Your skin needs to be hair-free to apply a Lumea treatment, and you will need to continue removing hair in the initial phase of your Lumea usage - we call this ‘pre-treatment’.
We want to help you have the best hair-removal experience possible, so fill out this short quiz to get personalized advice on how to best use your preferred pre-treatment methods.
What is the hair-removal method you plan to use as your pre-treatment for Lumea?
Before you begin shaving, make sure your razor is clean and sharp. Sharp blades move over the skin easily (blunt ones will tug on the skin and hair causing irritation). Replace your blades regularly when you see they become dull. Clean blades will avoid bacteria spreading and settling in your pores, which will help prevent shaving pimples from forming. Choose a razor with a flexible head that conforms to your contours, and has more than one blade. Gently exfoliate using a soft brush or exfoliating gel to eliminate dead skin cells, clear follicles to allow hairs to surface. Exfoliating will also let your razor glide smoothly over the skin, and can help raise stubble to prevent razor bumps and make the hair easier to cut.
If you have longer hairs, first trim them to a shorter length, this way you’ll better see what you’ll be shaving afterwards and this will prevent hairs from getting stuck in the blades. This will also save you from an uncomfortable pulling sensation on your skin and potential irritation.
Always try to shave at the end of a showering session – hairs sufficiently softened by warm water will make them easier to cut. Avoid dry shaving, this often results in skin irritation, and can cause excessive dry skin. Avoid using any foams or soaps, which dry out the skin and hair. Instead, use gel or cream for shaving, which will make for a much more comfortable experience. If you are planning to apply a Lumea treatment directly after showering, make sure you don’t shower too hot. When you shower hot, your skin can get very red, which can decrease the effectiveness of a Lumea treatment.
To avoid irritation while shaving, don’t shave too closely or use too much pressure. Shaving too closely can cut hairs under the skin, and can result in an ingrown hair. Redness and razor bumps are caused by friction from shaving too long, too hard, or both – so try to shave with the least pressure possible, and avoid passing one area multiple times. Ensure you rinse the blade after each stroke.
Skin in the underarms and intimate areas is thinner and less taut compared to the legs. When you are shaving in these delicate areas, hold the skin taut while you shave, this will make it less likely to cut the hairs below the skin, and there is less possibility of the blade catching on your skin and hair. Hair in the bikini area also tends to be more coarse and curly, making it an area where ingrown hairs are more likely to form, so be extra gentle there!
Blades often chafe the skin and lead to inflammation of the hair roots (also known as razor burn). People with dry and sensitive skin, whose skin’s natural protective barrier is weak, are more prone to this. For oily or combination skin, excess sebum can clog pores and foster inflammation. An ingrown hair is slightly different, it occurs when hair grows from the skin, then curves and grows back into the skin causing inflammation. This is especially the case for curly and coarse hair, and shaving can exacerbate the issue as it cuts the hair with a very sharp tip, making it easy for the hair to penetrate the skin. An ingrown hair can also happen when the hair follicle becomes clogged with dead skin cells, causing the hair to grow sideways, instead of out of the skin.
Gentle cleansing and exfoliation prior to hair-removal and between hair-removal sessions, can remove sebum and dead skin cells to help prevent inflammation and ingrowns. When you start shaving, make sure the hairs are warmed up, which will make the hair easier to cut and result in less tugging on the hair, which should result in less irritation. The most critical thing to prevent inflammation and ingrowns is a good shaving technique. We already mentioned it, but this means: using as little pressure as possible, not shaving too close, only passing an area once, stretching the skin, and always using a clean sharp blade. Shaving in the direction of your hair growth can also help reduce chance of inflammation and ingrowns. You might read online that chemical exfoliants such as salicylic acid or alpha hydroxy acids can help with ingrown hairs; however, these chemical exfoliants are, like any other depilatory or hair removal cream, not compatible with IPL treatment and should not be used on areas you plan to use Lumea.
