The purpose of epilating and shaving is to create silky smooth skin without irritation. You may use the products to epilate or shave areas such as your legs, arms and bikini line. Epilating is not suitable for the intimate area (the outside and inside of the outer labia), we advise that you only use a trimmer or the shaver with a comb attached.
If you are wondering whether this can be accomplished using a dry or wet method, please read the tips below or watch the video for helpful advice.
Should I use my Philips epilator/Ladyshave on wet or dry skin?
Published on 10 May 2023
Dry or wet use
Showerproof appliances provide a comfortable result in or out of the shower. Such products are water-resistant so they can also be used and rinsed with water.
It is important to check the appliance head to see if it is not dirty, damaged or worn out. A faulty appliance head will cause skin irritation and negatively affect the performance of the product. If it is damaged it needs to be replaced immediately.
Use the appliance on clean skin. We advise that you exfoliate your skin 1 day before epilating or shaving. This removes the dead skin around your hair follicles, makes it easier to remove hair and reduces the possibility of ingrown hairs.
Try and see what works best for you.
It is important to check the appliance head to see if it is not dirty, damaged or worn out. A faulty appliance head will cause skin irritation and negatively affect the performance of the product. If it is damaged it needs to be replaced immediately.
Use the appliance on clean skin. We advise that you exfoliate your skin 1 day before epilating or shaving. This removes the dead skin around your hair follicles, makes it easier to remove hair and reduces the possibility of ingrown hairs.
Try and see what works best for you.
Dry Use
We recommend that you use most products on dry skin, as wet hair tends to stick more to the skin.
Also, if you are aiming to do an on-the-go session, try using the product on dry skin instead. Be certain that your skin is clean and completely dry before using the appliance.
Also, if you are aiming to do an on-the-go session, try using the product on dry skin instead. Be certain that your skin is clean and completely dry before using the appliance.
Wet Use
For a comfortable feeling and smooth movements, you may use the appliance on wet skin. When you are using the appliance while wet, rinse the head regularly to remove any hair and ensure that it continues to glide smoothly over your skin. Make sure that your skin is completely wet with water. Do consider wet hairs tend to stick more to the skin, performance may be better on dry skin. Gently pat your skin dry after use.
After Use
As after-care, gently apply an (alcohol-free) Aloe Vera cream/lotion or moisturiser, for its cooling and soothing properties. After epilating you may also use a cooling pack to soothe the skin.
Also, allow for some adjustment time and give the skin time to recover in between sessions.
Clean the appliance thoroughly to remove all the hairs off the appliance's head and leave it to air-dry.
Also, allow for some adjustment time and give the skin time to recover in between sessions.
Clean the appliance thoroughly to remove all the hairs off the appliance's head and leave it to air-dry.
Sensitive Skin
Make sure that skin is clean, stretch the skin, pre-trim long hairs to 3 mm and gently work the gently. Try working with or against the grain to see which is more comfortable for you.
Exfoliating your skin, a day or slightly longer before using the appliance, helps to remove dead skin, makes hair removal easier and reduces the possibility of ingrown hairs. Check if your skin needs some more time between exfoliating and epilating or shaving, so that you minimise any skin irritation.
Check what works best, for example gentle skincare products and water if your appliance is waterproof.
Exfoliating your skin, a day or slightly longer before using the appliance, helps to remove dead skin, makes hair removal easier and reduces the possibility of ingrown hairs. Check if your skin needs some more time between exfoliating and epilating or shaving, so that you minimise any skin irritation.
Check what works best, for example gentle skincare products and water if your appliance is waterproof.
Tips
- If your hair is longer than 5/32 in. (4 mm), trim hair to a length of 1/8 in. (3 mm) first for optimum results.
- It is important to check that the appliance head is not dirty, damaged or worn out. A faulty appliance head will cause skin irritation or worse. If it is damaged it needs to be replaced immediately.
- Clean your skin before you begin your session.
- We advise that you exfoliate your skin 1 day before epilating to remove the dead skin around your hair follicles and make it easier to remove hair.
- Try to avoid "over-doing" an area. Do not go over the same spot too many times.
- Do not rub your skin dry after cleansing but pat it dry.
- As after-care, apply an (alcohol-free) Aloe Vera cream/lotion or a moisturiser, for its cooling and soothing properties.
- Epilate in the evening to allow your skin to settle during the night and to have smooth legs the next day.
