Hello to all, just want to say that this is my first post and I enjoy the insightful information here.
Nevertheless, I am curious to know what are some important activities that should or shouldn’t be done prior and post electrolysis?
I am aware that coffee shouldn’t be consumed right before and makeup shouldn’t be applied at least 24 hours after treatment,but is there anything else?
There’s not much you need to do. I’d recommend ensuring that you drink enough water, if not generally, then at least the days around your appointment.
You can use a mild exfoliant to get rid of any flakiness on your skin, so insertions can be made easier. Get a good nights sleep and don’t come to an appointment full of anxiety and tension. Don’t overdose on the sun prior to an appointment. As common courtesy to your electrologist that has to work so close to you, bathe and freshen your breath so she/ he does not become nauseous - and you know what can come after nausea. You want all her attention directed toward your hair problem.
Some pre care is stay hydrated by drinking water,avoid sugar,caffeine and chocolate these are stimulants that can cause sensitivity.Most female clients find themselves very sensitive before aznd during menstrual cycle, it is best to avoid appointments during this time.
some after care is after treatment do not touch the treated area.
avoid wearing makeup 24hours after treatment.avoid the sun about 72hours after treatment.Avoid excessive sweating like going to gym straight after treatment.Any offending regrowth you can clip or shave do not tweeze or wax up until your next appointment.
Your electrologist should either give you a run down or a instruction sheet on pre and post electrolysis care. -
Haven’t started with electrolysis yet (ahh King of procrastination) but am curious- what exfoliant is recommended? I know nothing of exfoliants (and people tell me I have good skin hmm…)
Women are at their highest pain threshold about a week after their menstrual cycle (or so I’ve read in multiple articles), so if you go a week later, you may notice a decreased sensitivity/a heightened pain threshold.
I usually pop two tylenols before my treatments and I always drink 2 bottles of water a day anyway, but it all helps and adds up. Keep your skin clean by using a loofah once every few days and apply lotion on the off-days to soothe and calm your skin. Doing all of this regularly will ensure healthy, hairless and happy skin!
Funny you should mention it.
I worked on a client this past week who said to me, “I noticed that I quit smoking 3 weeks ago, and you are not wearing a mask today.”
Although that was not the reason I was not wearing one, it sure pointed out why I did not insist on making a mad dash to the store to buy some!
I prefer the chemical exfoliants.
If your skin is on the oily side, I suggest glycolic acid. If you happen to have skin that gets dark spots (hyperpigmentation), lactic acid is better. These acids are among a group referred to as Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA’s) and are used extensively in professional skin care as they stimulate collagen production and when used properly, remove dead cells without harming healthy ones.
The above is just a general response to a general question.
Yes, adding to my reply, as well, try and get a moisturizer with some Camomile and/or Glycerin. They are great at protecting your skin while also soothing it.
Jojoba oil also restores the natural pH balance in your skin (I use it for an acne regimen - I have no acne anymore). It is not commedogenic (sp?) and does not clog pores, so don’t be afraid to apply it liberally!
I make an exfoliant by dissolving about four uncoated asprins in a tablespoon of plain yogurt. Mix into a paste, rub on your face and then leave it on until dry. You can spritz it occasionally with a mister if you want to keep it on for awhile. It might make your face bit red so I usually do it before bed.
Careful with the liquid aspirin as it destroys healthy tissue and I would not suggest it as an overall exfoliant for HairyMonkey who indicates she is 46 years young. Aspirin exfoliants are better for spot treating ingrown hairs.
Your happiness is our happiness. Is your electrologist doing the blend on your?
Eerm… I’m a he 
My skin is actually a mix of oily and dry- depending on the season and how my day is going. It does get bad if I take showers every other day so I stick with daily showers (and sometimes twice a day lol not often).
Thanks to everyone’s replies- something to delve into. Am hoping to find somebody soon and start electrolysis after my vacation… that is if someone is willing to do such large areas…
HM
Did she have the device that also does some ultrasound? Are any of you other electrologists using the Platinum attachment that does cataphoresis and vibrates?
Oh no, really? Everyone raves about the aspirin mask on Makeup Alley! Jeez. Sometimes I feel like I can’t win for trying when it comes to skin care…
Edited to add: for what it’s worth, the homemade aspirin mask is not liquid like Tend Skin…it makes more of a crumbly paste. Still, if is damaging maybe I will have to give it up. It makes my skin feel so nice though. Bummer.
Plenty of thermolysis only electrologists would disagree with the first comment. All methods under the umbrella of ‘Electrolysis’ work.
She did cataphoresis at the end of your treatement. Cataphoresis does feel good. Not all electrologists utilize this, including me. I need to do some soul searching and get back to this for some cases. But, as the clock ticks away, do clients want to pay for this or have more hair removed?