Dear Laurel: My husband’s facial hair grows so quickly that he could shave twice a day, morning and night. Would he benefit from waxing his face instead shaving so he doesn’t have to do it so often?
Tina ~ Woburn
Dear Tina: Men can definitely benefit from waxing, but I never recommend they wax their facial hair… OUCH! First, the hair on a man’s face is usually coarse and thicker than body hair. This makes it more difficult to remove, not to mention extremely painful. Second, the skin on the face is sensitive and waxing that area can have disastrous results including reactions like bleeding, irritation and breakouts. There are many other areas that men can benefit from waxing, like eyebrows, chest, legs, back and feet. Most parts of the body can be waxed, but areas they should never wax include the face, genitals and inside the ears or nose. Waxing should also not be done on areas of skin affected by warts, pimples, moles, rashes or on skin that is irritated, chapped or suffering from sunburn. Regular waxing will leave the area hair free for 3 to 8 weeks, even longer for some. Over time, the density and thickness of hair being waxed will start to decrease. This is of particular significance for men interested in back waxing as hair in the area can become noticeably sparse. Waxing is a great alternative to shaving and results in far less irritation with significantly longer periods of being hair-free. An added bonus to waxing is that there is no rough stubble when new hair begins to grow back. So although waxing the face is not recommended, your man (and you) may benefit from other areas of the body being waxed, resulting in a more attractive appearance and smooth feel.
Dear Laurel: I have always been one to take good care of myself and take great pride in trying to look my best. I often have facials, massages, manicures and pedicures. I also use good quality skin care products and follow a regimented home care routine. Despite all my efforts, I can’t seem to rid myself of the ugly calluses on my feet. Can you tell me what causes them and what I can do to get rid of them?
Justine ~ Lexington
Dear Justine: There is nothing more unsightly than putting on a pair of your favorite summer sandals only to look down and see ugly, dry and cracked feet. Your feet have a very important job; they provide the mode of transportation that takes you everywhere you want to go. The pressure from simply standing, walking, running and other athletic activities can lead to thickened skin, especially once you reach the age of 30 or so. You will probably find that as you age, your feet are just not as smooth and soft as they used to be, but fear not, there is no need to succumb to unsightly feet. Calluses are mainly caused by repeated friction and form on the areas on the feet that bear the most pressure. They form to protect the skin and structures beneath it from injury or damage and can develop on any part of the body. On the feet, calluses usually develop along the heel, the underside of the big toe and on the ball of the foot. People who seldom where shoes, often develop a thick layer of calluses on the bottom of their feet due to repetitive friction from the rough walking surface. If you’re one that wears something on your feet most of the time, calluses may form from ill fitting shoes, especially the fashionable heels we women love to wear. We tend to have the “who cares if they’re uncomfortable, as long as they look fabulous” kind of attitude. However, your calluses will not be feeling the love from your pointy toed and high heeled shoes. You’ll most likely be paying for it later with achy, sore, blistery feet. Although calluses are seldom painful, they are painful to look at and no one wants to feel as though their feet are like sandpaper. If your calluses are painful from extensive cracking or are oozing, you’re likely to have an infection and a visit to the doctor is a must. If you are a runner, you might try wearing sneakers with extra width and depth and a good cushion sole. Placing orthotics in shoes to equalize pressure is also a good option. Keeping on top of your calluses is a daunting task. Because calluses form seemingly overnight, and the thickness of the calluses causes pressure and sometimes pain, reducing the overgrown tissue is your only relief. Soak your feet in warm water and file down the calluses with a pumice stone or foot file to smooth down the thick tissue. Be careful not to over-file your feet as this may lead to cuts and abrasions and can be very painful. A trip to the spa may be just what you need and deserve! Treat your feet to a professional pedicure, it’s just the excuse you need to take an hour off for yourself and let someone else tend to and pamper your feet.
Email Laurel your questions at: laurel@indulgencedayspa.com
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