Interested In Anti Aging Skincare -Better Get Familiar With Inflammaging

It is clear that the simple fact of growing older -chronological aging- is relentless and unstoppable. But experts studying the science of aging say it is time for a fresh look at the biological process –this fresh perspective recognizes “Aging” as a condition that can be manipulated, treated and delayed –just like any other disease condition. If aging is seen as a disease, it changes how we respond to it -Exciting stuff right!!! - currently scientists worldwide are busy finding ways to slow aging down and/or cure it completely.

One day soon we will be looking at the prescription of “Eternal Youth” but, before the dream of getting a youth-prescription at our local doctor’s office can come true, we need to understand the aging as disease more closely. Today our exciting antiaging topic-of-the-hour is: “Inflammaging”!

(Sounds almost alien & quiet a mouthful -I agree! Pay close attention and you’d find out it’s a smart combo of two words: inflammation and aging.)

Studies have shown that as we age, our immune system becomes less effective and its capacity to manage the inflammatory activity is reduced.  This can lead to chronic unchecked inflammation characterized by a slow but continuous production of free radicals and Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMP) that break down collagen and elastin fibers – in simple words -causing wrinkles and skin sagging. The term “inflammaging” simply describes the aging phenomenon induced by chronic (persistent) inflammation.

Acute VS. Chronic Inflammation:

Most people are familiar with the visible inflammation that can be seen on the surface of the skin, with redness representing a sign of infection, irritation or discomfort. However, inflammation can also be invisible. We live in a polluted world where all skin (and certainly weakened or aged skin) is subject to inflammation, at low intensities. It is this underlying inflammation that ultimately exhausts the body’s defense system, dismantling key youth-sustaining skin structures and resulting in collagen and elastin degradation and breakdown of the skin’s barrier function –ultimately manifesting in the form of deep wrinkles, hyper-pigmentation, flaccid, and inelastic tissue. 

What causes the cascade of inflammatory responses that lead to chronic inflammation?

The level of chronic inflammation increases with:

·      Aging

·      Unhealthy lifestyle (smoking, poor dietary habits, lack of exercise)

·      Environmental factors or stressors including smoke, pollution, and UV radiation.

Inflammation and Skin Aging

Today, the direct link between extrinsic skin aging and inflammation is well established and documented. Studies have demonstrated the reciprocal effect of many chronic inflammatory diseases–such as psoriasis, atopic and Seborrhic dermatitis–on the stratum corneum barrier, which maintains healthy hydration levels in the skin.

The integrity of this barrier is maintained by metabolic balance (i.e. synthesis of collagen fibers, replacement of old and worn out fibers) by enzymes called MMPs (Matrix Metalloproteinases) and is regulated by TIMPs (Tissue Inhibitors of Matrix Proteinases).

Inflammaging destroys this balance, decreasing cellular metabolic activity and collagen renewal. Externally, the skin loses its suppleness and elasticity and becomes flaccid. It is also known that inflammaging generates Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), causing age-accelerating oxidative damage, which further perpetuates a chronic, pro-inflammatory state.

Prevention & Treatment Plan Against Inflammaging

Anti-Inflammatory Treatments
Inflammaging can be prevented, and even reversed, by using a wide spectrum of topical products formulated with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant ingredients. Treatment would be more comprehensive if in addition to inhibiting the key mediators of inflammation and aging processes, these ingredients can also help reinforce, protect and boost the Anti-Oxidant Response System.

Two different classes of anti-inflammatory agents have shown promising results: COX inhibitors and 5-LOX inhibitors. Boswellic acid (found in the Boswellia serrata tree), resveratol (found in grapes) and tamanu oil (found in Tamanu tree nuts), are just some of the natural inhibitors that can help slow down the inflammaging.

Reinforcing & Protecting The Integrity Of The Barrier Function:

While anti-inflammatory ingredients are essential in the fight against inflammaging, successful treatment must also address two major skin issues. The first is reinforcing and protecting the integrity of the barrier function, which can be achieved through targeted topical care.

Sun Protection:

The use of broad-spectrum UV protection is an integral part of prevention program against inflammaging. As with any skin concern, inflammaging can worsen with prolonged sun exposure. Combined with treatments that target the source of inflammation, proper UV defense and barrier support can help minimize the visible effects of inflammaging.

