Travel hair removal methods & holiday skin care tips

It’s probably no secret that we all get holiday-ready in one way or another, whether it’s finding the perfect bikini, getting a tan, or removing body hair – it's all about personal preference! But if you’re looking for a more long-lasting way to remove body hair and get ready for your next trip, read on!

In this article, we will explore everything you need to know to be summer-ready with our simple guide to travel hair removal, including:

• Why skin care is important with hair removal while travelling.
• How to prepare skin for a holiday.
• 5 methods of holiday hair removal.
• Top tips for holiday skin care after IPL or other hair removal treatments.

So, whether you want to know how to prep for IPL or other hair removal treatments, want advice to help you choose the right method for you, or want aftercare tips for post-hair removal while travelling keep on scrolling.

Why skin care is important with hair removal while travelling

When it comes to being holiday-ready, some of us may choose to remove unwanted hair. But are you properly caring for your skin before and after hair removal? Here’s why skin care is so important and should be part of your routine for travel hair removal:

• Treated skin can be more sensitive.
• Treated skin is more fragile.
• Improper skin care can lead to ingrown hairs.
• Improper skin care can result in cuts and other skin damage.
• Failing to look after your skin can lead to unwanted scars.

How to prepare skin for a holiday

Preparing your skin before travel hair removal is key, especially if you’re planning to use a long-lasting method such as IPL. Here are our 6 top tips for how to prep for IPL:

• Cleanse. Treatments work best when the skin is clean and prepared for hair removal.
• Exfoliate. Removing dead skin cells will improve the results of your hair removal method.
• Use protective products. For example, if you plan to shave always use shaving foam or gel.
• Stay hydrated. Dehydrated skin has a higher risk of redness and irritation from hair removal; keeping hydrated will help improve healing time post-treatment.¹
• Eat well. Maintaining a well-balanced diet will help to improve the health of your skin and improve healing time post-hair removal treatment.²
• Avoid sun exposure. Sun damage can adversely affect hair removal methods such as IPL.

5 methods of holiday hair removal

As you prepare for summer, hair removal is probably on your to-do list ahead of your upcoming holiday. Here are our top 5 methods of travel hair removal:

1. IPL
   IPL hair removal is a popular choice for individuals who want long-lasting results. If you’re looking for the best hair removal for a holiday, IPL could be the right choice for you. Often a more budget-friendly option than laser hair removal, IPL is most effective for those with lighter skin and darker hair.
   Top tip: Using Philips Lumea IPL offers all-over hair removal thanks to the attachments suitable for different parts of the body. If you start your treatment plan early, you can see up to 92% hair reduction in just three treatments¹ and six months of ingrown hair-free smooth skin after 12 treatments² so you can be beach-ready for your holiday.
   
2. Shaving
   This more conventional method of hair removal is affordable, quick, and easy. When using this method, make sure you use warm water and shaving foam or gel to protect your skin.
   Top tip: Trim, shave, or style your delicate areas with gentle care using the Philips Bikini Trimmer for hair removal while travelling. Complete with three combs for different lengths and styles and a rounded tip to protect the skin; this is the ultimate product for keeping everything neatly groomed on holiday.
   
3. Waxing
   Hair removal with wax can be done either in the comfort of your own home or by a professional. Even though waxing can be painful, it is one of the quickest methods of removing hair from your body.
   
4. Epilating
   Epilation should be done in the opposite direction to the direction in which the hair grows. By removing hair at the root, you ensure longer-lasting results.
   
5. Depilatory cream
   Deciding on a quick and simple hair removal method that fits into your busy schedule is made easy with depilatory creams. However, these creams only provide temporary fixes, so be ready to repeat the process quite frequently.
   Top tip: To protect your skin, always read the label before using any kind of hair removal cream and follow the instructions very carefully. Additionally, before using these products, it’s probably best to test them on a small part of your skin to prevent adverse reactions, especially if you plan to use them on large areas such as your legs and back.

Top tips for holiday skin care after IPL or other hair removal treatments

So, can you do IPL in the summer? The answer is yes, but the post-treatment aftercare of any hair removal is key to protecting your skin – especially when the sun is shining! Here are our dos and don’ts for aftercare post-hair removal while travelling:

• DO wear loose-fitting clothing.
• DO wash with cool water to soothe the treated skin.
• DO use a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser when washing the treated skin.
• DO use a cold compress to ease your symptoms if you’re suffering from a little after-treatment irritation.
• DO keep out of direct sunlight as much as possible.
• DO apply plenty of sunscreen, preferably SPF30 or higher. Don’t forget to reapply throughout the day.
  
• DON’T scratch or pick at any razor bumps or scabbing after your hair removal treatment.
• DON’T use tanning beds.
• DON’T use heat treatments such as steam rooms, saunas, and spas for the next week.
• DON’T engage in excessive scrubbing or apply pressure to the skin for the next 4-5 days. This is crucial for the treated skin’s recovery and to prevent potential infection.
• DON’T shave the treated area within 72 hours following the treatment.

And with that, you have everything you need to know to be summer-ready with the hair removal method of your choice. If you have questions like, “Can you do IPL in the summer?” We’ve got you covered, and if you want to know more about IPL, get all your questions answered in this article.