Exfoliation Guide: Keeping your skin smooth & ingrown-free

Healthy, smooth skin starts with consistent exfoliation and deep hydration, especially in the bikini area. Regular care helps prevent ingrown hairs, softens texture, and keep the skin balanced and nourished between appointments.

Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. Keeping the skin regularly exfoliated helps to:

• Prevent ingrown hairs
• Smooth rough texture
• Support healthy hair regrowth
• Brighten and even the skin tone
• Maintain results between sugaring sessions

What it is: Manual exfoliation is a method of physically scrubbing away dead skin cells from the surface of the skin using granular products or tools. 

Examples:

• Sugar scrubs
• Exfoliating mitts/gloves
• Dry brushes
• Soft-textured washcloths

Benefits: 

• Improves skin tone & texture
• Boosts skin cell turnover
• Enhances product absorption
• Unclogs pores & prevents breakouts

Tips: 

• Use gentle motions 
• Avoid scrubbing aggressively 
• Alternate with other methods
• Pay attention to how your skin reacts

How often:

• Sensitive skin: 1-2x per week 
• Normal skin: 2-3x per week 

What it is: Chemical exfoliation uses gentle acids to dissolve the bonds between dead skin cells, allowing them to shed naturally without physical scrubbing.

Examples:

• AHA: Lactic acid, glycolic acid
• BHA: Salicylic acid (great for ingrowns)
• PHA: Very gentle exfoliating acids

AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids)

Best for: dry skin, dullness, uneven texture, ingrowns that sit near the surface

AHAs are water-soluble acids made from fruits, sugars, and milk. They work on the surface layer of the skin to smooth and brighten. AHAs can make skin feel smoother quickly, but they should be used consistently and not combined with heavy manual scrubs on the same day.

How AHAs help:

• loosen dead skin cells so they shed more easily
• smooth flaky or rough patches
• fade dark spots and post-ingrown marks
• soften the top layer of skin, making ingrowns easier to release

BHAs (Beta Hydroxy Acids)

Best for: acne-prone skin, clogged pores, ingrowns that curl beneath the skin.

BHAs are oil-soluble, meaning they can travel deeper into the pores and help clear oil buildup. BHA's go deeper than AHAs and can be especially helpful along the bikini line, inner thighs, and any area prone to bumps. 

How BHAs help:

• dissolve excess oil inside the pore
• unclog hair follicles (helps prevent deep ingrowns)
• calm inflammation
• help reduce bumps and breakout-prone areas

Benefits: 

• Excellent for preventing ingrowns
• Helps fade dark marks
• Smooths texture over time
• No friction or scrubbing
• More consistent long-term results

How often:

• 2-3x week 

Why hydration matters:

• exfoliation removes dead skin, but hydration keeps the new skin healthy
• moisturized skin is more flexible, allowing hair to grow out smoothly
• hydration supports the skin barrier, reducing redness and sensitivity
• consistent moisture helps ingrown-prone areas stay calm and balanced

How to hydrate effectively:

• use a lightweight oil or moisturizer after exfoliating
• choose products that absorb well and don't clog pores
• apply daily (or at least several times a week) for best results
• increase hydration during colder months or if the skin feels tight

Moisturizers

Hydrating & Barrier-Supporting:

• Hyaluronic Acid
• Glycerin
• Aloe Vera
• Ceramides
• Squalene
• Panthenol (B5)

These keep the skin soft, balanced, and comfortable between appointments.

Lightweight Oils:

Non-comedogenic & Fast-absorbing:

• Jojoba Oil
• Grapeseed Oil
• Squalane Oil
• Rosehip Seed Oil
• Sunflower Seed Oil 

These help lock in moisture without feeling heavy or clogging pores.