Avoiding Common Skin Irritants & Using Alternatives
It is equally important to avoid aggressive ingredients that can further wound the skin and prolong the inflammaging cycle combined with using anti-inflammatory ingredients.

Acids–particularly those of smaller molecular size, like Glycolic Acid–are a major source of irritation in many cosmetic products. Because of their size, they have been shown to reach the dermis where inflammation takes place. Molecularly larger acids (like Lactic, Malic, Pyruvic and Tartatric Acids), however, don’t tend to penetrate the dermis, making them far gentler on the skin and less likely to spark inflammation. Using charily correct acids for your skin needs can further minimize the risk of adverse side effects, including irritation.

Another common irritant to avoid is Benzoyl Peroxide. A mainstay of professional and everyday acne treatments, Benzoyl Peroxide can contribute to irritating oxidative damage. However, gentler alternatives exist in the form of Salicylic Acid and Sulfur, which have been shown to be just as effective.

Of course, no discussion of inflammaging would be complete without addressing skincare’s anti-aging hero: Retinol. The gold standard in renewal, Retinol achieves its goal often at the cost of irritating the skin. While retinoids themselves aren’t likely to change, science has found new ways to deliver these key ingredients through encapsulated systems that bypass their inflammatory side effects.

Inflammaging And The Future Of Skincare 

As science continues to explore the dynamics of inflammaging, new products and treatments will emerge to address this nascent concern. In an industry that moves at breakneck speed, the advent of inflammaging serves as both a wakeup call and an ultimatum to product developers and cosmetic companies alike. The skincare game is changing.

Summarized Combat Plan Against Inflammaging:

• Choose your acids wisely: Avoid acids of small molecular size, like Glycolic Acid, that can penetrate the dermis. Instead, choose acids of larger molecular size that work in the epidermal layer, like Lactic, Malic, Pyruvic and Tartaric Acids.

• Support the skin’s barrier function: After the exfoliation, reinforce the barrier function by protecting the NMF to guard against trans epidermal water loss (TEWL). This can be achieved with ingredients including ceramides, squalane, fatty acids, phospholipids, amino acids, lactates and PCA.

• Don’t forget your anti-inflammatory and antioxidant ingredients: Soothe and replenish the skin with ingredients that counteract irritation and inflammation. And, since oxidation is an age-accelerating side effect of inflammaging, make sure you pack the skin with protective antioxidants. See sidebar for a list of recommended ingredients.

• Protect your results: Inflammaging can worsen with prolonger sun exposure, so be sure to end every treatment with sunscreen application of SPF 30 or higher.

Under The Magical Umbrella Of Mushrooms - Skin & Health

Hallucinogenic mumbo jumbo aside many studies have shown that mushrooms have special antioxidant and anti inflammatory properties that can keep us feeling and looking young - whether you are eating them or applying to your skin.

The Japanese have used mushrooms for medicinal purposes since the Nara Period, which began in 710. In particular, the shiitake mushroom - growing in the wild since prehistoric times - has played a critical role in Asian medicinal traditions for over 6,000 years. Recent research has confirmed the old wisdom; shiitake mushroom boosts immunity, lowers cholesterol and treats cancer. And it also has many benefits for your skin.

Whatever your favorite—crimini, enoki, oyster, portobello, shiitake or white button—all mushrooms are loaded with essential nutrients. Many varieties of mushrooms contain selenium and, like humans, they produce vitamin D when exposed to sunlight. Oyster mushrooms are a good source or iron. Plus, they're low in calories: six medium white, for example, have just 22 calories. 

Trip Down Magical-Shroom-Land

Surprisingly, mushrooms have health benefits that many people are unaware of so, today lets just upgrade our health info and look at some of the many health benefits of mushrooms.

Increase your vitamin D - Good For Bones Good For Hair

Yes, vitamin D! Mushrooms are the only fruit or vegetable source of this critical vitamin. Like humans, mushrooms produce vitamin D when in sunlight. Exposing them to high levels of ultraviolet B just before going to market converts more of the plant sterol ergosterol into the so-called sunshine vitamin. In the U.S., portobellos fortified with vitamin D are already being sold, with a three-ounce (85-gram) serving providing about 400 IU of vitamin D. Osteoporosis associations recommend that adults under 50 get 400 to 1,000 IU daily.

