exfoliate ... it's great!

a week or so after sugaring, it's time to exfoliate the sugared zone to encourage what hair does grow back to do so smoothly and with minimal ingrowns.

exfoliating is fabulous for the skin and works well on the bikini region, bum, backs of thighs, backs of arms, feet and hands as well as the face, neck and chest. when you exfoliate, you're engaging the skin's natural metabolism, sloughing off dead/dry skin, cleaning out follicles, evening skin tone and preparing the skin for moisture. the best exfoliation is gentle and consistent.  i prefer acids and enzymes but salts and exfoliating cloths can be effective too.

at be well {groomed!}, you'll typically find Ingrown Zone (salicylic & glycolic in a gentle, soothing mix), FarmHouseFresh's Honey Heel Glaze (papaya & pineapple enzymes in a spicy, smells great, natural formula), Desert Mineral's Detox Scurb (natural blend of physical exfoliators) and others.


but if you're not at be well {groomed!}, here are a few other options.

i love Lotus Moons' Post 2%. its natural ingredients help to soothe the skin and prevent bumps. the 2% salicylic acid is supported with arnica, aloe & rosehips oil.  the company's founder remains focused on developing high quality products based on our on-going research into Mother Nature’s plants and enzymes, and true science with a reverence for all life. {while you're there, check out my other fave product: Cherry Blossom Healing Soothe ... smells & feels divine, plus leaves skin nourished & silken!}.

and, the Blueberry 8 is a fabulous scrub!

if you'd rather walk into Sephora and buy something there, i also like these:
Peter Thomas Roth Gentle Complexion Correction Pads
Jurlique Fruit Enzyme Exfoliator
Boscia Luminize Black Mask
Ole Henriksen Walnut Scrub

and, i've heard that Neutrogena makes a spray toner with salicylic acid that many people like.

a few more tips:

• don't buy a salicylic acid wash. you need a toner or serum as the salicylic acid should stay ON your skin (and not be washed off). it's gentle and at a low % rate when sold OTC so it needs to be on the skin longer than a wash can provide.
• also, look at the other ingredients. don't buy a product that also has benzoyl peroxide. BP can be hard on the skin and bleach your clothing.
• use your salicylic acid product 4-5 times per week (or as recommended on the product's label).
• use scrubs and other physical exfoliants 2-3 times per week
• spot treat stubborn areas or new bumps more frequently.
• and, if you can also use the salicylic acid with great results on those pesky bumps that show up on the backs of your arms or legs.
• you'll notice that many of the products i recommend are designed for the face. my philosophy: just because you're using it on your body doesn't mean it should be junk! your skin is an important organ (our largest!) and requires nourishment as well as gentle and consistent care. 
• exfoliate up to the day prior to your next sugaring appointment ... this will ensure that the hairs are above the skin and ready for removal!