As we age, our body hair changes. Hair grows where it didn’t use to and stops growing where you’d like it to grow. And our skin changes too.

Is it time to ditch the razors? If you’re battling to find a solution for hair removal that won’t cause any irritation to your sensitive or mature skin, there are a few options available to you that might work.

What exactly do we mean by sensitive?

Sensitive skin is about more than just redness or skin conditions like rosacea or eczema; in fact, skin sensitivity comes in many different forms. It might be that you suffer from dehydrated skin, dry skin patches, or reactions to treatments or products.

And as we age, we can often find skin sensitivity flares up again. Below are some common identifying signs you can use to determine the skin type you’re dealing with:

Sensitive and oily skin

• Greasy
• Enlarged or clogged pores
• Rough texture
• Acne or pimples

Sensitive and dry skin

• Redness
• Rashes
• Inflammation
• Flaking

If you’re finding that your skin has changed, and shaving is giving you more trouble than it’s worth, it might be time to start thinking of new ways to go smooth.

Read more: Makeup masterclass for mature skin from Naomi Campbell

Three hair removal solutions for sensitive skin

If you’ve noticed your skin presents some of the above signs, it’s important to take precautions when deciding which hair removal solution to use. The following hair removal solutions are generally considered safe for sensitive or mature skin. Albeit with the correct application methods, and before- and after-care.

• Waxing

Since waxing sensitive skin can result in redness and even skin lifting, it’s important to first prepare your skin before getting your wax strips and spatulas out. Even if you’re getting waxed by a professional, it’s essential to do some preparation before your appointment like gently exfoliating the area once a week, avoiding excessive sun exposure, and taking an anti-inflammatory an hour before your service.

• Sugaring

Compared to waxing, sugaring is largely considered a much gentler experience – great if you have particularly sensitive skin. This is because the paste used in sugaring doesn’t stick to your skin and instead attaches to the hair. As a result, the amount of irritation in the area is significantly reduced.

• Laser hair removal

Laser hair removal has also been designed with sensitive skin in mind. While it takes between two to three weeks for the hair to grow back after waxing – and just one or two days after shaving! – laser hair removal is a much more permanent solution; the lessened frequency of this hair removal means a decreased risk of redness or scabbing. However, due to its permanency, it’s best to do some research before you go through with any treatment.

It can be difficult finding a hair removal solution that doesn’t irritate sensitive skin. However, waxing, sugaring and laser hair removal are largely considered the safest options if you do suffer from increased skin sensitivity. Just remember to take extra precautions and immediately stop treatment if you notice any bad side effects.

Bunty Whitstable