Also, does using this homemade tend skin replace exfoliating or will I need to start doing that in a couple days?

If you have more than the usual amount of hair, and you have just had your first experience with an epilator then 1) Congratulations on your exceedingly high pain tolerance, the chest is a b**ch for guys, and 2) Your're gonna have some red bumps the first time out. Put the solution on twice a day. What you're going through, from what I read, is normal. But, keep us posted if the bumps don't start fading at the four day mark.


...Seriously though? Save your money any way you can, take it out of your food budget, entertainment bugdet, pizza budget, and go for an electrolysis or lazer treatment. Even just a hair reduction and not a whole complete clearing. Just make up your mind to do it, and find a way to get it done. Either that, or you and that epilator are going to be very good friends for years to come. If permanent hair removal is in your future, don't waste time or try getting a quick fix. As much as I think so highly of the two Brauns (2170 & 3370, their heads and all parts are interchangeable) I use, I still think of them as quickfix that doesn't address the problem, just as shaving or waxing are quickfixes too. That's what I've came to terms with, spend the $350 or so for your back, and be done with it. Epilating is far more cost effective, conveneint, cleaner, and quicker than waxing. But do you realize what's it going to be like to do this for years? That's why I'm now shopping around and checking out the San Diego area hair removal clinics. There's a lot to know, so I'd get started now.

Mantaray

The alcohol/aspirin solution does exfoliate by killing the top layer of cells, but you need to help it along. You need to take a good firm brush with you in the shower. That will remove the dead cells. If not, then you get a scale-y, peeling type look, like your skin is dry. This is just the cells still hanging on. The red bumps diminish as you get used to it. The first generation hairs are always anchored in the strongest, they've had awhile to brace themselves in the follical. Plucking these first generation hairs always irritates the skin leaving the red bumps.

Mantaray

I'm interested in trying the homemade TendSkin. However, I live in the UK, and it seems that rubbing alcohol (70% isopropyl alcohol) is not available to consumers. It seems as if 'surgical spirit' is the closest alternative. From what I understand, surgical spirit is ethanol (which is essentially alcohol) with a small amount of methanol added to make it unpalatable to drink (!). Has anyone in the UK tried making the homemade TendSkin with surgical spirit? Does the addition of methanol effect the absorbtion of the aspirin or the action of the solution?

At least I won't be tempted to DRINK the solution!

thanks!

-kate

It sounds like you just had a reaction to your moisturizer.

Stick to the Aloe and Tea Tree Oil.

Moisturizers and lotions contain many ingredients that are skin irritants. Lanolin, and FD&C colors for an example, cause many people to have negative reactions. FD&C colors contain pine tar!

Tell us what your results are the next time you clear the area.

well, it's winter so a turtleneck is not hard to pull off

but seriouly, are you that self concious about some red bumps.

I use an epilator for my arm pits and I have never had issues like that (or i don't remember) but instead of the tend skin right away why don't you try something more soothing like vitamn E oil or any other natural oil, even baby oil.

Other than that i think that you made the tend skin well. i would say it's even not that strong, so that's good.

The Ol' Bumparoo

is the Braun 3370 an epilator?
if it is the most probable cause of the bumps is a reaction to having the hair ripped out of your chest. this is a really common reaction to a first hair removal on the chest especially if you did not trip it first. if your hands and feet are fine i would guess that the homemade tend skin is not the problem.