Are bikini trimmers safe to use?

“Bikini trimming is not as easy as it looks,” says Dr. Karan Lal. “I often see patients for razor bumps, burns, hyperpigmentation, and even scarring.” But that doesn’t mean they’re not safe to use—it just means that prep is very important.

How should you use a bikini trimmer?

“I always recommend using an antibacterial cleanser such as benzoyl peroxide or chlorhexidine before trimming to prevent skin infections and irritation,” says Dr. Lal. “I recommend trimming with the grain of the hair and not against it. The hair in this location is curly and kinky, and if you trim against the hair grain, the hairs can grow into the skin and cause bumps and irritation.”

Post-care is also very important.

“Moisturize after shaving to keep the skin moist and reduce post-trimming irritation and dryness. Beware of heavily scented lotions which may further burn and irritate the dry skin after trimming.”

Are bikini trimmers safe for sensitive skin?

“Bikini trimmers are great for patients with sensitive skin and are a great alternative to shaving and chemical depilatory agents,” says Dr. Lal. If your skin is sensitive and you want to be as safe as possible, “I usually recommend also using a spacer to avoid a super close trim, which can lead to inadvertent cuts.”