Boost your immune system - Enjoy Clear Skin

 A study done on mice and published by the American Society for Nutrition found that white button mushrooms may promote immune function by increasing the production of antiviral and other proteins that are released by cells while they are trying to protect and repair the body’s tissues. A later study showed that these mushrooms promoted the maturation of immune system cells–called dendritic cells–from bone marrow. According to the researchers, this may help enhance the body’s immunity leading to better defense systems against invading microbes.

Shrooms are loaded with riboflavin; which is a potent natural anti-inflammatory agent. It cuts down the reaction time of any inflammatory lesion/zit or break out. So, if you suffer from acne, rosacea, or any other recurrent infections mushrooms can be your natural remedy. Shiitakes help exfoliate, they have potent antioxidant ingredients, and are an excellent source of kojic acid, a natural skin lightener that helps fade spots from the sun and acne.

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Eat your antioxidants - Stay Young

When it comes to antioxidants—the substances that help fight free radicals that are the result of oxidation in our body—we’re more likely to think of colorful vegetables than neutral-hued mushrooms. But a study at Penn State University showed that the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC)—a measure of a food’s total antioxidants—of crimini and portobello mushrooms is about the same as for red peppers. The Reishi mushroom is packed with antioxidants too it was originally only available to Asian royalty and often referred to as mushroom of immortality.

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Kick up your metabolism - Stay Thin

B vitamins are vital for turning food (carbohydrates) into fuel (glucose), which the body burns to produce energy. They also help the body metabolize fats and protein. Mushrooms contain loads of vitamin B2 (riboflavin) and vitamin B3 (niacin): 100 grams of crimini have 44 percent and 30 percent of your daily recommended amount, respectively, white button have 36 and 30 percent, and oyster mushrooms have 32 and 39 percent.

Be good to your bladder - Cancer Prevention

An analysis of seven studies—published last year in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention—showed that the higher the level of selenium, as measured in blood serum and toenails, the lower the risk of bladder cancer. Selenium had a significant protective effect mainly among women, which the researchers believe may result from gender-specific differences in this its accumulation and excretion. Several types of mushrooms are rich in this essential trace mineral: 100 grams of raw crimini have 47 percent of your daily needs, cooked shiitakes have 45 percent and raw white button have 17 percent.

Selenium has powerful anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and immune boosting properties and is essential for healthy skin and healthy body.

Cosmetic Industry: Tall Claims

 

 As a dermatologist, I meet a lot of med reps and beauty publicists and one thing is for sure: in the beauty world, 'natural' is the new black.

The market for natural products has been expanding fast. According to the Organic Market Report, the trade in organic health and beauty products is robust. But along with this increased popularity has grown up a quasi- religious belief that 'natural' means 'good' and 'chemical' equals 'bad'. That view so exasperates the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) that it has offered £1 million to anyone who can show it a chemical-free product. Let me assure you no one is walking away with that money!

The word "chemical" has been misappropriated and maligned as synonymous with "poison” which I find very misleading. Everything we eat, drink, drive, play with and live in is made of chemicals. Natural and synthetic chemicals are essential for life, as we know it.

Today as I was reading my Twitter updates, I saw another claim about a beauty product being “chemical free.” Reading claims like this is beginning to bug me because nearly EVERYTHING is a chemical.

There is no such thing as a Chemical Free Sunscreen!!! Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide are CHEMICALS!!

Alright enough of that. I’ll calm down. But it does remind me of all the other misleading cosmetic claims that I see from cosmetic marketers. Here is a list of some of the most misleading cosmetic claims that I could find.

What makes a claim misleading?

Before I get to the list, I want to define my terms. There are plenty of more preposterous claims than the ones on this list but typically those are direct lies. (e.g. cosmetics that say they will re-grow your hair).

The claims listed here are not lies per se the companies no doubt have supporting tests. However, they are specifically made to mislead consumers.

