Harriets New Journey: deep breaths & lots of ?s

Hair Removal Methods Professional Electrolysis
#1

BIG BREATH!

I’m in Chicago (per my username) and feeling ready to finally start down the “for real” hair elimination path. I’ve almost tried it all like so many here, but I feel like with my face there’s probably no option but electrolysis (I’ve had great thinning from laser on bikini and underarms, but I don’t think it’s right for my face).

Here are my main concerns and questions right now:

  • when to start. is the holiday season a bad time as I get used to reactions from my sensitive skin?

  • would you pick a CPE with great reviews and go with it or would you do a couple in-person consults?

  • I’m worried about skin darkening as I already have some sun damage and acne scarring i’m treating with a retinol based product

  • what types of cosmetics and tools can help/harm your skin during this time: do you find med spa facials helpful/hurtful, same with at-home microderm abrasion?

thanks to all who take the time to read and consider people’s stories here! I always try to search to avoid the broken-record questions or thinking that I’m somehow alone in my experience :slight_smile:

#2

Hi Harriet, It’s never a bad time to start electrolysis. As far as skin reaction goes you should give it a try and find out what happens.

Being a CPE does not make one a good electrologist. Try out a couple of different electrologists and go with the one that fits you. There is a lot of info on this website that will teach who is and who is not a good electrologist.

The only way you find out what will happen to your skin is to go give it a try.

#3

Harriet as Gretchen mentioned trying out a few electrologists for short sessions is usually a good way to go. Pick the one you like.
I normally dont recommend things like facials during electrolysis. The less you do to your face the better.
As Gretchen said there isnt bad time to start, but there can be some skin reaction. If you are going to have a lot of social interactions ( like at christmas) and if this makes you uncomfortable and dont want to explain it, then it’s better to wait till this isnt an issue.

Seana

#4

Alright, post holidays and back on the hunt for my electrosoulmate. Thought I’d toss up some before pics, thanks for the memories beard…thanks for nothing!

As you can likely see I have some lovely sun damage and large pores so I’m extra nervous about more pigment from all this. Also I’m not diagnose PCOS but I’m heading in soon for another hormone panel.

Thanks for listening!

#5

I’ve plucked a lot so my dark and wiry ones are a little all over the place, but I’ve got a sweet mixed fine blond and spiky black fu manchu

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#6

Hi Harriet,

Those picture, mostly, are of pretty poor quality, so I cant tell you much based on them . I would advise though, DONT PLUCK. If there are certain hairs that bother you, have your electrologists go after those ones first.
The last picture is the one I can tell the most from, and it sent shivers down my spine. Blond/light red hair is amoung the most difficult to see to be able to remove properly. Be nice and patient with your electrologist though as I’m certain they will manage just fine. Congratulations on your beginning!

Seana

#7

Hi Harriet,

In response to your questions:

  • when to start. is the holiday season a bad time as I get used to reactions from my sensitive skin?
    So that you are free from the stress of worrying, start electrolysis when you know that you have some down time. You might have some redness and swelling and minor scabbing. When you do start, begin with a 15 minute appointment or even less time. In that way, you will see the way your tissue reacts.

  • would you pick a CPE with great reviews and go with it or would you do a couple in-person consults?
    Someone’s credentials does not guarantee a good match. Visit those electrologists in your vicinity and make sure they answer your questions, the office is clean, they use sterile instruments, they do not pressure you, they wash their hands…

  • I’m worried about skin darkening as I already have some sun damage and acne scarring i’m treating with a retinol based product
    With my clients, once they begin treatments with me, their skin improves. This is the case for most of the electrologists I know. Discuss this with whomever you interview.

  • what types of cosmetics and tools can help/harm your skin during this time: do you find med spa facials helpful/hurtful, same with at-home microderm abrasion?
    If you want to use cosmetics, make sure that the product is in a pump or squeeze tube to ensure that the contents stays clean. Then, apply with clean hands. Your brushes and sponges should be clean for each application.

If you want to use some type of exfoliant I do not suggest microdermabrasion. Wait a few days after treatment and use a mild AHA lactic acid. The thing is, you are using a retinol product. Would this be over the counter? What is the strength? Rx? If you are using an Rx, I would not suggest using exfoliants unless you get this cleared by your physician.

Discuss aftercare with the electrologists. I like clear aloe vera gel and a 99% is what I recommend along with an alcohol free witch hazel. If you are prone to infection, keep your hands off the area unless you touch with freshly washed hands.

I was wondering, do you pick at your skin?

#8

Thanks for the intel and support!

Sorry for the terrible photos. But yes, my dark & spiky ones are mixed in completely with my dark blond fur and it terrifies me as well. Particularly because I have sensitive skin that is easily prone to scarring. I’ve even experienced a reaction to raw Aloe on several occasions. These are the things that have kept me plucking for so long, but I think I’d like to at least give it a shot.

Should I ask her to focus on the dark ones first and come back for the fur later?

ps to answer Arlenes question: I haven’t picked at my skin or popped a pimple since high school (about 15 years ago), but those spots seemed to have remained.

#9

The pics are quite poor the first pic looks the best it shows dark hairs on the upper lip and under the chin but the blonde hair on these pics look completely normal like venus hairs? I would definitely concentrate on the upper lip and under chin black hairs on first treatment you’ll feel so much more confident.