There’s no magic cream to get rid of inflammation and bumps. The best thing to do when you experience these reactions is: cleanse and exfoliate gently to remove buildup of sebum and dead skin and dislodge any ingrown hairs, moisturize to restore the skin barrier, keep the area clean and dry, and avoid tight clothing and underwear made of synthetic materials. If you experience an ingrown, the best thing you can do is leave it alone and let it grow out by itself, and prevent them from occurring with proper shaving technique. If you are especially itchy and uncomfortable, a soothing topical such as aloe vera can help reduce discomfort. If your side effects don’t subside even when practicing the best techniques, you may consider switching to a hair removal method better suited for sensitive skin, such as a trimmer or lady shaver. Remember, you should never use Lumea on inflamed follicles or irritated skin, so we advise not to use Lumea until your skin reactions are solved. Luckily, after regular Lumea usage, your hairs should stop growing, and you won’t need to worry about skin irritations from hair-removal anymore. In studies conducted with Lumea, 58% of women agree to the statement “By using Lumea I can say goodbye to ingrown hairs.”
To be done faster and with less uncomfortable pulling of the skin, choose an epilator that rotates quickly. Lower speed settings are usually for finer hair, and higher settings for coarser hair. If comfort is a concern, some epilators come with a skin stretcher attachment, which reduces discomfort during epilating. You can also consider buying an epilator that can be used under the shower for a more comfortable experience; however, dry epilating will be more effective. Before epilating use a gentle exfoliating brush or gel to remove dead skin cells and reduce the risk of ingrown hairs, this will also make the hairs easier to grip by the epilator. Make sure the skin is clear of any moisturizers, makeup, or lotion, which might also affect the ability of the epilator to properly grip the hairs. The epilator head should be clean before you start.
For comfortable epilation, hairs should be no longer than 5 mm. If they are longer, consider trimming before epilation. The most sensitive time to epilate is the days before, during, and after your period, so we recommend avoiding epilation during this time. When you epilate, you may experience red irritated bumps and dots, and possibly blood spots on areas with coarser hair, therefore we recommend to epilate at night before going to bed, so your skin has time to rest before showing it off.
Choose the attachment for the body part you want to epilate. Some epilators have attachments for sensitive body areas so that you can work safely on the armpits and bikini area. The most sensitive areas for epilating are: the face, underarms, back of knees, bikini zone, and ankles.
Place the epilator at a 75-degree angle onto the skin surface, and glide the epilator in a steady slow movement over a small area against the hair growth until the hair is clear. Don’t move too fast with the epilator, as this can result in hair breakage if the hair is pulled from the wrong angle. Do not use long strokes as you do with shaving. While epilating make sure to pay attention to the direction of the hair growth, as hair may grow in many different directions, so vary the direction of your strokes accordingly. If hair is growing in many directions, use smaller and smaller strokes. In some body areas, such as the underarms and bikini area, the skin is looser and thinner. In these areas, stretch the skin so it is taut while you epilate for a more comfortable experience, and to minimize the chance of ingrown hairs. If your epilator has a skin stretching attachment, it will do this for you.
Some skin reactions are very common from epilating, and usually subside within a few hours after epilating, for example: some pain, redness, bumps, swelling, and blood spots. However, some skin reactions can last longer, and form after epilating: like whiteheads, bruising, and ingrown hairs.
When you remove hair from the root, the follicle is exposed, and bacteria on the skin can enter the follicle causing an infection resulting in a whitehead. If you experience whiteheads after epilating, these can be reduced by making sure you properly cleanse the skin before and after epilation. Try to avoid touching the area to prevent transferring oil and bacteria, and for 2 days try to avoid activities which cause a lot of sweating (i.e. saunas, hot showers, exercise). Wearing loose fitting, non-synthetic clothing can also help minimize irritation.
Bruising after epilating is not normal. To avoid this, ensure you hold your skin very taut while epilating, so that your skin does not get pinched. If this doesn’t help, consider using a gentler speed setting, as the force of the higher speed setting may be too strong for your skin. If bruising continues to occur, epilation may not be right for you.
