Aftercare/Makeup

Hair Removal Methods Professional Electrolysis
#1

Hi everyone,

I’ve been reading your posts for a while and I’ve learned a lot from you. I started electrolysis on my face 2 1/2 weeks ago and had my second appointment yesterday. My skin has reacted very well to the treatment which is a pleasant surprise since I get hyperpigmentation easily. My electrologist told me not to wash my face nor use any product on my skin for the following two days and I assume that this is why my skin has reacted so well. I find it really hard not to wash my skin before bed but I don’t mind since the result is worth it and I avoid leaving the house in the post-treatment days. However, I have to attend an event the day after my scheduled next appointment and will have to wear makeup to cover up my existing hyperpigmentation. Unfortunately, I cannot avoid the event nor can I re-schedule the appointment. I read that some of you recommend tea tree oil, witch hazel and aloe vera. Do you think I’d be ok if I used these products on the day of the event before I apply my foundation?

#2

Why did the electrologist tell you not to wash your face for two days?

#3

I don’t know. I asked her about aftercare following the electrolysis and she told me not to use anything nor wash my face since this way the skin would heal the best.

#4

Thanks for taking the time to speak to me, I do appreciate that.

Let me ask you a question: when you get a wound of any kind, what is your “instinct” with this wound? Do you feel like washing the wound with soap and water? Maybe put a little “something” on the thing?

Again, thanks for the dialogue. (I’m updating a couple books, so your “natural instinct” is helpful for me to “pounder.”)

#5

It depends on the kind of wound and its location. If it’s on the body I would wash it carefully and apply a healing ointment (unless it’s an open wound in which case I would apply a plaster).

As for the face, I find the skin heals easier as there are no clothes rubbing against it. I would also clean the skin and perhaps use the ointment (not very much though as it could clog pores). If the wound is caused by an infected zit I usually find it heals best by itself although I used tea tree oil in the past. As for the hyperpigmentation left by zits or ingrown hairs I think that AHAs work effectively and gently.

Good luck with your books. Are you a dermatologist?

I was wondering about your first message. Do you disagree with my electrologist’s recommendation?

#6

I’m definitely a minimalist as far as after-treatment. But no washing?

When soaps were made of very harsh lye and animal fat, washing after a treatment could further irritate the skin following electrolysis. But few soaps use lye any more (probably none). Indeed, textbooks written decades ago warned of soap for this reason. Strangely, this recommendation against soap has been copied into newer texts as a matter of course.

Washing with mild (regular) soap and water deters infection. Washing is the best means of avoiding all kinds of infections. Not washing for 2 days? No reason for this whatsoever; I think it’s perpetration of an “electrology myth.”

Beliefs and myths are passed on without much thought or skeptical inquiry. “I read it in a book, therefore it must be true.” Not necessarily.

#7

You can say it higher (with all the capital letters), but it is impossible to be clearer.

Good post Michael!

#8

Hi Jossie (Gracias),

As you know normal skin oil, environmental dirt, and dead tissue from electrolysis is a perfect environment for bacteria to “set up house.” The best way to rid yourself of these pests is good old soap & water. Now, don’t go overboard and use anti-microbial solutions. You don’t need these harsh chemicals if you are physically removing the “schmutz” with soap & water.

With massive body work, I send the client home with a personal-size bottle of Hibiclens® and instructions on specifically when to use it … and, NOT all the time, but at very limited and specific times during the healing process. But you really don’t need this “extreme” measure either. Just “soap & water clean” works fine too.

#9

Thank you for the response and for putting my mind at ease, Michael.

#10

No problem. You know what? This is your FACE and everyone wants to protect it and make it beautiful.

I sometimes think that if we all went around completely naked, we would not focus so much on “the face.” It’s the only “flesh” that we get to see all the time. Interesting thought?

#11

I agree with what you say. It becomes obvious when you look at the people who invest a lot of money into plastic surgery on their faces but are forgetting their bodies. You can easily tell their real age by looking at their hands.

I also think that if the media stopped retouching pictures, we would be less “obsessed” with how we look and could age more gracefully and thus live happier lives. There is so much pressure particularly on women to look “perfect” but wouldn’t it be more beneficial for society if we paid equal attention on education?

#12

Michael, could you please share Hibiclens® instructions? Thank you!

#13

I couldn’t agree more with Michael about minimalism when it comes to after-care and most skin-care in general. Also with the point above about ‘the media’.
I would just like to say about Hibiclens though- many people find it sensitising. It contains Chlorhexidine and it is a known allergen. Just a wee note of caution. xxx

#14

Hi Ekade,

I only do my “Hibiclens” thing when the patient is right here staying with me in my guest room … and then the timing is everything. Frankly, the procedure is NOT necessary at all; just my own brand of OCD.

Talking about this “Hibiclens-thing” would only drive everyone bonkers and open up a discussion that will not be productive. ALWAYS best is to follow the instructions of your own electrologist; not some “crazy nut” on Hairtell (oh, that’s ME!).

#15

nearly all commercial and “natural organic” bar soaps are still made this way the Ph is the problem highly alkaline PH 10+

Dove bar soap unperfumed/sensitive has a PH of 5,5 which is good for skin have tested it and many others with a Ph meter it also rinses cleanly leaving no irritating residue.

try washing a drinking glass with your soap if it leaves a scum or film after rinsing it is doing that on your skin.

most liquid body and face washes are usually PH balanced

#16

What I have discovered the “best” for me, actually, is “Dove for dishes!” Washes off perfectly. I swim in a pool during the winter and get dry skin … Dove for dishes seems to make my skin much better; better than the products that supposedly moisturize the skin.

Even tough Mr. Dolphin notes bar soap has a high Ph … washing after electrolysis is not going to make things worse and should be done; I think that’s the point.

(I would guess that 100 years ago soap was much more alkaline than today … and, that is when the “don’t wash with soap” myth got started.)