Intimate shaving is not a must, but a matter of personal preference
From a hygienic or medical perspective, it is not necessary to remove hair in the intimate area. Whether to do so is a decision based solely on personal comfort and aesthetics, as well as the preferences of one’s partner. Individual preferences should also take precedence when choosing the method (e.g., intimate shaving, waxing, sugaring, or epilation). However, it is important that the delicate intimate skin is subjected to as little strain as possible during hair removal. If this cannot be achieved despite all precautions, the method should be changed, or hair removal should be avoided altogether. Sometimes, the latter is even advisable, such as in cases of severe atopic dermatitis, psoriasis in the genital area, or vulvodynia.
Intimate shaving, waxing, sugaring, and epilation
With waxing, sugaring, or epilation, hair is removed along with the root. Therefore, unlike the short-term effect of intimate shaving, it takes several weeks before hair grows back. All three methods are significantly more painful than intimate shaving: with waxing, the hair is pulled out against the direction of growth; with sugaring, it is pulled out in the direction of growth. Epilation also involves pulling out hair, but with an electric device.
When using a depilatory cream, it is important to note that its ingredients can cause allergies or skin irritation in the intimate area.
Unsightly: Redness, pimples, and ingrown hairs
With every hair removal method—whether intimate shaving, waxing, sugaring, or epilation—superficial micro-injuries to the intimate skin occur despite all precautions. This damages the skin barrier and weakens its resistance to pathogens. These pathogens use tiny injuries as entry points, penetrate the skin, and trigger inflammatory processes. Redness, itching, and burning (“razor burn”) are the result, especially when using a low-quality blade for intimate shaving. The papules and pustules commonly referred to as (pus) pimples or razor bumps also arise from inflammation. The main culprit is the pathogen Staphylococcus aureus, a pus-forming bacterium that lives on human skin as a facultative pathogen.
Ingrown hairs not only look unsightly but also promote the occurrence of the aforementioned papules and pustules. Ingrown hairs are a common, but temporary, consequence of intimate shaving and other hair removal methods. There are two reasons for this. A regrowing hair does
- not grow straight out of the intimate skin but along its surface.
- Alternatively, it curls and bores back into the intimate skin with its sharp tip (see diagram). This is particularly common after intimate shaving because the hair receives a sharp tip during the process.
Ingrown hairs lead to inflammation, papules, and pustules on the intimate skin
Tips for Gentle intimate shaving with Deumavan Washing Lotion and Protective Ointment
The intimate skin is more delicate and sensitive than other areas of the skin, so it requires special care before, during, and after intimate shaving.
Before shaving
The intimate area should be carefully cleaned with a gentle cleansing lotion (e.g., Deumavan Washing Lotion) before shaving, ideally while showering or bathing. This reduces the number of bacteria that can cause inflammation, papules, and pustules on the intimate skin. At the same time, the hair and intimate skin are softened, making the subsequent shave easier and gentler on the skin. Deumavan Washing Lotion has another advantage: it can be used—lathered up slightly—as a substitute for shaving foam. Its fat content cares for the intimate skin even during shaving, sparing the sensitive skin from contact with another product and its ingredients.
During shaving
A sharp blade is essential for a successful intimate shave. It also puts less strain on the intimate skin than a dull blade, as less pressure is needed on the area to be shaved. To reduce the risk of cuts, the intimate skin should be “stretched” with two fingers, especially the labia and scrotum. If the intimate skin is very sensitive, it is advisable to shave only in the direction of hair growth. For hygiene reasons, the blade should be cleaned after each use, and the razor should be used by only one person.
After shaving
After shaving, the intimate area should be rinsed with clear, cold, or lukewarm water, gently patted dry, and treated with a protective and moisturizing ointment. Deumavan Protective Ointment coats the stressed skin surface with a thin layer of fat, which hinders the penetration of pathogens into the tiny injuries. It also keeps the stratum corneum soft and supple, making it easier for hairs to grow out of the intimate skin. Deumavan Protective Ointment also keeps the regrown hairs and their tips soft and supple, making it harder for them to bore back into the skin. The ointment can therefore reduce the risk of inflammation, papules, pustules, and ingrown hairs.
