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leg care - please help

Scarlet

Veteran

I have terrible problems showing my legs in summer because I have very sensitive skin and coarse hair on my lower legs, so that any form of hair removal leads to perpetual irritation and unsightly red bumpy angriness. Can anyone with similar problems please share your strategy for dealing with this situation and especially specific products or regimes that work for you? I have tried wet shaving, waxing, and epilating. I have never tried laser (expensive and scary), electric razor, or depilatory creams (the ones that make your hair fall out) because, okay, I did try that once 15 years ago and could not tolerate the smell. I would be so grateful for some help.

General

29 replies

Latest reply was from Scarlet

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

I am using depilatory cream for sensitive skin. I do not remember the name (thrown away the empty bottle this week :-)) but I got it in the drug store. It does not smell much. You need to leave it on longer than the usual one because it is milder (5 min vs. 3 min). I find that it works better that shaving because it softens hair a bit after regular use. I found that shaving makes my hair more coarse and darker and also leaving bumps.
You can also check out health stores - they may have herbal depilatory creams which can work better with your sensitive skin. Good luck!

Traci

Veteran

I used to have a similar problem with shaving. A few things that really helped were, soaking in the bath before I shaved, using a really slick shaving lotion, and using a higher quality men's disposable razor. For the cream, I used a product by Kiss my Face, now I've found that Trader Joe's carries a similar cream. When I was having the problem, they had just come out with the men's gillette mach 3 razors. That made all the difference in the world for me. Now they have nicer quality women's razors too, that I use sometimes, but I still find the men's to be superior. The little moisture strips on the razor help too.

Depilatory creams never worked well for me. I had to scrub so hard to get the hair off that I would irritate my legs.

Shaving more often is a big thing for me too. When my legs were being really sensitive, it was a perpetual cycle, b/c they were sensitive, I didn't shave as often and then when I would shave, they were even more sensitive.

I hope you find some relief and get to flaunt those gams soon!

stringy

Veteran

Maybe give the depilatory cream another go - they do smell, but they give me good results and there are types for sensitive skin. Might be worth it to avoid the irritated skin. And it's a lot cheaper to try out than lasers I tend to switch between depilatory creams and a normal razor, and find the smoothness lasts longer with the cream.

I don't see how an electric razor would be any less harsh on your skin than a normal one, but I haven't used one in years so maybe newer models are better.

mummy2thea

I had the same problems with underarm hair, to the point that I woul be in agony after removal. I decided to go down the laser route. I have only had one treatment so far as I have been super mega busy recently, but what an amazing difference already! I would say the hair is reduced by a good 50% the remaning is softer and finer than before. I think another 2 or 3 treatments and it will be completely gone. I know that legs, being bigger area, will be somewhat more expensive, but I think is it is bothering you so much it may well be worth it. I think some places will offer discount for block apppointments, and imagine the joy of never having to shave etc again?!

Maya

Veteran

I have ultra sensitive skin and I'm pretty sure I'm the hairiest woman on this forum

I just grit my teeth and tolerate it because I love my frocks, BUT I wanted to say: Proceed with caution regarding depilatory creams! I did a little test spot and it burned my skin badly, leaving a giant welt with a bright red center in its wake. I will never go near one again. Within seconds it started itching, but I then it started to burn and I had to rinse it off after under 2 minutes.

Maya

Veteran

Also, I wanted to add that you might try sugaring. I did this only once, but it was less irritating than waxing. Obviously, any time you pull your hair out, it will hurt, but waxing leaves my skin inflamed and I sometimes even bleed. Sugaring is much more gentle because a) it requires no heating and b) it sticks to the hair without sticking to the skin.

Threading is also good. Nothing sticky or hot, and it only removes a small amount of hair at a time, which is less irritating. However, doing large areas like legs is laborious and experienced threaders aren't as easy to find (and it's not really the kind of thing you can do yourself). However, for small areas it is great. I get my eyebrows threaded because it is less irritating, and very precise, which is perfect for brows.

londonkiwi (now back in NZ)

Veteran

Have you ever tried Tend Skin - http://www.tendskin.com/index.htm it is the best product that I have ever used to reduce ingrown hairs and irritation after waxing?

I highly recommend using the best razor possible with as many moisturising strips as possible. Then use a soap for ultra sensitive skin and shave your legs at the end of the shower so that the warm water has had a chance to soften the hair folicles.

Like Maya, I recommend threading for eyebrows as well, I always think that it feels like a zip running across my face.

Isabel

Veteran

I have a similar problem. My dermatologist recommended that I switch the blade every time I shave ( which I hate doing ) and that I "condition" my legs first with hair conditioner - to soften things up. Then I use a gel men's super thick shaving cream. I let it sit a few minutes then shave. I then immediately follow up up Burt's bees mama oil.

Finally, every once in a while I have to slap on some cortisone cream ( over the counter stuff ).

Vix

Veteran

I am super-pale in addition to all of the above...such a great combination, sigh.

I'm not anti-waxing or sugaring, but in summer I just can't deal with the regrowth needed. So another vote for men's (ridiculously expensive!) razors* -- I swear they are better than the female versions -- and the tips above re softening/slick cream/soap. [I use cheap conditioner.]

