Blemish-free underarms for summer

I am going to the beach with my friends soon but don’t feel very confident about wearing a swimsuit, as the skin under my arms is bumpy from shaving. How can I get smooth and silky underarms?

Shaving or tweezing the hair under your arms might be the easiest choice for hair removal, but both methods usually leave the delicate, sensitive skin in that area with unwanted bumps. The bumps are caused by hair caught in the follicles and may itch, tingle, ache or be tender to the touch. They are also not attractive when you wear a sleeveless shirt or any item of clothing that reveals that area, such as a bathing suit. If left untreated, razor bumps can be irritating, and sometimes an ingrown hair can form a painful sore.
The first step to getting rid of those bumps is to stop shaving and tweezing. Tweezing hair leaves your pores open to potentially harmful elements, and if you use unsanitary tweezers, they can lead to infection. The same goes with shaving – it irritates the skin and the razor may cause scrapes and wounds. Stopping these activities will help make sure you stop bumps before they happen.
Lasers are useful for removing unwanted hair almost permanently. Modern laser devices offer more precision, speed and predictability. Ninety percent of patients have nearly permanent “hair loss” after an average of four sessions of laser hair removal. When the hair stops growing because the roots have been damaged, there is no need to shave or tweeze the hair, resulting in bump-free skin.
In the past, laser hair removal used to be uncomfortable and painful because of the heat. Some patients even experienced burns after the session, especially if treated by someone inexperienced in the process. Today, devices have been upgraded and improved, such as the GentleYAG Pro-U Laser, which is equipped with a cooling device to protect the upper layer of the skin.
Another benefit of laser hair removal with GentleYAG Pro-U Laser is that the device, which uses long-pulsed energy to heat and kill the hair follicles, is that it also boosts collagen production in the skin. This leaves you with smoother skin as well.
The precision of the device allows the energy to target only the hair roots without damaging the surrounding tissues. It also means smaller, finer hair can also be removed, whereas other devices are only effective for removing thicker hair.
GentleYag Pro-U Laser is the preferred hair removal device of many dermatologists around the globe. Romrawin Clinic was recently presented with the Prestige Award marking The Highest Successful Usage of the GentleYAG Pro-U Laser in 2013. Actually, the device can also be used to tighten skin, but it is just as popular as a hair removal option. Consult your dermatologist to see if this is the right choice for you.
Before undergoing laser hair removal, do not tweeze, wax or shave the area for at least six weeks. These activities might temporarily remove the hair’s roots, and since the laser targets those roots, the treatment might not be as effective. You should also avoid exposing the area to strong sunlight for two weeks before the treatment.
Don’t forget to protect the underarm skin when you’re out in the sun. Those areas also need to be protected from UV rays, so apply sunscreen if you are going sunbathing. Also choose a deodorant or antiperspirant that does not irritate the skin.

THANISORN THAMLIKITKUL MD |is a member of the American Society of Cosmetic Dermatology and Aesthetic Surgery and certified in dermatological |laser surgery. Send your questions for |her to [email protected]