Body
11 Tips to Whipping Your Body into Shape for Summer
Bikini or not, you still want your body and skin to look sexy this summer -- here's how
Get waxed
Body hair is the last thing you want to worry about this summer and "waxing is a great alternative to shaving if you have hair you're uncomfortable with," says Susmta Patel, a waxer who has worked at the acclaimed Completely Bare Salon in Manhattan. "Waxing is better [than shaving] because it removes hair from the root," says Patel. She adds that when you shave "you just cut the hair, so two hours later, you can see the hair there or a blue shadow, which is the hair follicle below the skin." Waxing, on the other hand, not only lasts up to a month, but it's also more permanent -- over time, it thins the hair so less grows back, says Patel. Bonus: It exfoliates the skin as well, leaving you feeling silky smooth (and leaving you with one less skin care to-do).If you opt for waxing, Patel warns not to use any scrubs for the next 48 hours and not to expose the area to direct sun for at least 24 hours. Also, to treat any resulting redness or swelling, apply a small amount of cortisone cream from the drugstore, says Patel. If you choose to stick to the good ol' razor, make sure to shave after you take a shower or bath, so your hair is softer and easier to remove. And always lather up with a moisturizing shave cream (try Aubrey Organics Creme de la Shave, $4.33) and use a brand new razor to minimize irritation.
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