Pre Epilator Preparation?

As newbies to this style of hair removal, what steps should we take for preparing the skin before using the epilator?

Does anybody recommend any of the creams or gels with a anesthetic agent in them to dull the pain for the first time or two? If so what do you recommend and where do you get it locally?

Finally, other than exfoliation… what do people do post removal for the tender areas like inner thigh, underarms etc post removal? Soothing creams, gels, ice?

D