In today's time, awareness among people regarding personal grooming and body hygiene has increased rapidly. Like taking care of the face and other parts of the body, cleaning the intimate area i.e. private parts is also a very important part of our overall health. Cleaning or trimming pubic hair is entirely a personal choice. Many people prefer to remove them for cleanliness, comfort or better looks. However, the skin of the pubic area is highly sensitive, thin and delicate compared to the rest of the body. Often people start removing hair in wrong ways due to haste or lack of correct information. The result is that problems like razor bumps (red rashes), cuts, irritation, ingrown hairs (hair growing inside the skin) and fungal infections start appearing on the skin. If you also want smooth and hygienic skin without any problem and irritation, then it is very important to follow some basic and important rules while cleaning pubic hair.
Trimming, shaving or waxing: which method of removing pubic hair is the safest?
There are many options available in the market to remove pubic hair, but not every method suits everyone's skin. The first option is 'trimming', which dermatologists consider to be the safest and hygienic method. Cutting hair short with the help of small scissors or electric trimmer does not cause any friction on the skin and there is zero risk of cuts or infection.
The second option is 'shaving', which is the most popular and easiest method. However, if shaving is done incorrectly, it most likely causes razor bumps and irritation. The third option is 'waxing' or 'hair removal cream'. Using hair removal creams containing chemicals on sensitive intimate areas can cause chemical burns and allergies. At the same time, there is a fear of skin peeling and folliculitis (infection of hair roots) due to waxing. So if you are choosing shaving or trimming, it is most important to adopt the correct technique.
Skin prep is very important before shaving: magical trick of exfoliation and lukewarm water.
Most people start shaving straight on dry skin as soon as they pick up the razor, which is the biggest mistake. Using a razor on dry skin increases friction, which can cause the skin to peel. Before starting shaving, it is important to properly prepare the skin of the pubic area.
First of all, if the hair is too long then cut it a little shorter with the help of scissors or a trimmer. After this, take a bath with lukewarm water or place a towel soaked in lukewarm water on the private part for 5 minutes. Lukewarm water opens the skin pores and softens the hair roots, allowing the razor to slide easily. The day before or just before shaving, gently cleanse the skin with a very mild exfoliator or washcloth. Due to this, the accumulated dead skin cells are removed and the risk of ingrown hair is avoided to a great extent.
Choosing the right razor, shaving gel and the right direction: 3 rules to avoid bumps and cuts
While shaving the pubic area, you should take special care of three things so that there is no cut or infection of any kind:
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Use of clean and sharp razor: Never use a razor with an old, rusty or dull blade. The dull blade pulls the hair instead of cutting it, causing inflammation of the skin. Always use a new and clean razor with 3 to 5 blades and reserve it for intimate areas only.
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Unscented shaving gel instead of soap: Do not shave private parts with harsh soap used on face or body. Soap makes the skin dry. Instead, use a fragrance-free shaving gel or creamy intimate wash containing aloe vera, which will help the razor slide easier.
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Shave in the direction of hair growth: Most people use the razor in the opposite direction of the hair (against the grain) for a clean look. Doing this leads to razor bumps, cuts and ingrown hairs. Always move the razor slowly in the direction of hair growth.
Post-care and moisturization after hair removal: Say bye-bye to ingrown hairs and irritation
Post-care after cleaning pubic hair is as important as the process of shaving. As soon as you're done shaving or trimming, rinse the entire area thoroughly with cool water. Cold water helps to close the open pores immediately and soothes the irritation.
Pat the skin dry with a cotton towel, never rub it hard. After this, do not apply any scented body lotion or alcohol-containing aftershave to moisturize the skin, as it can cause severe irritation. Instead apply pure aloe vera gel, coconut oil or any mild unscented moisturizer. Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory properties that instantly cure any kind of redness or irritation. Wear loose cotton undergarments for at least a few hours immediately after shaving to allow air circulation and prevent friction.
These 4 big mistakes related to intimate hygiene can increase the risk of infection.
Along with removing pubic hair, it is also very important to take care of daily intimate hygiene. The first mistake people make is that they leave dirty or used razors in the dampness of the bathroom without drying them, which causes bacteria to grow on it. Always wash the razor with hot water and dry it after use.
The second mistake is to wash the vagina or the inner part of the private parts with harsh intimate wash or soap. Private parts have a natural self-cleaning mechanism, so internal cleaning is not required. Use only plain water or mild pH-balanced wash to clean the vulva. The third mistake is staying in sweaty or moist clothes for a long time. Change undergarments immediately after a workout or after getting wet in the rain. The fourth mistake is that if you feel persistent itching, pus rashes or pain after shaving, do not ignore it and immediately consult a dermatologist or doctor. Only the right knowledge and vigilance can always keep your skin safe, clean and healthy.