Get the Skinny on Dermatologist-Approved Epilators

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If an epilator sounds like life support, you're not entirely wrong—that is, if you're into sleek, hairless skin. An epilator is a hand-held device that removes hair from the roots, keeping your face, arms, and legs hair free for days (that's right, days, even weeks). Although razors are quick and easy, they only reach surface-level hair and leave bumps in their wake, or worse—cuts. "Epilators can be a good option for someone who is not a candidate for laser hair removal or gets irritation with depilatory creams and shaving," explains Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at New York's MDCS Dermatology.

We won't sugarcoat this; they can sometimes be uncomfortable and slightly painful. You are purposely ripping hair out from the root, damaging the follicles, which in this case is a good thing because the next time hair wants to grow back, it'll come in thinner than before. Garshick suggests prepping the skin with a gentle exfoliation such as Dove's Gentle Exfoliating Liquid Body Wash: "[it] helps the hairs be more easily accessible, which also helps to address ingrown hairs." After epilating, use Vaseline's Intensive Care Sensitive Skin Relief Lotion to soothe the skin.

Pro tip: If your skin is loose, pull it taut so the tweezers don't grab it to avoid pinching. Now, if you just fainted at the very mention of tweezers, try at-home waxing kits, but if you want long-lasting results, consider the epilator. With Garshick's help, we've selected the most effective and comfortable epilators on the market so you can have smooth-to-the-touch skin and weeks of carefree shower time.

2 in 1 Womens Electric Epilator & Shaver

If you're on the fence, this product is a safe bet because it provides dual usage: a razor head and an epilator attachment for wet and dry use.

eRase 2-in-1 e60 Disc Precision Hair Removal Epilator

This vibrantly patterned epilator has staggered, dual-opposed heads that can remove hair from the roots effortlessly. It works well for both fine and coarse hair. Plus, it's easy on the eyes.

Instant and Painless Facial Hair Remover

Instantly remove hair from your lip, chin, or between the eyebrows with this lipstick-sized epilator, and never worry about nicks, burns, or irritation again.

Premium Cordless Epilator

Excellent for wet or dry skin, this cordless epilator has five easy snap-on attachments to adjust to your needs. Whether it be for sensitive skin or bikini lines, it covers everything at three speeds.

FaceSpa Pro 910 Facial Epilator

This dermatologist-tested, editor-approved epilator can reach fine hairs that wax cannot and has a dual washing head that Braun claims to be six times more effective than manual washing.

Smooth & Silky Deluxe Rechargeable Epilator

This cordless epilator has two settings to help you find a comfortable speed while removing your hair. It has 40 tweezers working simultaneously, and this set includes a massaging cap with aloe vera to help soothe the skin after use.

Epilator Series 8000

This is the world's first epilator to use ceramic tweezers—corrosion-resistant (perfect for the shower) and lightweight material. It reaches the shortest of hairs with double-action technology and keeps your skin smooth for weeks.

Silk-epil 3 3-270 Epilator

Braun created this epilator to remove hair from sensitive, delicate skin by adding a massage roller head to soothe areas needing a lighter touch. You can either go cordless or plug it in, so you don't need to take epilating breaks.

Corded Compact Epilator

An affordable, effective option, this corded epilator has an ergonomic handle, making it easy to use in hard-to-reach places, and has a detachable head for easy washing.

AP-17LT Total Concept 2-In-1 Epilator

Glide Technology rolls the tweezer discs over the skin with less irritation and reaches delicate areas such as your lips, eyebrows, and bikini lines. If you press the skin too hard, a built-in safety touch will pause the tweezers.

Silk-Épil 9 Flex 9-300 Beauty Epilator Set

Whether it be massaging the skin to offering a shaver head in more sensitive areas this epilator comes with nine unique attachments to cover your every requirement. It has a flexible head that swivels and glides effortlessly with your body's natural curves.

BikiniGenie Cordless Epilator

Small enough to pack and created to use wet or dry, this epilator is perfect for bikini lines and other hard-to-reach areas.

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