The world of beauty is one of constant change. The act of sugaring as a safe, long term and painless solution to hair removal has taken off. With a recipe that only requires natural ingredients, sugaring is less toxic than the alternative. This is why it is the new favorite for eyebrow shaping.
We wanted to know all about sugaring, which is why we sat down with licensed esthetician Alexandra Accardo, in order to get the bare essentials right when it comes to sugaring.
Continue reading in order to be enlightened on the process of sugaring.
What Exactly is Sugaring?
With origins pointing to ancient times and with an end goal similar to that of waxing, sugaring is a hair removal technique. This technique can be used on any part of your body for smooth and sleek results. Although, sugaring one's eyebrows is the new hit trend due to its results lasting for six weeks.
When compared to waxing, it is an all-natural option. Accardo agrees, "Made up of water, lemon, and sugar, this paste is nothing but natural.". It is not unheard of to add oils, honey, or even salt to the recipe. Be sure to check any citrus combination on your skin to avoid a bad topical reaction.
How Does Sugaring Work?
Apply the paste at warm or room temperature. Remove the paste by flicking your finger in the direction of your hair growth but apply it in the opposite direction. Rest assured, that even hair as short as 1/16 is removed. If you want a similar experience to waxing, then use sugaring gel. Warm the gel in a microwave and apply in direction of hair growth. Afterward, apply a strip onto the area and remove it in opposite direction. Hair as short as 1/4 will be removed.
How Painful Is Sugaring?
If you were worried about the pain factor when sugaring, fear not. Sugaring doesn't tug on the skin as much and as a result, isn't as painful as waxing. Sugaring paste hurts even less due to the direction in which it is removed, following the hair's growth. This process can be repeated to catch any leftover hairs. This is due to its non-irritant qualities. Unlike waxing, which does require tweezers.
Esthetician Alexandra Accardo can confirm the above, "Only dead and hair skin cells are attached to with Sugaring. Though some pain can be expected, our customers assure us that it is much less than waxing". Waxing can be damaging because it removes live cells as well as dead ones. Sugaring does not. Waxing is further damaging when used in tandem with other products.
Bits of skin being removed, redness, and irritation are commonplace when over-exfoliating. Sugaring only causes irritation when skin is over-exfoliated. Sugar gel and paste are more efficient than tweezers and less painful than waxing. An important note to keep in mind is that even though sugaring can cause inflammation, this is only if not used responsibly. If applied and used as directed in this article then you should not run into any problems when sugaring, whether you are using the sugaring paste or sugaring gel. Rest assured.
Should You Sugar Your Eyebrows at Home?
While it is possible, do keep in mind that precision is required. With this in mind, you can remove large clumps of hair by sugaring, should you so desire. If you do decide to sugar yourself at home then elect the sugar paste over the gel because it is much easier to use and control. Excess money need not be thrown into the capitalist furnace, all you need to make your own sugaring formula is sugar, water, and some lemon juice.
How To Provide Aftercare?
To reduce the risk of infection, keep the skin hydrated as this will also reduce the risk of massive amounts of inflammation from occurring, which would like totally ruin your look. Gently exfoliate the skin but only after the first twenty-four hours after treatment. This is the biggest step, the MVP, when it comes to deterring hairs that are or become ingrown.
After the hair removal process, apply products that are soothing to the affected areas as this will be a big help in healing and caring for your skin. In fact, licensed esthetician Alexandra Accardo agrees, "An awesome option for exfoliation is acid that is Salicylic. Girl, even aloe and vitamin E can be used to give your skin a touch up after the long process of sugaring and removing the sugar.".
Here are a few great products that are sure to elevate your sugaring experience:
Sugaring Purifying Spray $17.00
This mist, with cleansing and qualities that purify your skin, will leave a soothing effect on your skin in just a few sprays. Do not spray near or on the eyes. This is to be used before or after your special treatment as it does not discriminate. Made with a natural mix of tea tree oil, salicylic acid, and witch hazel. Cleans the makeup and oil from your face so that they don't interfere with the treatment. Its other benefit is that once the process of sugaring is complete, this spray can be used to lessen irritation and calm inflammation that doesn't typically occur after sugaring.
Sugaring Healing Oil $20.00
There are many wonderful effects that this fantastic oil can give to your skin. Whether it has razor bumps that are yet to heal, hairs that are ingrown, unwanted blemishes, skin that has been recently sugared, and much more. Many natural ingredients can be found within this formula, including rosemary oil, macadamia seed oil, tea tree oil, and much more. These natural ingredients work together to bring about a reduction in inflammation. Thanks to its dropper bottle packaging, this healing oil is easy to apply and precise. Necessary qualities when dealing with the eyebrow area.
Important information: Tea tree oil has been known to cause inflammation. Always test all skin products before applying to face.
