Zen and the art of maintaining bikini lines

Exactly where the bikini line can have fluctuated dramatically from decade to decade, and we’ve come to a place where everything — from minimal trimming to maximum waxing — goes. Laura Schubert, co-founder of Fur, a line of pubic and skin cleansing products, said: “For too long, the only bikini grooming routine considered ‘normal’ for women has been full body waxing. . “It is important to us that we endorse bush as a legitimate body hair expression. If you choose to keep all your body hair or some hair as an expression of your identity, that’s great too. Everyone across the gender spectrum should feel empowered to decide for their own body hair, that’s why we’re working hard to normalize all grooming routines like these. equally valid options. Why shouldn’t freedom of speech be extended to body hair? “

Whether you’re into a smooth and hair-free look or prefer to experiment with something more voluminous and ’70s-inspired, there are some great clean ways to keep the bikini area irritant-free and deep.

EXFOLIATE OFFTEN

“Any pubic or bikini line regimen begins with exfoliating,” says Schubert. She likes to exfoliate with both chemical and physical exfoliants (we put both Microderm scrubs on her face for the same reason—both optimizing each other for great results). than). “We’ve exfoliated with fruit enzymes and glycolic and lactic acids to dig deep into your pores and keep them clear of excess sebum and other debris, and we’ve added jojoba beads to remove all and smooth the overall texture. When your pores are blocked, your hair can’t grow in and out, so it rolls inward and leads to an ingrown condition. When your skin is clean and healthy, your hair can grow more comfortably, says Schubert. “About 10 minutes before I start showering, I put it on like a mask to give the acids a chance to work.”

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Exfoliating regularly—the more times between treatments, the better—prevents the build-up of dry skin, which in turn can create blemishes. Schubert exfoliates two or three times a week but says the right amount of exfoliation for you depends on how sensitive your skin is. “If you have sensitive skin, your exfoliator might just be a good dry brush followed by a powerful serum. If you have rough skin, you may want a stronger exfoliant. No two skin types are alike, so take your time experimenting until you find the right one,” she says.

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HANDLING OF INGREDIENTS

If your skin is especially prone to redness, swelling, or itching, Schubert recommends treating it with soothing ingredients. Her special serum for dark skin, made with willow bark extract, witch hazel and aloe vera leaf juice, is designed for this purpose. “The longer you lengthen between sessions, the worse the bruises get,” says Schubert.

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OPTION A: BUS REPAIR

“Once you get past the initial itchy, red, ingrown phase, you want to condition your pubic hair to make them softer and more manageable,” says Schubert. Her oils — made from grape and jojoba seeds, vitamins A and E, and tea tree oil — are designed to help soften, calm, and soothe both skin and hair. “Shortly after showering, apply this mixture to the hair you want to soften and to areas of skin that can provide a little extra moisture and luminosity,” she says.

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“Over time, you should see less hair growth, smoother skin, and softer hair. And honestly, I think it’s a great opportunity to grow hair that you might not have,” Schubert said. “You can always take it off later. Just let the hair grow naturally. But if you want a sleeker look, we recommend using sharp, clean pruning shears — not the kind you use to open packages — or an electronic trimmer with a guard to identify exact length”.

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OPTION B: SAVE

Whether you’re just keeping things tidy or you’re entertaining a big hair removal session, Schubert has some great tips.

“The right shaving cream creates a cushion to protect your skin, and the wrong kind – especially regular foams – can really dry out skin, with fillers and chemicals,” says Schubert. potentially irritating substances,” Schubert said.

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“Always shave with the grain, rather than against,” says Schubert. “And while this may seem obvious, it’s important: Use a sharp razor. In general, you should change your tongue every time you shave that area, especially if you’re very prone to ingrowns. Safety razors are great for this and they are more sustainable.”

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“After shaving, apply a thin layer of cream to your beard—hairs made with emollient olive extract, tea tree oil, and lavender oil—to keep skin smooth and soft,” says Schubert. “. An aftershave serum can help soothe post-shave irritation because it’s also nourishing.

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OPTION C: LIGHT YOUR SKIN TO WAXED

Elizabeth Taylor, owner of True Beauty Brooklyn spa, said: “For those who wax at home or in the salon, preparation and aftercare are crucial.

“Always prepare the area you intend to wax by wiping it down with a washcloth or antiseptic solution,” says Taylor. “Then, use a small amount of a fast-absorbing oil — like Feather Oil, grapeseed, or jojoba — to moisturize your skin. Next, use a clean towel or galangal powder to absorb excess oil. You want the wax to just pick up the hair on your body, but when the skin is dry, the wax can stick to the hair more and cause pain.”

“Then, exfoliate your skin three times a week with a gentle exfoliator to keep skin and hair regenerated in cycles that allow hair follicles to breathe,” says Taylor.