1. Natural, Organic, Green, etc.

This claim can mean anything because there is no specific definition for ‘natural’. Some companies argue that if an ingredient comes from a natural source then it’s natural. They conveniently overlook the fact that they chemically modify it to make it work the way they want it. And ‘organic’ is not much better. True, there is a USDA organic certification program but it is not required that a cosmetic company follow it to use the ‘organic’ claim on their products.

Why it is misleading – Companies who use this claim want consumers to believe that the products they produce are “safer” than other cosmetics. Natural / organic / green cosmetic are not safer.

2. Chemical free

Every cosmetic or personal care product you would buy is made of chemicals. There is no such thing as a ‘chemical free’ cosmetic. Water is a chemical. Titanium Dioxide is a chemical.

Why it is misleading – It’s just wrong. It also is made to imply that the product is “safer” than cosmetics made with chemicals. The products are not safer. This is just wrong.

3. pH balanced

Skin and hair products often advertise themselves as ‘pH balanced’ as if that is supposed to be some big benefit. What products are sold that are not pH balanced?

Why it is misleading – Companies who make this claim try to imply some superiority over products that are not making this claim. They want consumers to believe that the products will be less irritating and will work better. They won’t. Why? Because any decently formulated product will be made in a pH range that is compatible with skin and hair. A consumer will never notice a single difference between a product that is “pH balanced” and one that is just normally formulated.

4. Hypo-allergenic

Companies make this claim because they want consumers to believe that their products will not cause allergies. But the FDA looked at this issue in the 1970′s and essentially concluded that the term hypoallergenic has no real meaning so anyone can make this claim.

Why it is misleading – Hypoallergenic products are not safer or more gentle even though this is what the claim is meant to imply.

 

5. Patented formula

Companies love to claim ‘patented’ or ‘unique’ or ‘exclusive’ formula. What they want consumers to believe is that the formula is someone special and will work better than competitors.

Why this is misleading – It’s relatively easy to find some way to patent a formula but that doesn’t mean the patent will somehow make the product a superior personal care product. Often cosmetic patents are just technicalities that made it past a naive patent examiner. Typically, the patent has nothing to do with how well the formula performs.

6. Makes hair stronger

This is a pet peeve of mine. Products that claim to make hair stronger do not make hair stronger. What they really do is make hair less prone to breakage when it is being combed. This isn’t hair strength, it’s conditioning.

Why this is misleading – If you test the strength of hair with a tensile test or other force measuring device, you will discover that hair is not actually stronger. But consumers are meant to believe that hair becomes stronger even though it doesn’t.

7. Boosts collagen production

You find this claim in lots of cosmetic products.

Why it is misleading – If the product actually increased the amount of collagen your skin produced, it would be a mislabeled drug. Cosmetics are not allowed to have a significant impact on your skin metabolism.

8. Reduces the appearance of wrinkles

Most any anti-aging product is going to make this claim and it’s very likely true. However, the message that consumers get from this claim is different than the words that are written and marketers know this.

Why it is misleading – While the product is only reducing the “appearance” of wrinkles consumers read that and believe that the product will somehow get rid of wrinkles. It won’t. Almost no cosmetic skin cream is going to get rid of wrinkles. They might make wrinkles look less obvious but this isn’t what consumers think when they read a claim like that.

9. Proven formula

The term proven is powerful in the consumers mind even though it doesn’t have to mean much of anything.

Why it is misleading – Marketers know that the term ‘proven’ automatically makes consumers think that the product works. And maybe it does work, but it almost never works in the way (or to the extent) that consumers will think it works. This is why it is a misleading claim.

Claims and the cosmetic chemist

Unfortunately, cosmetic companies have to make misleading claims because this is what consumers respond to. There are certainly some claims that are more egregious than others but as a cosmetic chemist you should be able to recognize those and help your marketing department find ways to make non-misleading claims. It’s not easy but someone should be doing it.

Fat Assisted Rhinoplasty

Fat deemed liquid gold in aesthetic medicine/sugery has found yet another role in enhancing facial contours. Fat assisted nose jobs are going to get in demand soon.

A recent study suggesting: “Fat grafting can play a role in primary rhinoplasty” was presented at the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) annual conference in New Orleans.

