Which is Better For Sensitive Skin: Waxing or Laser Hair Removal?

Now that we’re knee-deep into the rainy season, it means drier and more sensitive skin. The sudden temperature change can also make our skin prone to irritation and infection, making removing unwanted hair harder. So should you wait for months and just let it grow? You don’t have to!

We understand how you would turn to conventional methods like shaving and waxing since they are the fastest and cheapest ways to achieve smooth and silky skin. Then again, why not take advantage of the rainy season to be fuzz-free for longer by the time summer arrives? Trust us, your sensitive areas would love it, too!

To help you decide which works best for you, let’s compare two of the most popular options to get rid of unwanted hair–waxing and laser hair removal.

Over the past few years, many hair removal methods have penetrated the beauty industry. However, not every technique can suit just any skin type. The underarms, upper lip, inner thighs, and bikini area are sensitive, so not all hair removal products or methods are advisable for these areas.

In addition, women who are prone to ingrown hairs or rashes should avoid shaving in areas where they experience redness. They should also be extra cautious as redness can worsen and lead to scabbing and itching. If you’re unsure of the course of action to take, consult a doctor first to see what’s best for your skin before removing any type of hair on your body.

Types of Hair Removal

There are several other options for hair removal, though none quite as effective as laser or waxing. If you want to try different methods, here are some alternatives to consider:

• Chemical depilatory creams: A chemical depilatory cream is a topical cream applied to parts of your body where unwanted hair grows. It causes hair to shed away from your skin with natural exfoliation. The most common chemical in depilatory creams is thioglycolate acid. It works by breaking down keratin, which makes up our hair and nails. Once broken down, hair becomes brittle enough for our bodies to remove naturally through exfoliation. Chemical depilatories can be found over-the-counter in drug stores or beauty supply stores.
• Threading: Threading is a method that uses cotton thread to pluck out unwanted facial hair. While it can leave skin red after treatment, threading tends to be less painful than waxing or sugaring— and because it doesn’t require any chemical solution, there’s no risk of irritation.
• Shaving: The last one is shaving, which may seem obvious but still worth mentioning. It’s fast and easy to do at home, but if you have sensitive skin, it can cause itching, inflamed hair follicles, ingrown hairs, or razor burn in some cases.

If you have tried all three and they don’t seem to be working, opt for a gentler removal approach such as sugar waxing. Sugar wax is less likely to cause an adverse reaction, and it can also help with ingrown hairs and bumps resulting from shaving.

Another suitable option would be a laser hair removal treatment, which doesn’t require touching your skin at all — a professional technician will apply a gel onto your skin and use a handheld device to remove your hair. The number of sessions might differ based on your consultation, but expect to have multiple visits to ensure an adequate healing period and more visible results.

Going In-Depth: Waxing vs Laser Hair Removal

We compare waxing and laser hair removal because both aim to get rid of hair in specific body areas. Although they have the same goal, they offer entirely different experiences.  

Waxing

Waxing is a great hair removal option because it’s affordable, relatively comfortable, and precise — but not all waxes work with your skin type or body. Depending on your skin’s sensitivity, you will want to consider the type of wax — hot or cold — and the ingredients used.  

Pros:

• You can wax yourself at home since they are more accessible than laser hair treatments. They can be bought anywhere, from drugstores to supermarkets, though some women prefer to have their waxing done by a licensed aesthetician.
• It’s considered a lower-risk hair removal method and offers the same results as shaving, with a lower likelihood of cuts or burns.

Cons:

• The hair will still grow back gradually.
• It doesn’t offer long-term results, which can be more damaging in the long run because you have to keep doing it, which can lead to irritation and dryness.
• Since it removes a layer of skin when you wax, there is a possibility that your hair will grow back darker or coarser than before. Some people also experienced ingrown hairs after several sessions.
• Waxing can cause chicken skin and rashes.
• It is severely painful in sensitive spots, like the bikini area.

Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal is a popular choice for many who wish to remove hair in sensitive areas. The reason is simple: laser hair removal works well at eliminating unwanted hair while also leaving you with a clean-shaven appearance that other techniques can’t match.

The laser utilises a lower intensity light that is safer for these areas because it doesn’t damage the skin as much as waxing — it penetrates the hair follicle and destroys it from within.

Pros:

• You won’t have to worry about hair growing back anytime soon, so you can say goodbye to wax strips, shaving creams, razor burns, and chicken skin after a few sessions.
• You should be able to see visible changes from laser treatment in just four weeks.
• There is less pain associated with laser hair removal than with waxing and other options. People might have lower pain tolerance in sensitive areas of the body, such as the underarms and bikini area.
• The procedure is safe on the skin as long as professionals do it.
• It’s considered a cost-effective treatment due to the permanent results. Imagine how much you’d spend on a lifetime of waxing!

Cons:

• There can be potential side effects such as temporary discolouration on the skin.
• It requires numerous visits to the clinic for best results.

So which one is better for sensitive areas? It depends on your comfort level and how quickly you want to see results. If you want a relatively painless and long-term solution, go for laser hair removal. Remember, when getting rid of unwanted hair, it’s always wise to invest in a treatment that brings you the most satisfaction.

To find out if laser hair removal is right for you, contact Dr Anita Soosay. Set an appointment with The Aesthetics Centre Singapore today and be on your way to smoother, silkier skin.