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- I've waxed my bikini line regularly for seven years, partly out of habit but mostly to avoid cystic acne-like bumps and irritation on my sensitive skin.
- But I grew tired of spending time and money on the painful task, and equally painful aftermath of shaving in between waxing sessions.
- Over the past year, I've tested out a ton of products recommended by friends, dermatologists, and, of course, my favorite influencers that catered to sensitive skin and coarse hair as an Indian woman.
- I've curated five products that keep my bikini area and legs free of bumps and irritation, while also saving a ton on regular waxes.
For an Indian woman with sensitive skin that scars easily, and coarse hair that's difficult for even the most expensive razors to shave, waxing is the lesser of two evils. It's more painful during the waxing process, for sure, but there's no pain at all afterwards.
Over time, the monthly leg waxes by my mom in her bathroom evolved in to Manhattan's expensive Brazilian waxes, and shaving in between sessions rendered me embarrassed in bathing suits and ashamed to bare my razor-bump ridden legs.
After my seven long years in an on-again, off-again relationship with waxing and shaving, I finally broke things off with my aesthetician (we're still friends though) and chilled with some dermatologists instead.
Everything I'd been using out of habit for the better half of a decade went straight in the trash can, and I started fresh. I'm already a skin-care and makeup junkie, so I considered it a new and fun project - though not without disappointment. It took a full year of trying different products every week (it was more like every month in the winter) in an effort to gain a silky-smooth bikini area and legs.
My post-wax life began with addressing my skin and hair's specific needs. According to dermatologist Dr. Joshua Zeichner, the bikini area is such a challenge for so many women because hair often curls and the skin is thin and sensitive, making it prone to nicks, irritation, and ingrown hairs.
All this combined begged for high-quality ingredients, extreme levels of hydration, and gentle removal methods. I've tried epilators, trimmers, an array of shaving creams, oils, sugar scrubs, body serums, exfoliating gloves - you name it.
One year later, I've finally curated a routine that hasn't sparked razor burn or uncomfortable itching in months. My skin is softer, more hydrated, and the best part - this routine has saved me hundreds on waxing. Needless to say, most of my bathing suit cover-ups are proudly stashed in donation boxes, and I've deleted my aesthetician's number.
Below are the five products I used to get my bikini area bump- and irritation-free:
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