In the study, 59 patients underwent primary nose reshaping with fat grafting for nasal volume restoration and contour adjustment. Fat grafting was repeated one to three times in various anatomical areas including the nasal tip, bridge, and base, and the forehead for projection. Twelve nose reshaping patients had fat grafting alone, while 47 patients had combination fat grafting/traditional nose reshaping. Improvement was observed in those who had only fat grafting, but was more effective when the defect is more planar. Thirty-five of the patients who had combination fat grafting/traditional nose reshaping saw significant improvement and were very pleased with their results.

Fat grafting is usually a tool used in revision nose reshaping procedures on patients who were unhappy with the results of their initial procedure. In this study, fat grafting was utilized solely or in combination for primary nose reshaping and results showed that when used with traditional nose reshaping techniques, fat grafting allowed for minimized dissection and improved skin quality.

Important Clarification Point: Fat grafting alone may not be appropriate or the correct course of action for every nose reshaping patient. Volume shifts due to gravity may occur in some cases, though it can be avoided by using specific external splints in the early postoperative period.

Utilizing autologous fat to enhance the nose bridge might be a good choice for those who are against foreign object implants but still want a rhinoplasty. Although fat injection rhinoplasty results are permanent, when thinking of autologous fat injection for rhinoplasty, people should take individual fat re-absorption rate into consideration. Since accurate nose bridge height is not as easily assessed as nose implant of silicone or other materials.

In the initial stage post fat transplant some of the fat transferred into the treated area may be absorbed by the receiver’s body. After 3 months following the surgery, the left fat will stay in the treated area forever since it has built up its own supply net. Second injection can be performed 3 months after to increase the nose bridge height again. Of course, people can still adjust the height in the future with HA filler or fat injection.

Since it’s your fat, the touch of the treated area is as natural as your own nose tissue. Fat injection is a perfect choice for people who advocate natural beauty and dislike prosthesis been noticed by others.

 
Applicable Areas

Fat injection for rhinoplasty can be applied on nose bridge and nose tip together with a complete nose adjustment. Nose reshaping combined with Scaffolds (Misko) nose tip sculpting can create an excellent result.

Revision Fat Injection Treatment

It's important to remember that some of the transplanted fat may be absorbed by the receiver’s body. The left fat after 3 months will survive permanently in the treated area. Therefore, for people who want a higher nose bridge than the final result of his/her first fat injection, a 2nd injection is recommended to obtain the optimal effect. In addition, fat injection could be an option for people who have already had implant or artificial skin in their noses yet still want to increase the height.

Fat Injection Advantages

Fat injection is performed with local anesthesia. Plastic surgeon will aspirate fat from the buttock, abdomen, or thigh first and then use centrifuge to extract purified fat for nose injection.
Because of the injection (no incision), there is minimal swelling and bruising after the treatment. Recovery is also very fast and patients can return to work right after the treatment.
Although there are not many post surgical care instruction for fat injection rhinoplasty, touching with great power should be avoided.
Generally speaking, autologous fat injection is so far the most gentle method of rhinoplasty with much less side effects.

I have personally injected few patients with great results and am so glad to find the validation of the procedure in the acclaimed medical/surgical circles.

Cellulite: New Treatment Horizons

Call it "cottage cheese", “peau d'orange”, “hail damage”, or “the mattress phenomenon” most girls cringe at the mere mention of the condition called cellulite. If you're a girl you are plausibly haunted by the appearance of cellulite on your body on account of the estrogen hormone. Cellulite refers to the dimple-like skin texture that some people develop on their thighs, hips or buttocks. It's more common in women than in men, in part because of the way the fat, connective tissue and the muscles are aligned in women's skin. Cellulite is caused by fat deposits that push against the connective tissues underneath the outer layer of skin and is not caused exclusively by obesity or weight gain.

So what can be done about this pesky and unsightly problem?

Many companies have toted creams, massages, therapies and other topical ways of dealing with cellulite. All of them have been relatively ineffective for curing the condition; most might improve it for a short time but require continual maintenance.

Latest Treatment Buzz:

A New York Times article earlier this year highlighted a new and increasingly popular procedure that deals specifically with cellulite, known as Cellulaze. The treatment is aimed at people who have tried diet, exercise or other methods to treat cellulite to no avail. The procedure requires local anesthesia and involves making small incisions in your skin so a small pen tip laser can be passed underneath to break up the connective tissue that creates the dimpling effect.

