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All you need is three ingredients and a microwave.

Hair removal may have satisfying results, but can be painful. Razors come with the risk of nicking skin and creating razor bumps; waxing strips make some flinch; while IPL hair removal devices quite literally zap away hair. If your skin keeps speaking up through redness and irritation, it may be time to graduate to body hair removal's more sensitive skin-friendly method: Sugaring.

Sugaring is a gentler alternative to traditional waxing, and it's easy to make at home. Our Good Housekeeping Institute regularly tests hair removal products of all kinds, and armed with this categorical knowledge, we rounded up everything you need to know on how to make sugar wax (and DIYing it at home!).

Sugaring, an all-natural method of hair removal, commonly uses a mixture of sugar, lemon and water that forms a hair removal paste. Sugar wax is applied against hair growth to remove hair. Hair removal enthusiasts tend to reserve it for the bikini area, face, underarms, legs and arms, but it can be used for other parts of the body as well. Sensitive skin types tend to go for sugar waxing as it's less irritating and painful than waxing, according to Michele Green, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in New York.

Both make effective ways of removing unwanted body and facial hair, but there are a few differences to keep in mind:

When properly educated on how to safely sugar wax at home, it can be a good option, plus cheaper and more comfortable, says Dr. Green. That said, DIY sugar wax removal can come with some risks. You can accidentally rip your skin off instead of hair, which can cause pain, inflammation and an increased risk of infection — sugar waxing at home is often less sanitary than sugar waxing done at a salon. That's why it's best to start on clean skin, use clean tools, let the hair grow out slightly so the wax has something to grip onto and follow all the proper skin prep steps, below.

"Sugar mixtures that are too hot when applied can burn, and technique matters when pulling off the strips," Dr. Amin says. "It does take experience to get the right consistency, so maybe skip the mess and leave it to the pros." If you decide to take it into your own hands, he recommends letting the mixture cool to room temperature and soften to a sticky, honey-like texture. If it's too hard, add a little water.

Lastly, you should avoid both traditional waxing and sugar waxing if you are undergoing treatment with oral isotretinoin, treated the area with laser hair removal or if you have any skin conditions. Sugaring should only be done on intact skin.

You'll need a simple trio of sugar wax ingredients that's probably already in your kitchen: Sugar, water and lemon. The recipe follows a 2:1 sugar to liquid ratio, according to Snehal Amin, M.D. a board-certified dermatologist and the co-founder and surgical director of MDCS Dermatology:

The idea of waxing yourself may make you wince, but here's the most seamless step-by-step guide for removing hair with either traditional wax strips or just sugar wax itself:

"Be mindful that proper hygiene prep and clean tools are necessary to avoid potential infection, Dr. Amin says. Here's what to keep in mind:

Post-sugar wax, avoid exfoliating, friction and minimize touching the area for 48 hours. Tip: Loose, comfortable clothing prevents friction in the area. Skip moisturizers and product application and minimize sweating for 24 hours to avoid clogged pores. "Bacteria thrive in moist, warm environments and sugar is food," Dr. Amin says. "Folliculitis, little bumps on the skin, can sometimes occur after waxing from irritation to the hair follicle or because of infection."