Many people are in need of the removal of unwanted hair. However, many times hair removal has brought in complications, with irritation being the most common one. This becomes a problem for those with normal skin, and a major problem for those with sensitive skin, as hair removal escalates the level of irritation, and you may have to bear that unease. Therefore, there is a solution for those with sensitive skin to remove their unwanted hair with less chance of triggering discomfort and other skin complications related to sensitive skin.

This article will provide you with a comprehensive guide to hair removal methods and how to pick the best one that matches not only your needs but also your skin condition, making it effective for hair removal while being harmless to your skin.

How can the hair be removed?

The hair is a combination of two distinct structures – a follicle that is located in the dermis and maintains stem cells, and a hair shaft, or a keratin-based, hard filamentous part that extends above the skin surface. To remove unwanted hair, there is depilation, or the removal of visible filament above the skin’s surface, and epilation, or the removal of entire hair, including those follicles that are rooted within the skin.

Here are popular methods that are being used for the removal of excessive hair.

• Shaving: The most common method that uses blades to cut visible hair off. Though it may lead to ingrown hairs, especially in those with thick, coarse, or curly hair.
• Plucking: The do-it-yourself method to remove entire hair using tweezers to “pull” the complete hair off. Recommend only for the removal of a few hairs, as it could lead to ingrown hair and scarring.
• Threading: Originated in India and Persia, thin cotton or polyester thread is doubled and then twisted, and later rolled over unwanted hair, which completely removes hair follicles. Usually used with eyebrow hair.
• Hair removal creams: Over-the-counter creams contain a chemical that dissolves the visible hair shaft. Using them had to be cautious as it may lead to an allergic reaction to those chemicals, or skin burn if left for too long.
• Waxing: Hot or cold wax (or a substitute like sugar) is effective in sticking to your hair. The quick removal of wax then completely pulls out the hair. Waxing can be messy, painful, and some pose a risk of infection. Recommended to be done by professionals.
• Drugs: Some drugs effectively inhibit the development of new hair cells. Those include Eflornithine, which is used for the treatment of facial hirsutism in women, and a group of Antiandrogens such as spironolactone, cyproterone acetate, flutamide, bicalutamide, and finasteride.
• Laser Removal: Laser is being used for the “burning” of hair follicles, preventing the hair from growing back. Must be done under the supervision of a dermatologist, as it could lead to burns, blisters, infection, or dark spots.
• Intense Pulse Light: Yellow “pulsed light” is being used for the “burning” of hair follicles, working best for the hair under the active growth phase. Available as a “home-use” machine, which is less effective compared to a professional machine used in aesthetic clinics.
• Electrolysis: Electric current is used for the permanent destruction of hair follicles. Recommended only if the request is for permanent removal of unwanted hair, such as a gender transition or the treatment of hirsutism, unusually thick hair growth. Also must be done under the supervision of a dermatologist.

Why do skin types matter in hair removal? 

Picking one of those options had to be concerned with multiple factors. Rather than the need for removal and the location of the hair, one of the major factors highly related to hair removal is skin type. Speaking in this condition is a difference between normal and “sensitive” skin.

Sensitive skin is a skin that is “reactive” to things that do not typically cause skin irritation, including fabrics, cosmetics, household chemicals, or even the environment. Those sensitivities could be visible as a rash, blisters, hives, or discoloration. In addition, you may feel burning, itching, or pain. These abnormalities are rooted in the thinning of the stratum corneum, the outer layer of the epidermis that offers protection from light, heat, and other pathogens. For the one with sensitive skin, the thinning of the stratum corneum means things could easily penetrate a deeper level of your skin, resulting in irritation.

Then, hair removal could be a problem for a person who has sensitive skin. First of all, not all removal methods are recommended – plucking and waxing are methods that they should avoid as these could lead to massive irritation and an increased risk of ingrown hair, dermatitis, and infection. Hair removal cream is also not possible for those who are allergic to the chemical components inside. Second, even if some methods are applicable, it has to be done properly to reduce the chance of irritation, while frequent application may not be possible as it could possibly damage your skin cells and result in irritation.

At this point, if you are the one with sensitive skin and are currently looking for the best hair removal methods for sensitive skin types, consider contacting us for additional information and consultation.

What is the best hair removal method?

Speaking of the best hair removal methods for sensitive skin types, we recommend the laser hair removal program as the most appropriate one. On the one hand, laser hair removal is highly precise, which means unnecessary damage to surrounding skin cells is controllable. On the other hand, laser hair removal makes your hair visibly grow back thinner and finer after each treatment, reducing the need for periodic removal that could irritate your skin. In addition, after 6 or more treatments, the removal becomes permanent, which then completely eliminates the need for constant removal of unwanted hair.

Laser hair removal is also beneficial for those with normal skin as it provides significant results with precision and speed, while giving fewer repetitions and pain. Also, there is no downtime after the procedure, making them the best option considering safety and effectiveness. Apart from the area surrounding the eyes, laser hair removal could be applied to most parts of the body – face, underarms, bikini lines, back, and chest.

For more information about laser hair removal, we mentioned in our previous article, including what to expect, preparation, and how to find a good place for one’s.

Radiance Skin Clinic, the Best Option in Bangkok for your hair removal treatment

Radiance Skin Clinic, a professional aesthetic clinic located in the heart of Bangkok, currently offers a laser hair removal program with the most sophisticated diode laser machines. Not only is the diode laser good for all skin tones and types, including sensitive ones, but our machines are less painful compared to others via a special cooling head that helps ease discomfort from the laser. In addition, our team of dermatologists and technicians trained in handling the most advanced laser hair removal technology is ready to provide you with safe and effective removal of unwanted hair in all types and colors.

For a person with sensitive skin who is looking for a hair removal program, our certified dermatologist is ready to take care of your condition, starting from the evaluation of your skin condition, precise laser treatment, and special post-operative care. In addition, if sensitive skin is also a major concern of your skin condition, our team of professionals could provide you with a solution that helps control the irritation and provides nourishment to your skin, including medications, skin treatments, and moisturizers.

If you are living in Bangkok and currently searching for “best hair removal methods for sensitive skin types”, visit our team for a consultation at our clinic located at Maneeya Center between 10 am and 7 pm, or leave a message on our online channel here.

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