SHAVING VS. WAXING Women of all ages shave and wax to enjoy smooth, hair-free legs, armpits, faces and bikini lines, and contoured brows. Men shave and wax to sport smooth and hairless chests and backs. In this HealthHub Knockout, we pit shaving against waxing to decide the skin health champ.
ROUND 1: POINTS AWARDED
✔ Quick, easy to do EASE OF USE at home as part of daily routine
✔ FREQUENCY Lasts 1-2 weeks; shaving only lasts 1-3 days
✔ EFFECT ON SKIN Skin may feel smoother; hair may come in thinner over time ✔ Razors and shaving cream cost next to COST nothing; salon waxing is pricey
ROUND 2: POINTS DEDUCTED
✘ OUCH FACTOR Removing wax is painful; wax can burn ✘ ✘ Can cause cuts, Can cause inflamed inflamed hair follicles, EFFECT ON SKIN hair follicles, ingrown ingrown hairs and hairs and skin irritation razor burn ✘ Removing female DAMAGE facial hair while using retinoid anti-aging or POTENTIONAL acne products can lead to abrasions, infection and scarring
JUDGE’S DECISION: TECHNICAL KNOCKOUT!
SHAVING winS! We cut it close, but shaving wins by a hair. Both techniques get rid of unnecessary hair and leave your skin feeling smooth. Both require extra care in sensitive areas — the bikini line for waxing, and the joints, skin folds and bikini line for shaving. Take your time when shaving, and use moisturizing products if skin is sensitive. Do your homework when waxing at home — and for the best results, splurge on a trip to the salon.
Shaving tips Waxing tips Never shave dry, and choose Waxing takes skill — start at a shaving cream over soap. Wait salon or have someone more till the end of your shower or experienced teach you. Keep bath, when pores are open an eye on temperatures when and skin has softened. BONUS warming wax to avoid burns. POINTS Top shaving mistake Top waxing mistake Don’t shave “against the Don’t remove your whole grain” — shave in the eyebrow! Make sure you direction that hair grows know what to do and how to avoid ingrown hairs. to use waxing products. © 2013 Cleveland Clinic © 2013
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