* I keep escalating the number of blades because I notice the difference. After using the 5-bladed Gillette Fusion I dropped back to the Schick Quattro to save a little money and regret it! I will say the Fusion lives up to the marketing hype in that I get more use out of the blade (I go through 1/week with the 4-bladed types).

Mamapicklejuice

Veteran

Sorry to hijack - but here's a related question for fair-skinned sensitive skinned people.

I have very light skin on the upper leg, so (ahem) I don't shave up there.

I shave the lower half, and you can totally see a million dark dots where the hair root (?) is. My 4 year old even said, "Mama, why do you have polka dots on your legs?"

There's no way around that, is there? Aside from getting color on my legs (not interested in tanning).

Thanks, and sorry for the hijack!

Vix

Veteran

If we're talking about shaving or depilatory creams (vs root removal) -- not to my knowledge. Hopefully someone has a solution because I am all ears.

But getting the CLOSEST shave will knock it way back...hence my ponying up for 5-bladed razors, grrrrr.

While I don't tan/sunless tan, but I mentioned in another thread that I've used my mineral makeup on my legs when in need of a little emergency sun protection...I found a bonus of that was a reduction in the $#*@ follicles' prominence.

MNsara

Veteran

I am part of the pale skin/dark polka dot club As I get older, I am less bothered by it, but I sympathize with the hassle of staying bare-legged and healthy skinned.

I am very tired of my routine of soaking in the tub (that part alone I love), using cheap hair conditioner (instead of shave cream - I think I have fewer nicks that way), and an expensive ladies razor (I might try the men's 5-blade). I have even gotten to where I am seriously considering laser from ankle to bikini. I know one woman who did this about 5 years ago and she said it was the best $1700 she ever spent!!

I think the price might be higher these days, but if anyone has personal experience, please tell us what you think of your results and the process.

marianne

I use an electric shaver on my legs and it's a lot easier on the skin. The downside is that it takes longer and the results are not as good as with a regular razor - I don't care much about that since no one is staring at my legs that closely.
I like the idea of waxing, but my hair is dark and waiting for regrowth doesn't work for me.

florida

Veteran

I second the use of Tend Skin, whatever removal method you choose. Good stuff!

Louise

Veteran

MPJ- have you tried exfoliating your legs? it could be ingrown hairs leaving the black spots
Scarlet- how many times have you tried waxing? it could be the therapist at fault like hairdressers some are better than others. I have incrediably sensitive skin that was permenantly bumpy and red from shaving having found a great beautician who is an experienced waxer I have lovely smooth legs though I do have to regularly exfoliate as ingrown hairs are more likely with waxing I have been having it done for little under a year and the hairs grow back very fine and sparce x

Mamapicklejuice

Veteran

Louise - I don't exfoliate! eep. What do you recommend?

Anonymous

You can get a Clarisonic with a brush for the face and neck, and a second brush for the body. It is a great way to exfoliate and leave the skin feeling nice and soft, and clean.

Scarlet

Veteran

Thanks so much to everyone for your suggestions.

The five bladed razor-
I always thought it was ridiculous that they keep adding more and more blades to razors and that this adds but more chances to cut myself, but apparently the five bladed monster is really better, no kidding.

Gender inequality of razors-
Men's razors are better than women's, very interesting.

As a question -- why do some people buy disposable razors instead of a permanent razors and changing the blade? In the past I found the disposable razors are usually worse quality blades and often give me razor burns from the get-go.

Depilatory creams-
I am still a little skeptical about depilatory creams because the only people I know who use them are not the truly hairy among us. Although I didn't know they make versions for sensitive skin--that is a good point.

Louise and waxing-
Actually I have been waxing on and off for several years precisely because it weakens the hair and over time seemed to really reduce the irritation problem, although it is difficult to wait for the hair to grow back in summer. (Do you have any special tricks for this or how often do you go?) But your point about a good beautician is very true. So far I haven't found a good one here in Germany and besides that, the method of choice here is Brazilian waxing, which is the wax that peels off without strips. The problem with that is the wax is pretty hot and they do the same area multiple times. The first time is tolerable but the second time having the hot wax on your already warmed skin is too intense for Miss Sensitive Skin over here, and I think it gives me broken capillaries, which just compounds the natural beauty of my legs Therefore I think Maya's suggestion of sugaring would be a good option because as she pointed out, there is no heat involved, but I don't know where I would find someone here. I read of one place on the internet but they don't get good reviews.

Exfoliation-
This is a huge problem for me. Somehow the normal things like a body scrub or a loofah just do not eliminate the ingrowns for me. I am really interested in this Clarisonic gadget now. I had heard of it but figured it was just some new gadget to sell us, but if you say it works well, San, that means a lot to me. In fact maybe even my DH will finally exfoliate his face if it involves machinery I would also really like to try this TendSkin stuff. But it looks like that will have to wait until I am back stateside.