Studies have shown that this laser treatment under the skin increases the thickness of your skin by 25% and the elasticity of your skin by 29% —significant claims that haven't been made by any other treatments. Thicker and more elastic skin can help flatten and smooth the skin surface to improve the appearance of cellulite. In addition, 93% of patients surveyed after the treatment were satisfied or very satisfied with their results at one year post their procedure, and all volunteered to recommend the Cellulaze cellulite laser treatment to a friend.

While Cellulaze is approved by the FDA to treat cellulite, like any other cosmetic surgical procedure, there are limitations to the treatment. Some women who had the procedure –had excellent results with no more signs of cellulite coming back, but few women saw some complications like bruising and swelling.

It is important to note that patient selection is very crucial while choosing this technology. If someone has a large amount of cellulite and loose skin; she is by far not the ideal candidate. Over zealous treatments can give side effects like seromas (fluid build-up).

Make sure if you consider this treatment do your due diligence and go to a certified and experienced doctor with liposuction experience. As with any new technology, it’s always best to do your research and get advice from experienced physicians before making any decisions.

Ingrown Hair

To have a hairless body OR not to have a hairless body that is the dilemma!

Anyone who as attempted body hair removal knows that the path is paved with ingrown hair, folliculitis, razor burns, and post inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Today we will look deep into the quandary we call ingrown hair. An ingrown hair occurs when a shaved, waxed or tweezed hair grows back into the skin, causing inflammation and irritation. Ingrown hairs are more common among black males ages 14 to 25. But an ingrown hair can affect anyone with curly and tightly coiled hair who shaves, tweezes, waxes or uses electrolysis to remove hair.

Commonly ingrown hairs present with localized pain, bumps, and coiled black dots in the hair removal area. Sometimes the ingrown hair area gets infected and we see more pain with big red inflamed and infected bumps with pus and blood. Either mild or severe frankly these bumps and blemishes can be embarrassing.

Symptoms:

Ingrown hairs most commonly appear in males in the beard area, including the chin and cheeks and, especially, the neck. They can appear on the scalp in males who shave their heads. In females, the most common areas for ingrown hairs are the armpits, pubic area and legs. Signs and symptoms include:

• Small, solid, rounded bumps (papules)
• Small, pus-filled, blister-like lesions (pustules)
• Skin darkening (hyper pigmentation)
• Pain
• Itching
• Embedded hairs

When to see a doctor
An occasional ingrown hair isn't cause for alarm. See your doctor if:

•  Ingrown hairs are a chronic condition. Your doctor can help you manage the condition.

•  You're a woman with ingrown hairs as a result of excessive unwanted hair growth (hirsutism). Your doctor can determine whether your excess hair is a result of treatable hormonal abnormalities, such as polycystic ovary syndrome.

Causes:

Hair structure and direction of growth play a role in ingrown hairs. A curved hair follicle, which produces tightly curled hair, is believed to encourage the hair to re-enter the skin once the hair is cut and starts to grow back. Shaving creates sharp edges in this type of hair, especially if the hair is dry when shaved. When the shaved hair starts to grow out, it curls back to re-enter the skin (extra-follicular penetration).

When you pull your skin taut during shaving, the newly cut hair draws back into the skin, causing it to re-enter the skin without first growing out (trans-follicular penetration). Using a double-edged razor also causes hair to re-enter the skin — the first blade pulls the hair out and the second blade cuts it, which allows the hair to retract. Trans-follicular penetration also occurs with tweezing, which leaves a hair fragment under the skin surface.

When a hair penetrates your skin, your skin reacts as it would to a foreign body — it becomes inflamed.

Risk Factors:

Having tightly curled hair is the main risk factor for ingrown hairs, so the condition is more common among blacks, Hispanics, and Middle Eastern populations.

Simple Solutions:

• Not removing hair is one way to avoid an ingrown hair.
• Using a scrub once a week helps to prevent in grown hair.
• Using a AHA or BHA (like glycolic or sylicylic acid) lotion on the area also helps in preventing the problem.
• If the area is infected and too painful see your dermatologist.

