts and aggravate your skin, making you more prone to things like skin rashes, sensitivity, and itching.
We also found that UK women are more prone to dry shaving in the summer, as 60% of respondents admitted they would still resort to a last-minute dry shave if they suddenly needed to have their legs on show.
Shaving on dry skin is particularly bad for skin irritation, as the lack of moisture causes your razor to skip and nick your skin, making you even more susceptible to facing skin issues.
You can find out more body hair removal trends here.
How to prevent hair removal irritation this summer
To maintain smooth, irritation-free skin, the SmoothSkin experts recommend the following tips:
1. Exfoliate Regularly
Gentle exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells, prevent ingrown hairs, and ensure a closer shave or waxing session.
It’s recommended that you exfoliate at least once a week, no matter what skin type you may have. Those who have dry or sensitive skin should exfoliate their skin 1-2 times per week to avoid overdrying and irritation, and you should use a mild and gentle exfoliant when doing this.
If you have normal or combination skin, you should aim to exfoliate at least 2-3 times more per week to maintain smooth skin.
2. Hydrate and Moisturise
Well-hydrated skin is less prone to irritation. Opt for a soothing, fragrance-free moisturiser to keep your skin healthy and maintain the skin’s natural barrier. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or aloe vera to lock in moisture and soothe post-hair removal sensitivity.
You should keep your skin moisturised throughout summer to avoid suffering from dry skin–something that adds to irritation and itchiness throughout the season.
Dry skin, oily skin, combination skin, sensitive skin… the list goes on. As everyone is different, our experts have shared more information on how to get smooth skin based on your skin type here.
3. Shave with Care
Use a sharp razor and a hydrating shaving gel to reduce friction and minimize the risk of razor burn.
Shaving in the direction of hair growth can help prevent irritation, and rinsing with cold water afterward can tighten pores and soothe the skin.
Getting razor bumps while shaving? Here’s our expert advice on how to get rid of razor bumps caused by shaving.
4. Consider IPL Hair Removal
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) technology provides a long-term solution to hair removal, reducing the need for constant shaving or waxing while preventing irritation and ingrown hairs. IPL laser hair removal works by targeting the hair follicle with gentle pulses of light, progressively reducing hair growth and making summer hair removal routines easier and less harsh on the skin.
If you’re about to use an IPL for the first time why not take a look at our FAQs? You can also discover more information via our complete guide to IPL hair removal.
5. Time It Right
Shaving or waxing in the evening allows your skin time to recover overnight, reducing redness and sensitivity. This is particularly important for those with sensitive or dry skin, as the skin’s natural healing process works best while you sleep.
Additionally, nighttime hair removal minimises exposure to environmental irritants like sweat, sun, and pollution, which can further aggravate freshly shaved or waxed skin.
Want to learn more about the truth of hair removal? Take a look at hair removal myths and facts debunked by our experts.
By following these simple steps, you can enjoy smooth, irritation-free skin all summer long. If you’re looking for a long-term solution, explore SmoothSkin’s IPL Hair Removal Devices to achieve effortless, lasting results. Check out our real user’s results to see for yourself!