In view of the differences with each person when it comes to skin sensitivity, rate of hair growth, and the texture of the hair,. a choice has to be made between waxing and sugaring. As there are main differences it is good to become aware of the pros and cons so you can decide which will be your preferred hair removal method.
Here are 4 main differences between waxing and sugaring:
1. What Sticks
Body wax sticks to the hair and the skin. So when the wax or wax strip is pulled off it takes a layer of skin with it including dead skin cells. This explains why the skin often feels silky smooth after a waxing session.
One disadvantage is that the skin can react and be sensitive. An ice cube can be effective afterwards in calming distressed skin or a specially purchased soothing cream can do the same. For many though, the redness and any bumps that appear will go within a short time.
By contrast, sugaring sticks mainly to the hair and while it can still sting it tends to be less painful than waxing. The skin also may still be sensitive and red afterwards but the effects are generally less severe than with waxing.
2. The Temperature
Body waxing can come in hot or cold versions. Hot waxes are heated just above a person’s body temperature so they trap the hairs when they cool into a stiffer mixture. One precaution, when heating the wax, test on a very small area of skin first to avoid the risk of burning if the wax is overheated by mistake.
Strips coated with cold wax are also available so these are simply pressed onto the skin firmly and pulled back sharply removing the hair.
Sugaring on the other hand involves a sugar paste either slightly warmed or used at room temperature, although many prefer to warm the paste. It is applied thinly to the skin in the direction of the hair growth and removed with a swift action to take the hair out by the root.
As hot sugar can burn, if the sugaring paste is warmed slightly, care must be taken to make sure it doesn’t become hot and cause skin damage.
3. The Composition
Waxing compositions contain a variety of chemicals, some of which can be a little harsh on the skin if used regularly. Many waxing products nowadays however, also contain natural ingredients which soothe and help heal the skin.
Sugar paste is natural and tends to be more gentle on the skin. Gum Arabic and citric acid are common ingredients in over-the-counter solutions and they make it easier to pull out the hair.
4. The Clean Up
As waxing products are generally petroleum based, they can be a little messy to clean up. You can get after waxing solutions which are effective in removing the wax residue from the skin.
Sugar paste is easily cleaned off with water, although many follow up with another solution such as tea tree oil which acts as an antibacterial agent.
Waxing sugaring products command a huge market. You will notice a large variety from your local pharmacy or supermarket. It is wise to read over the instructions, examine the list of ingredients, and experiment. Waxing or Sugaring? Decide which method suits you best after trying them both for a while?