Epilating removes hair in the opposite direction of hair growth, which can cause ingrown hairs and distorted hair follicles. One of the main reasons ingrown hairs occur is due to hair that breaks instead of being removed at the root. When hair breaks, it has a blunt tip, which makes it difficult to break through the skin and can result in an ingrown hair. Prevent hair breakage by using the right speed setting, and not moving too fast with your epilator. Exfoliating the days before and after epilating can also remove any dead skin cells and sebum that might clog the follicle and cause an ingrown hair. You might read online that chemical exfoliants such as salicylic acid or alpha hydroxy acids can help with ingrown hairs; however, these chemical exfoliants are, like any other depilatory or hair removal cream, not compatible with IPL treatment and should not be used on areas you plan to use Lumea. Remember, you should never use Lumea on inflamed follicles or irritated skin, so we advise not to use Lumea until your skin reactions are solved. Luckily, after regular Lumea usage, your hairs should stop growing, and you won’t need to worry about skin irritations from hair-removal anymore. In studies conducted with Lumea, 58% of women agree to the statement “By using Lumea I can say goodbye to ingrown hairs.”
Before waxing ensure optimal hair length, this is about 6 mm long (the length of a grain of rice, approx. 10-14 days of growth). If the hair is longer, trim it to a shorter length so that waxing will be less messy and painful.
There are a variety of at-home waxing options, which fall into hard and soft wax. Soft wax, also known as strip wax, requires a strip to remove. There are different types of soft wax: heated, cold, and pre-made strips. Heated wax is usually in a heated pot that softens the wax to appropriate temperature using a warmer, making the wax easier to spread. Cold wax is taken directly from the pot and applied to the skin without being heated. Although it’s convenient it is a bit firmer and tricky to spread, and some people find it more painful to remove. Pre-made strips have the wax already attached to the cloth – they are easy to use, not messy, and there’s no chance of applying too much wax. They are warmed up by rubbing them between your hands. Hard wax, also called stripless wax, doesn’t require a strip to remove. Hard wax always needs to be warmed up, and is applied in a thicker layer than soft wax in the direction of hair-growth. As the wax hardens it “shrink wraps” the hair, and then becomes a strip in itself. You can decide for yourself what you feel will work best for you!
24 to 48 hours before waxing, gently exfoliate your skin to remove any dead skin cells and sebum. Before you start your wax, gently wash the area you’re about to wax to remove dirt, dead skin cells, and skin care products. Afterwards, dry your skin thoroughly. Clean, dry skin allows the wax to adhere properly to your hairs. You should not wax if you have used any over-the-counter skin care products containing retinol and prescription retinoids 2 to 5 day before waxing, to avoid removing any skin along with your hair. Never wax sunburnt or very sensitive skin. There are times when your skin is more sensitive than others, and we recommend avoiding waxing a few days before, during, and after your period as your skin will be most sensitive during this time.
The steps you take during waxing may vary depending on which type of wax you are using. If you are using heated wax, start by warming the wax. Follow the directions on the package, and always test the temperature of the wax by applying a small amount inside your wrist, it should be warm, but it should not hurt or burn.
Apply the wax to a small section of skin with unwanted hair, and spread in the direction of hair growth. Apply the cloth strip, and press down firmly. Leave the cloth on for 2 to 3 seconds, and then remove the strip by holding your skin taut with one hand, and using your other hand to quickly pull of the cloth in the opposite direction of hair-growth. If you’re waxing a tricky to reach spot, such as the underarms, consider asking a friend or relative to help you.
When you’re done, you might notice some waxy residue left behind on your skin. To remove residual wax, use oil to remove it. There are special oils and wipes you can buy for this, but you can also just use baby oil, massage oil, olive oil or an oil based lotion. Apply a small amount of oil to a cotton ball, and hold it over the waxy spot for about 30 seconds, then rub away the wax. Wash your skin afterwards using soap and water to get rid of the excess oil.
Waxing can sometimes lead to pimples, ingrown hairs, bumps and itching. Pimples can occur because after waxing, your exposed follicle is more susceptible to the presence of bacteria. Therefore, it’s important to have a diligent routine before and after your wax in cleansing your skin and taking care of basic hygiene to ensure no bacteria enters your hair follicle.