#10

I would add that good vision equipment would be something I would look for in your case, as your tiny follicles will be a challenge to anyone with poor magnification and lighting.

I would also say that you should consider ditching the retinol products, and decrease dairy consumption, while increasing green vegetables and water. You might be surprised what 6 weeks of no dairy could do to your skin.

#11

I’m heading in today for my first consult, so that is very helpful to keep in mind to look for Mr. Walker thanks!

I agree with you on the dairy; though, one of my greatest fears as a commercial food raised American, is a life without daily cheese or yogurt consumption. consequently my orthodontist just gave me this same advice (or warning rather) so I should probably break up with cow juice products.

#12

Trying not to get too excited…

Had my first consult last night. Spent about 30 mins discussing my concerns and 15 minutes with a sample treatment. I really appreciated the time she spent discussing my concerns and background (I also like that she spoke super fast, but could see some people might have issues there).

As for the treatment itself, thermolysis on apilus platinum, it was quite zingy and I felt one tug. She wore the same glasses my dentist uses with several light sources. She adjusted settings twice while treating and I felt the increased energy as she mentioned she was gauging how my skin tolerated the “extra juice.” I didn’t actually take note of the settings, but she said I “sat well” (whatever that means). I was just so giddy when she held up the mirror and I saw how much of my darker hair was gone.

I treated with witch hazel and aloe last night and this morning, so far just a bit of sensetivity, and I can tell I need to drink more water!

I do find it to be pretty expensive at $50/30 mins with an estimated treatment time of 10 hours to address my facial concerns. But, she’s also flexible along the lines of my demanding work schedule which is very valuable to me.

trying to be patient, but I left wanting more more more.

#13

Talking about dairy have have found its actually milk rather than cheese and yogurt my skin has cleared up nicely since going without milk all together I also cut out wheat and gluten where possible it won’t cure but diet certainly helps.

#14

THANK YOU FOR WRITING THAT IT ACTUALLY HELPED YOU!

So many people helped with nutrition and dietary advice on here never say a word about the results.

When I say that dairy, mono Sodium glutamate, artificial sweeteners and colors cause a host of negative side effects, many people reading these forums glaze over and tune out. It is nice to have someone say, “Gee, thanks. I tried it and it was helpful.”

#15

I really appreciate a holistic approach James. I saw one electrologist who I asked about water intake and if a plant-based diet would be helpful and she just said that I should buy her skin care line. I’m always concerned about what’s inside affecting my outer appearance.

Excited to get more zaps this week, though I did notice the area I had treated last week had a few “whiteheads” pop up that are now darkening a bit. Trying to keep my oiliness/dryness in balance. With everything I’ve read on here this seems “normal” but it’s always more obvious/concerning when it’s happening to your own face. :selfish :vain

#16

First “for realsies” treatment this week. Yowza! it was way more intense than my consult.

seeking second opinion (I also asked her at the time):

  1. is it normal to hear so much “sizzling”? I feel like the hair came out more smoothly when I heard the sizzle, but it’s also where I have more intense red dots now

2)I was startled by the pinching/squeezing of flesh around my 3 pimples. she said she was “cleaning the gunk out” and I assume zapping sebaceous glands, but I’m worried about that pock-marked look from squeezing already inflamed skin…

Still loving walking out of there with all the visible dark ones gone!

#17

HArriet,

It can be normal to hear “sizzling” . If your practitioner is using blend then it’s normal to hear the gases from the galvanic portion bubbling out, and it sounds like sizzling a bit. With thermolysis you shouldnt heat this as much, but that is exactly what it sounds like, frying follicle from heat.
The first time I did thermolysis I was surprised when the follicle “spat” at me. As it turns out I was steam fromt he follicle as I had not gone deep enough intot he follicle with the probe.
I certainly hope the practitioner didnt pop your pimples…Acne CAN and WILL leave pock marks if it is messed with too much.A better approach is to wash the face with a scrub if the aim is to get rid of pimples, but definitely NOT while you are doing electrolysis.

Seana

#18

Thanks Seana! It was thermolysis and the sizzle was definitely more noticeable closer to my ears (sideburns), hoping she’s going deep enough!

And she was definitely “cleaning out” the pimples, squeezing the skin around it and digging the probe in, they were bleeding pretty intensely still when she handed me the mirror. I still have plenty of dark marks from teen acne, but no pock marks and I really don’t want to start now! yikes!

#19

NO! It is not normal to hear sizzling sounds. No! Not acceptable! If you hear it once or twice, your electrologist should be doing something different to correct this.

Also, no electrologist should be messing with pimples. Squeezing them means perhaps spreading staph all over the skin. I can’t believe what I am hearing!!!

Seana, please give the electrologists here time to respond to questions like this. Thank you.

Do you want to submit some pictures?

#20

Sure Dee. Thanks for the response! Sometimes it’s more of a buzz than a sizzle, but she definitely spent time pinching the skin around my three acne spots. the other whiteheads in this photo weren’t there until after treatment (though I had those last time and they went away with some tea tree and witch hazel and gentle cleanser, not too worried). I did notice in her waiting room that several people had pock marks, but I feel like that’s too circumstantial not knowing their backgrounds to judge (and I was the only genetic female so not sure what beard issues they had all faced during their treatment)

here are photos.

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