We have several pages on Grooming:
What a grooming issue is and isn’t
How to provide us grooming images
Tips for dealing with grooming issues (you are here)
Acne / pimples
Overproduction of oil and a build-up of bacteria contribute to pimples. Areas of the skin that have the largest number of functional oil glands, such as the face, neck, chest, back and shoulders are often affected. A more in-depth analysis can be summarised as eating better reduces acne: a variety of fruits and vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats. We endorse these sensible tips from skin doctor experts.
If you get occasional acne; Prevention is always best, so stay on top of your skin care routine, try to sleep well, and eat healthy. All things which will help more than just your skin! If you do get a surprise spot, avoid touching it (we know, it can be hard!). Try a pimple patch if that’s something you struggle with. Mild acne can be acceptable in a shoot, but we make that assessment in the week before the shoot.
If you suffer from chronic, ongoing acne: We understand you won’t have perfectly clear skin, so don’t be to be too hard on yourself! The most important thing to focus on is trying to reduce redness and inflammation. Don’t pick your skin – try a pimple patch if you have a spot that’s especially tempting.
Don’t go “nuclear” – harsh chemicals (high doses of salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, for example) at levels your skin isn’t accustomed to will likely do more harm than good. Many acne products are also designed for skin going through puberty, so if you’re over 25, it probably time to retire them! Beware of “overgrooming” – face’s biome needs some oil and bacteria to keep from getting inflamed. Stay hydrated.
A long course of antibiotics (like a couple of months) or a couple of months of hormonal birth control are probably your best bet, but will likely require a doctor’s prescription. There are many reasons why you might usually choose not to be on those medications long term, but you should find that only a couple of months will temporarily clear your skin. Check with your GP, gynecologist, or dermatologist if possible.
Cuts, bites, scratches, scabs
Clean area thoroughly, so there’s no chance of infection.Ā Leave open to the air to promote fast healing.Ā Do not pick scabs off – it slows healing, and can cause infection. Using any sort of ointment is no longer recommended.
A good short blog article:Ā https://www.livestrong.com/article/521143-how-can-i-make-my-scratches-heal-fast/
(A single cut may be able to be covered by a band-aid in a shoot)
Bruises
Generally, bruises clear up within five to seven days.
A warm compress (eg, hot water bottle) can help by promoting blood flow to the area, which helps remove pooled blood in the area. It’s unclear how often and for how long this should be done.
Some more tips:Ā http://itpandme.com/8-ways-to-heal-a-bruise-quickly/
Ingrown hairs
These may occur from shaving the pubic region, with a blunt or cheap razor, so don’t do that! Exfoliate before shaving, and in general – the dead skin cells exfoliation removes can cause ingrown hairs. Some models have reported that Ultraluxe Body Exfoliator works well for them.
When treating ingrown hairs, some models have reported that Ultraluxe Womens ingrown hair and razor bump treatment has worked well for them. Both of these products seem to be salon-only, but are also available from their site (we have no association with Ultraluxe).
Removing the hair with clean tweezers when it does break the skin will help the wound heal.
Some more details:Ā https://www.hercampus.com/health/physical-health/how-deal-bikini-area-ingrown-hairs-not-get-them-first-place andĀ https://www.healthline.com/health/treating-preventing-ingrown-vaginal-hair#treatment3
Rash
Rashes can come from from allergies, shaving, heat or similar. The first step is to remove the cause of the rash if known.
Some good tips:Ā https://www.livestrong.com/article/557493-fast-acting-ways-to-relieve-razor-burn/
Head-hair dye growing out, with natural colour visible
Hair needs to be re-dyed.
Messy or chipped nail polish
If you have fake nails (gel, stick-on, etc) and they have regrowth of more than a few mm / one-eighth of an inch, they must be re-filled.
Remove all nail polish, including colour stain from fingertips.
Natural nails are fine for us, or, re-apply neatly – a professional job is preferred, as we’ll likely be making closeups of your fingertips as you touch yourself.
Fungal infection on nails
This seems impossible to resolve, even with medical help, but it’s worth asking a Doctor about it.
Toenail, we may be able to keep your socks on for the shoot.Ā Fingernail, we may be able to use a bandaid – ask your Model Liaison.
Cuticles in poor condition
Some good tips atĀ https://www.livestrong.com/article/98235-heal-damaged-cuticle/ andĀ https://www.self.com/story/beauty-mani-monday-fast-cuticle-fixers
Sunburn
Some good tips atĀ http://www.cosmopolitan.com/health-fitness/a62998/sunburn-remedies/
BottleĀ tan coming off
We cannot shoot you with “patchy” bottle tan – it needs to alllll come off. Scrub vigorously – not so much that you cause a rash! – over several days and several showers.
Weird skin colour from solarium
We have to wait this this fades naturally to your own skin colour.
Eczema
Your doctor can prescribe a range of creams that seldom have side effects, and treat eczema fast and reliably.
Visible STI
Visit your doctor to have it treated.
Infected dermals
Visit your doctor to have it treated.
Pubic hair stubble; less than 16 weeks growth
This may be a problem – we’d usually prefer to wait until you have 16 weeks growth.
If that’s not an option, removing the existing hair can be ok – so long as there’s no rash!
Underarm hair stubble
Full underarm hair is welcomed! But, if it’s only stubble, it needs to be freshly shaved for the shoot.
