Image via Complex Original
When it comes to issues like odor, eyebrows, weird bumps, or hair removal, you’d probably rather Google until your eyes burn than ask for help out loud. We get it. So to spare you the trouble, we spoke with New York City Dermatologist Debra Jaliman, MD, for the final word on some of your most cringe-worthy grooming queries. Because in the realm of zit popping and powdering your feet, advice from a pro is always better.
Views expressed here are fully those of dermatologist Debra Jaliman, MD, and are not endorsed by Gillette in any way.
How do I avoid unsightly razor bumps?
A little patience and prep goes a long way in leaving skin smooth post-shave. “Wait until after your shower when skin is hydrated and easier to remove,” says Jaliman. Always use a rich shaving cream (soap doesn’t cut it) to create a slick surface, and stick with super-sharp blades.
What’s the right way to pop a zit?
Pimples may stress you out, but your derm loses sleep at night thinking about you digging your fingernails into your skin trying to get rid of the thing. (It can get infected and even leave a scar on your face.) If you have to pop the zit (as in, there’s unsightly pus sitting on the surface of your face) clean the area with alcohol first and use two Q-tips to gently squeeze the sides. (Doctors use something called a comedone extractor, which you can pick up at beauty stores like Ulta if you’re brave, says Jaliman.) If the pimple doesn’t break immediately it’s not ready—suck it up and leave it alone.
Should I be tweezing my eyebrows? Where?
Use the following thumbprint rule: Place the pad of your thumb between your brows and tweeze anything below it. Rogue hairs (say they’re sprouting in your temples) can go too, but never tweeze above or below the brows—you want them to still look rugged. Clean the tweezers and the skin with alcohol before going in and removing hairs one by one. Step back to survey your work often—according to Jaliman, sometimes brow hairs don’t grow back.
Why do I sweat so much?
“Some people are just genetically prone to sweat more,” says Jaliman. It’s not your fault—it’s just the way you regulate body temperature after heating up from excitement, stress, or exercise. But while sweating at the gym feels incredible, a downpour at your 3 p.m. meeting can be a nightmare. To plug things up, try a drugstore antiperspirant (look for the word aluminum, which clogs sweat glands), or get a prescription from your doc for a stronger formula.
Why does my face get so shiny?
There’s a high concentration of oil glands in your t-zone (think nose, forehead) and when they pump out too much sebum you’re left with a less-than-attractive sheen. According to Jaliman, you should apply a lightweight mattifying moisturizer in the morning. (These contain ingredients like talc to soak up the grease.) Blotting papers will absorb excess oil on the spot if you’re in an excessively dewy bind.
Is there any way to prevent stinky feet?
Nothing is worse than removing your shoes at the end of a date and watching her face turn to disgust. The bacteria that causes feet to smell thrives in wet environments, so make it your M.O. to keep feet dry. Dry between toes after getting out of the shower and apply a super absorbent powder on your feet (corn starch works) before putting on socks. Stick with cotton (nylon socks don’t absorb moisture as well) and change them midday if you feel a stench coming on.
My fingernails break all the time. Is there a way to make them stronger?
Winter winds can suck the life out of your hands, leaving nails dry, rough, and cracked. Make sure to wear gloves when you’re outside, and rub oil over your cuticles to help seal in moisture for healthier-looking hands.
What are those red bumps on my thighs?
“Usually something called keratosis pilaris, which is a form of eczema and comes from not exfoliating the skin properly,” says Jaliman. One of her favorite ways to treat this is to use a vibrating sonic cleanser (you may have seen your girlfriend use one on her face), which helps to remove the dead skin without irritating sensitive spots. You can also swipe pads that contain salicylic acid toner over the area, or apply a lotion that contains lactic acid (look for a brand called Amlactin at the drugstore), which dissolves dead cells.
How can I clear up bacne?
If your flip side is speckled with unsightly zits, use a back brush and benzoyl peroxide body wash in the shower daily to fight off bacteria. If you can reach back far enough (as in, make someone help you), apply a toner with salicylic acid to unclog the pores. If things still aren’t clearing up after a few weeks, try applying a benzoyl peroxide gel before bed to eliminate those lingering spots.
How can I fix an ingrown hair?
You can avoid them by exfoliating before you shave, which helps lift whiskers up and away from your skin. But if the damage is already done, clean the skin with rubbing alcohol and use a sharp tweezer to pluck the hair, tugging in the direction in which it grew. Dab on a topical antibiotic afterwards so the area can heal, says Jaliman.
