You don’t have to change your body to look your best! From ensuring your skin gets enough moisture to taking dietary supplements, there are plenty of things you can do to look and feel your best without going through radical diet and exercise regimens.
For many women, hair removal is an essential part of a health and beauty routine. No matter where you’re removing unwanted hair, though, this process isn’t always the most pleasant. The good news is that you don’t have to be stuck with the routines of waxing or shaving …
I recently had the opportunity to speak with Clairissa Cruz, founder of Bare at Home, a company that provides at-home sugaring kits. As our conversation shows, there are plenty of reasons why now might be the time to try sugaring at home:
You’re Sick of How Much Waxing Hurts
There’s no getting around the obvious — waxing hurts. Waxing products stick to the skin, often resulting in redness and irritation, and sometimes even bruising. This even happens when waxing is performed by a professional.
When done properly, Cruz notes, sugaring can be much less painful. “A big difference with sugaring is that the mixture doesn’t actually adhere to your skin. The paste will only remove your unwanted hair and dead skin cells. Obviously, it still hurts to pull the hair out by the root, but since you remove the sugar in the same direction that your hair grows, it is less likely to break hair follicles in half.”
So, no, sugaring isn’t a magically pain-free hair removal method. But those who try it consistently report that it hurts much less than waxing — especially since it thins out the hair follicles over time, making future treatments even easier.
COVID Is Keeping You Away From Your Local Salon
COVID-19 has upended our lives in many ways — and the beauty industry is no exception. In fact, this is how Cruz started her at-home sugaring business in the first place.
“I had three sugaring locations before the pandemic hit,” she recalls, “and then we had to shut everything down. I knew I had to pivot if I wanted my business to survive, so I tried to think of what my clients needed. I realized that women at home still wanted to take care of themselves and look their best, and an at-home sugar kit would fill that need.”
While COVID restrictions have been loosened in many areas, a lot of people are understandably staying home out of a desire to slow the spread of the virus. Even in places where some businesses have been allowed to reopen, health and beauty locations are still required to be closed because of the close personal contact that takes place inside.
For many women, at-home care is the only viable option.
You Want to Reduce Your Environmental Impact
While waxing may have become a standard part of most women’s beauty routines, there is no denying that it can cause a fair amount of environmental harm. Most waxing products are made from petrochemicals, which create a lot of pollution during the manufacturing process.
Because the wax can’t be simply washed away, applicators and strips are thrown out, adding to landfill waste. In a time when more people are reconsidering how their lifestyle choices impact the environment, your beauty routine shouldn’t escape this scrutiny either.
“Body sugaring uses a paste made of sugar, water, and lemon juice,” Cruz explains.
“So we don’t have to go through an intensive, polluting manufacturing process to create an at-home sugaring kit. You can also apply and remove sugar with your fingers, so you don’t have to use applicator strips. And of course, doing this at home means you won’t be using gas like you would if you went to a salon.”
You Want to Be Kinder to Your Skin
Thanks to its use of natural ingredients and easier application and removal process, sugaring is also the best option for your skin. “Sugaring is a great choice for people with sensitive skin,” Cruz says.
“While your skin will still be sensitive in the first 24 hours after your sugar wax, you are less likely to experience bumps and redness because sugar doesn’t stick to live skin. You’re also less likely to get ingrown hairs, since sugar doesn’t break the hair follicles. You get the smooth, hairless skin you want, but without all the complications that can come from other waxing pastes.”
Still, Cruz notes that users should follow a similar aftercare process as if they had used other waxing products. “Wear loose clothing so your skin can breathe, and avoid working out — or any other activity that might get you hot and sweaty. You can definitely shower, but don’t do any extra exfoliation until at least 24 hours have passed.”
Despite everything going on in the world right now, we all still want to look our best. Sugaring at home allows you to take care of an important beauty routine without the stress or pain of going to a waxing salon. Who knows — this may become a permanent part of your health and wellness practices.