Ingrown hairs happen when the hair breaks instead of the entire hair follicle being removed from the root. Hair breakage causes the hair to have a blunt tip, and makes it difficult for the hair to break through the skin, resulting in an ingrown hair. Therefore, it’s very important to prepare the skin correctly for waxing, and ensure the wax is applied and removed in the right way. Additionally, good after care such as cleansing and exfoliation can prevent hair follicles from being blocked with sebum and dead skin cells which could result in an ingrown hair. You might read online that chemical exfoliants such as salicylic acid or alpha hydroxy acids can help with ingrown hairs; however, these chemical exfoliants are, like any other depilatory or hair removal cream, not compatible with IPL treatment and should not be used on areas you plan to use Lumea.
If you experience bumps or itching after waxing, this occurs because the hair follicles become inflamed. To treat this, keep the area properly moisturized, and you can additionally use a calming topical such as aloe vera to ease inflammation and soothe. Remember, you should never use Lumea on inflamed follicles or irritated skin, so we advise not to use Lumea until your skin reactions are solved. Luckily, after regular Lumea usage, your hairs should stop growing, and you won’t need to worry about skin reactions from hair-removal anymore. In studies conducted with Lumea, 58% of women agree to the statement “By using Lumea I can say goodbye to ingrown hairs.”
Before your waxing appointment ensure your hair is the optimal length, about 6 mm long (the length of a grain of rice, approx. 10-14 days of growth). Let your wax specialist judge if the hair is too long, they will trim the hair for you at the salon if needed, as sometimes when you trim at home you might end up going too short. Book your appointment at a time when your skin is least sensitive, so avoid scheduling an appointment a few days before, during, or after your period. Also, try to avoid scheduling an appointment just before a day you plan to spend lots of time in the sun. If you get a sunburn, freshly waxed skin will be especially painful. When you make your appointment, inform your wax specialist about any allergies or health conditions you have, and if you are using any retinoids or alpha hydroxy acids, which are not compatible with waxing.
On the day of your appointment, make sure you shower before you go, and wear comfortable loose fitting clothing. After being waxed, you’ll want soft comfortable clothing to avoid irritating your skin after the appointment!
Between your waxing appointments, ensure to cleanse, exfoliate, and moisturize your skin well; this will help avoid ingrown hairs from forming, and will also keep your skin and hair hydrated for a more pleasant waxing experience the next time you go. Resist the urge to shave between waxing sessions, as shaving can chafe the skin and create sharper coarser hair. Your wax specialist will advise you on the best aftercare following your wax.
Waxing can sometimes lead to pimples, ingrown hairs, bumps and itching. Pimples can occur because after waxing, your exposed follicle is more susceptible to the presence of bacteria. Therefore, it’s important to have a diligent routine before and after your wax in cleansing your skin and taking care of basic hygiene to ensure no bacteria enters your hair follicle.
If you suffer from ingrown hairs, getting a professional wax will likely help you avoid many ingrown hairs, as your wax specialist uses techniques to avoid hair-breakage from occurring, which is often the cause of ingrown hairs during waxing. Despite this, you may still get ingrown hairs after your professional wax. As your hair follicle is exposed after waxing, sometimes in the weeks between your waxes the hair follicle can become blocked with sebum and dead skin cells, causing hair to grow sideways rather than out of the skin. You can help prevent this by regularly cleansing the waxed area, and exfoliating with a gentle exfoliating gel or brush to prevent hair follicles from become clogged. You might read online that chemical exfoliants such as salicylic acid or alpha hydroxy acids can help with ingrown hairs; however, these chemical exfoliants are, like any other depilatory or hair removal cream, not compatible with IPL treatment and should not be used on areas you plan to use Lumea.
If you experience bumps or itching after waxing, this occurs because the hair follicles become inflamed. To treat this, keep the area properly moisturized, and you can additionally use a calming topical such as aloe vera to ease inflammation and soothe. Remember, you should never use Lumea on inflamed follicles or irritated skin, so we advise not to use Lumea until your skin reactions are solved. Luckily, after regular Lumea usage, your hairs should stop growing, and you won’t need to worry about skin reactions from hair-removal anymore. In studies conducted with Lumea, 58% of women agree to the statement “By using Lumea I can say goodbye to ingrown hairs.”