At least I can enjoy the nice weather on the balcony today before I cover my legs for the public

Louise

Veteran

MPJ- I'm currently using a salt scrub but Lucy (the beautician) tells me any old scrub will do a couple of times a week then moisturise after. I can't promise it will do the trick but I got lots of ingrown hairs from shaving.

Scarlet- That does sound painful. Lucy uses the strips, the wax feels as though it's body temperature and certainly doesn't burn, she only has to go over each area once she tells me this is the sign of a good waxer. I get them done every 4 weeks and the hairs are now very pale, fine and sparse after nearly a year of waxing every 4 weeks. The only place it hurts is when she does the back of my ankles but it's only a couple of seconds the rest of the legs I have no pain x

Isabel

Veteran

Louise, thanks for the exfoliating tip. I have never tried that, but it makes sense !!

Scarlett, the reason I use cheap disposables is because my doctor told me to use a new blade every single time I shave. Though now I will try the men's five blade and see if that works better and if I can use it several times.

Steph

Veteran

Scarlet, I know that you are wary of depilatories, but in light of the pain you feel with most removal methods, I want to pitch something called Magic Cream Shave. It is actually formulated for black men and their facial hair. Apparently the facial hair of many black men can be quite coarse, and typical hair removal methods can be painful. I actually found out about this cream awhile ago from a bunch of women on a different message board who used it for their bikini lines and said it was the greatest thing. I actually use it for my upper lip when I can't get a waxing appointment in time.

Anyway, I have found it works really well, and the women on the other message board swore by it. If it is designed to take off coarse beard hair, I'm betting it will work for you as well. You can find it here: http://www.softsheen-carson.co.....shave.aspx At the very least, I think it would be worth a try.

Elika

Hi ladies! I'm hardly ever around here anymore, but this message brought me out of lurkdom because its an issue I can so, so relate to.

Like some of you, I have highly sensitive, very pale skin that cannot take shaving, creams, waxing or an such things. Until recently it was also covered in black, coarse hair.
I say 'until recently' because I have in fact had laser treatment done, from my feet to my bikini line and the results have been nothing short of miraculous!

Laser treatment was very painful, took 2,5 years to complete, and was very expensive. However, it was also without a doubt one of the best decisions of my life! No more hassle, embarassment, and constant discomfort. I don't even think about baring my legs anymore and I HIGHLY recommend anyone with similar issues to consider lasering. Do think about what you're getting into, but I truly wish someone had talked me into doing this years earlier.

Good luck to all of you, and I hope this information is of some use. And please feel free to ask any questions

April

Veteran

Scarlet, I think the method that will eliminate your red bumps will depend on what kind of red bumps you're getting. If you're getting surface irritation produced by the friction of the razor, then all the above advice about fresh, sharp blades; softening the hair in a warm bath; and using a slippery cream to shave will help.

If you're getting red bumps produced by ingrown hairs, however, that is another matter entirely. In that case, you don't want to use a method that removes hair below the surface of the skin because that's where ingrowns come from. For example, wet, softened hair is more elastic -- it will stretch some when shaven and then snap back below the surface of the skin. If this is the problem, an electric razor might help, because it's only going to cut the hair at skin level, while dry. Waxing will pull the hair out at the root, and is likely to give more ingrowns. Tend Skin is very good for preventing ingrowns, but it burns when you first use it and you may find it irritating.

Kari

Veteran

I have very sensitive skin (prone to ingrown hairs and eczema) and hair that grows back quite quickly, too. To get a close shave with minimal irritation, I use an oil-based salt scrub that exfoliates very well, and then when I wipe the salt off, my legs are moisturized and ready for shaving. I don't do this every day because cleaning the oil out of the bathtub can be a pain, but it's great when I need my legs to be stubble free all day.
I hope you find something that works well for you, Scarlet!

Maya

Veteran

After reading all the advice to try a men's razor, I went out today and got a Mach 5, and I was dismayed to see not only did it have more blades, it was CHEAPER than my Venus! Hmph! Talk about gender discrimination...

crazyone

Veteran

Kari: do you mind telling us what specific scrub you use?

Scarlet

Veteran

Hi Crazyone,
I don't know what Kari uses, but you can buy a salt oil scrub from Origins for sure.

rheostaticsfan

I don't know if it's within your means (I don't know you) but I can recommend electrolysis from personal experience. I have crazy sensitive, atopic dermatitis skin. My dermatologist will see me in 1 day's notice when I'm having a flare (and in my neck of the woods you wait about 18 months for a referral). I also have had problems with hair removal methods.

Electrolysis is painful and it is expensive. But (here's the good part) it is permanent! I had my lower legs done in 1990 and haven't owned a razor since. I have much more success with electrolysis than with laser. I've heard mixed reviews of laser for other people and on me it just didn't work at all: I'm blonde. Laser isn't a truly "permanent" hair removal anyway.

Anyhow: I recommend electrolysis because it's effective and permanent. Even if it irritates your skin getting it done you do it once and then enjoy a lifetime of not worrying about it.

Scarlet

Veteran

Interesting--I had never thought of applying electrolysis to such a large area. I will definitely think about that when I am near a trusted technician again.