Skin Reaction

Hair Removal Methods Professional Electrolysis
1

Hi -

I have had 3 treatments for my upper lip and chin. After my first treatment, I had quite a few whiteheads and red marks - despite the use of witch hazel, tea tree oil and aloe vera (food grade). My practitioner didn’t seem terribly concerned about my skin and it took almost two weeks to heal. As such, I got a patch test with another practitioner (Cassie in Chicago - recommended on this board).

Cassie did my second treatment and the reaction was better. I decided to use tea tree oil all over the treated area right after and nightly - rather than spot treat. Although I still had two or three whiteheads, they disappeared almost immediately with the use of tea tree oil. I also had a few small red marks - but I don’t think they were really noticeable.

After my third treatment, I decided to try the Thayers Witch Hazel with Aloe Vera (alcohol free) rather than regular witch hazel. My skin had even less of a reaction this time. I would say almost none - although it is hard to say as I still have some red marks that are healing from my earlier sessions.

My questions are:

Does skin tend to get acclimated to the treatments or could my improved reaction be because of the alcohol free Witch Hazel? A little of both?

Has anybody had any luck with the medicated version of the Thayers Witch Hazel? I have very oily skin and wonder if this might be a better option.

Also, I would second the recommendations on this board for Cassie McCabe in Chicago. If you search the archives, there is some mention of her possibly having upgraded equipment and I can confirm she does have the Apilus Platinum machine.

Thanks. Jenn

2

The Apilus Platinum is a God-send for seriously busy electrologists and I’m sure Cassie is one of them. It is the best of the best professional epilators available that make it easy to do longer appointments in auto sensor mode.

Yes, indeed, the skin does become acclimated to electrolysis in about 5-6 sessions. I have been using Thayers witch hazel products for several years now, along with the purest Aloe Vera gel and tea tree oil. These are great aftercare products. Since you are getting treated by the 27 MHz technology on the Apilus Platinum and using great aftercare products, it is hard to say if any one of these is mainly responsible for your better healing outcome. I like medicated witch hazel (Thayers) for oily skin types (it smells really good!) and I use lemon and peach for other skin types. The lavender scent is alcohol-free. Some skin types do need some alcohol for the antiseptic properties, but if you are using tea tree oil, that takes care of the antiseptic side of the equation. All of the Thayer scents smell great! It is expensive witch hazel, but so worth the extra cost.

Thank you very much for your feedback, Jenn. I’m sure others will appreciate your comments. You verbalize how good electrologists do permanent hair removal well.

Dee