Dry trimming/electric shaving is the kindest method for sensitive skin. If you still experience some ingrown hairs, bumps, or inflammation there are tips & tricks you can do to prevent them. If you have sensitive skin, good hygiene when using your trimmer/electric shaver is crucial – always shower before you remove hair, and make sure your trimmer/electric shaver are clean. This way, if you do get any nicks or cuts while shaving, you won’t introduce any bacteria in the area, which can lead to inflammation or infections.
Try to be as gentle as possible when trimming/electric shaving: don’t use too much pressure or go over a single area too many times. Using little pressure will help prevent cutting hairs underneath the skin, which could result in an ingrown hair. In areas where your skin is loose or has folds, such as in the bikini and underarms, always make sure to hold the skin taut. This will prevent any nicks or cuts. Inflammation is caused by going over an area too many times, and using too much pressure, which causes a lot of friction on the skin and can lead to irritated hair follicles (commonly known as razor burn). Aim to spend no more than 3 minutes on every area you shave, and try not to shave every day if you’re prone to irritations.
Between shaving sessions, gently cleanse and exfoliate the skin regularly to eliminate dead skin cells and clear follicles to allow hairs to surface. Exfoliation can also help prepare the skin for shaving by raising stubble, which will help prevent razor bumps. If you have ingrown hairs, exfoliation can help dislodge them. You might read online that chemical exfoliants such as salicylic acid or alpha hydroxy acids can help with ingrown hairs; however, these chemical exfoliants are, like any other depilatory or hair removal cream, not compatible with IPL treatment and should not be used on areas you plan to use Lumea. Remember, you should never use Lumea on inflamed follicles or irritated skin, so we advise not to use Lumea until your skin reactions are solved. Luckily, after regular Lumea usage, your hairs should stop growing, and you won’t need to worry about skin reactions from hair-removal anymore. In studies conducted with Lumea, 58% of women agree to the statement “By using Lumea I can say goodbye to ingrown hairs.”
Last but not least, make sure you properly moisturize the skin in between trimming/electric shaving sessions. A moisturizer can help restore and maintain the skin barrier, reduce irritation and inflammation, and hydrate the skin and hair. This will keep your skin in the best condition!
Sometimes, tweezing can result in redness and irritation of the skin, breakouts, as well as ingrown hairs. There are some important things you can do before and after tweezing, and with your tweezing technique to ensure these side effects don’t occur.
To avoid breakouts, it’s important to have a diligent routine before and after tweezing in cleansing your skin and taking care of basic hygiene to ensure no bacteria enters your hair follicle. To be extra careful, wash your tweezers with warm soap and water before and after a tweezing session to make sure they stay free of bacteria.
Proper tweezing technique will help avoid ingrown hairs from forming. Ingrown hairs can happen when hairs break while tweezing, instead of being removed from the root. A broken hair has a blunt tip and makes it difficult to break through the skin, which can result in an ingrown hair. To avoid hair breakage, always grab the hair as close to the base as possible, hold the skin taut wile tweezing, and pull hair out in the direction of hair-growth. Pulling in the direction of hair growth also helps prevent distorted follicles, which can lead to inflammation and redness. You might read online that chemical exfoliants such as salicylic acid or alpha hydroxy acids can help with ingrown hairs; however, these chemical exfoliants are, like any other depilatory or hair removal cream, not compatible with IPL treatment and should not be used on areas you plan to use Lumea.
If you experience inflammation and redness after tweezing, you can apply a cold compress to soothe the area and reduce inflammation. Additionally, it is important to keep the area well moisturized in between tweezing sessions, and you can gently exfoliate the area to remove dead skin and sebum to prevent hair follicles from being blocked and causing an ingrown hair. Remember, you should never use Lumea on inflamed follicles or irritated skin, so we advise not to use Lumea until your skin reactions are solved. Luckily, after regular Lumea usage, your hairs should stop growing, and you won’t need to worry about skin reactions from hair-removal anymore. In studies conducted with Lumea, 58% of women agree to the statement “By using Lumea I can say goodbye to ingrown hairs.”
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