Hair Free Body Confidence

The minute a girl hits puberty the hormones kick-in and the problem of body hair becomes very real. Despite innovative contributions from medicine and technology the quest for the most efficient and effective method for depilation is still on. If you invest some time into learning what are the different methods available to de-fur the body you’d end up with a long list. Sifting through my long research list I found out that there are only three methods that click with me:

1. In a big hurry: grab a lady-razor
2. In a mood to splurge: go for the permanent laser hair reduction
3. On a budget: grab mechanical epilators. (My hero has always been Braun Silk-e’pil!!!)

Let’s get comfy and talk about hair-related body image and personal hygiene issues & of course the different depilation options (their pros and cons).

Staying Natural

Lets toy with the notion –letting your inner hippy be in charge and flaunting body hair in it's full fleecy glory.

Pros: Life becomes much simpler, no effort, no expense

Cons: Be prepared to be teased, ridiculed and name called publically and privately. Visually it is an undesirable picture, as civilized well-groomed society is so used to a clean hair free female body image.

Shaving:

We have multifold techniques for hair removal and shaving is arguably the most popular.

Pros: Cheap, convenient, time effective

Cons: The main drawback of shaving is that the hair grows back quickly. Most nasty aspect: the newly growing stubble feels thorny, sharp and so non-feminine. Some people claim hair increase in density (thickness). Ingrown hair, and folliculitis are frequent complaints among shavers.

Hair Removal For The Brave

Waxing:

Sugar based hair plucking.

Pros: Done at home it’s a relatively a cheap procedure, allows you to have hair free body for up to 3-4 weeks.

Cons: Done at salon; ends up being quiet expensive (as it is a repeat procedure), painful, messy and oh so! associated with folliculitis and ingrown hairs.

Laser Hair Removal:

Laser is an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation in a lay-girl’s vocab it means permanent hair reduction.

Pros: Almost Permanent hair reduction, elegant way to loose excessive hair.

Cons: Expensive, painful (depending on your pain threshold) and comes with risks of side effects if done under incompetent hands.

Mechanical Epilators:

A real effective technique, which involves ripping out the hair from the root (plucking). Most people are aware of waxing as a method of body hair removal, but less are aware that devices exist that act as automated tweezers. They are like electric shavers; difference is they use a spinning set of tweezers that rip out large areas of hair real quickly.

As this is my go-to choice for depilation -Let’s Dig Deeper….

Pros & Cons: The benefits of epilation are clear; you can get rid of hair for four or more weeks without having to constantly shave. However, you need to have the strength of will to survive the relatively painful initial work. Epilation can be relatively painful, but I think it is a lot easier to maintain than shaving and waxing. After all the hair is ripped out, it re-grows sporadically and in lighter forms, so it is easy to periodically remove what re-grows. Some people even report permanent reduction in the hair density.

The method is a little painful, but allows you to remove hair in minutes. And good news is the results last for weeks. Sometimes post-epilation skin reacts to the plucking force resulting in red raised bumps around the formerly occupied hair shafts. The irritation persisted for several days, but eventually heals, with perfectly smooth and hair-free skin. Some hairs re-grow, probably because their roots hadn't been ripped out, but they are few in number and it is much less painful to remove few stray hair than a group of twenty or more simultaneously.

The pain can be lessened by application of topical anesthetics or ice, taking some acetaminophen might help also. My advice; if you’re a girl get used to pain! You are ripping out clumps of hair, after all how are you not supposed to feel pain. On a chipper note I think women probably have it easier than men with epilation, since they generally have lighter and less dense hair.

I encourage any fellow brave girls to try this method of hair removal, since pain builds female character and this method delivers smooth and great results.

So finally which method to choose?

It depends on:

Where the hair is? -Shaving moustache hair = bad move.

How much hair are we dealing with? -No amount of bleach is going to achieve a Brazilian down below

What’s your pain threshold? -Waxing and epilation is not for the faint hearted.

What’s your skin type? -Sensitive skins may react badly to creams and waxing.

What’s your budget? –Laser and salon wax treatments cost mucho dinero

And remember: Just because our gal pals are waxers/shavers doesn't mean we should be. Try for yourself find out which method works for you. Happy selections!