We know, we know… you just waxed your face, and now it’s time for that acne to come in. We know the feeling! While some people are lucky enough to be blessed with skin that can handle the post-waxing fallout, not everyone is so fortunate.
If your skin is prone to breakouts or if you’re still dealing with acne scars from past breakouts, then this blog post is for you!
In this article, I’m going to share how I learned how to prevent acne after waxing and reduce the appearance of old acne scars from previous breakouts using a few simple products. Let me tell you all about them below!
1: Always rinse your face with cold water after waxing
Washing your face is the first step to preventing acne post waxing. You must use cold water on your face after waxing because hot water will open pores and increase the chances of more oil buildup, leading to breakouts.
Ensure not to scrub or pull the skin when washing; instead, gently pat the skin dry with a towel and leave it. Waxing can lead to acne in some people, especially when the skin is sensitive or if you are prone to breakouts.
If this sounds like something that could be happening to you, you should take a few steps after waxing. First, make sure your face does not get dried out by using a moisturizer every day and choosing oil-free makeup products. Using an oil-free primer before foundation will also help keep pores clear of excess oils, which prevents sebum buildup. No matter how good of a primer you use, you should use an acne-friendly makeup remover to make sure your pores are properly cleaned out.
It is essential for everyone who gets waxed regularly to check their skin daily for any new bumps or changes in existing ones. It may mean they have developed another kind of breakout from being too dry after getting waxed frequently.
2: Apply an acne treatment or moisturizer before bedtime
Apply an acne treatment or moisturizer before bedtime that contains benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or glycolic acids. These ingredients work to prevent breakouts, and they’re gentle enough for the face. In many cases, you can find acne treatments that are made to be used on the body.
For example, use a spot treatment or face wash with salicylic acid for breakouts after waxing your bikini area. Some people prefer to use a benzoyl peroxide wash for the face and body, but this can be too harsh for sensitive skin.
To combat this, try using the wash on your face during the day and then use a moisturizer at night. If you feel like you must, apply makeup to camouflage acne after waxing. However, it’s best not to wear foundation or anything that can clog pores since this could increase breakouts—especially if you’re prone to acne before getting waxed.
If possible, try using mineral powder makeup with zinc oxide as an ingredient that works well for people trying to prevent pimples from developing in new hair follicles (i.e., those created by waxing). Please note: do NOT mix benzoyl peroxide with salicylic acid because they will cancel each other out!
3: Try not to touch areas that have been waxed.
This is a prevalent cause of acne and can be challenging to avoid, but touching your face after waxing will only lead to more breakouts. Another way you could cause yourself problems with acne is by using the same towel for multiple things, such as wiping down equipment at the gym or cleaning up spills in your kitchen.
Even though these towels may appear clean, they most likely have bacteria that can cling onto skin and spread around when touched over an extended period.
Instead, switch out old rags and mix bowls regularly, so you do not pass on any harmful germs from one thing to another – this includes sharing makeup brushes!
Another great tip would be applying a fresh coat of lipstick before going out each day because if there are oils left behind, it leaves a nice environment for acne to grow.
4: Avoid using products that contain alcohol
Avoid using products containing alcohol, as they can dry out the skin even more and cause acne to become worse. Instead, use a gentle wash with ingredients like tea tree oil, which will help to soothe the skin and prevent irritation.
Using a moisturizing mask can be beneficial as well since they contain ingredients that are calming for the irritated areas on your face – this means no more redness!
There’s an added bonus too: these facial masks and cleansers tend to have anti-aging properties, meaning you’ll keep those wrinkles at bay longer by preventing premature aging.
Moisturizing masks or cleansing products containing soothing ingredients, such as green tea, will calm down any inflammation in just minutes after applying them while protecting against early signs of aging — the polar opposite of what alcohol would do.
5: Waxing your eyebrows and upper lip
Many people like to wax their upper lips and eyebrows. However, this can cause acne breakouts if done incorrectly. To help with acne experienced after waxing your eyebrows and upper lip, you should avoid waxing your eyebrows and upper lip on the same day (wait at least 24 hours). Also, always avoid using harsh scrubs or topical acne treatments that dry out the skin.
These may irritate the area, making the skin dry and irritated. By waiting a few days after waxing to use these products, you can help prevent breakouts from occurring. Additionally, you should avoid using deodorant right after getting waxed, as this will clog pores and make them break out more quickly.
Instead, wait about two hours before applying underarm products to keep yourself feeling fresh during the day without worrying about excessive sweat or body odor! Also, get eyebrow waxes done every three weeks to four weeks instead of every week.
If you have sensitive skin or tend to break out, wait longer between waxes. Don’t touch the area for about 24 hours after getting it done so that your skin can calm down and reduce irritation! This is especially important if you have sensitive skin.
If you find that itching keeps occurring every time you shower, keep your eyebrows completely dry for several minutes before gently brushing them with a soft toothbrush (you may want to try baby shampoo as well). Wait at least 20 minutes after this before applying makeup on top of your newly clean brows.
Takeaway
If you’re looking for a few simple remedies to help reduce the appearance of acne scars and prevent breakouts after waxing, then this article is your answer!
There are so many things that can cause a post-wax breakout or, even worse – scarring.
And while we know our readers care about their skin as much as we do, there’s nothing more discouraging than seeing those little bumps on your face that just don’t seem to go away no matter what you try.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to close your pores after waxing?
We recommend washing your skin with a gentle cleanser and using a Soothe & Cooling After Wax lotion. Lastly, you can also try what we call “the lemon trick.” Simply take half a lemon slice and rub it over the affected areas one hour before shower time.
How do you wash your face after waxing?
Wash your face with a gentle cleanser. Make sure the water is warm and not hot, as this can irritate the skin. Avoid scrubbing or exfoliating too roughly, as this could also irritate the skin. It’s best to pat dry your face after you wash it rather than rubbing it vigorously, which causes excess moisture that results in breaking out later on down the line.
Can I apply coconut oil after waxing?
Coconut oil is one of the best oils you can use on your skin. It’s full of antioxidants, contains antifungal and antibacterial properties as well as vitamins E & K. However, it does have a comedogenic rating of four, so there is a chance that it could cause acne breakouts after waxing if used directly on top of the skin, as this would block pores rather than letting them breathe naturally.
Can waxing get rid of acne?
If you have acne-prone skin you may be tempted to use wax to pull out blackheads or clogged pores. While this may work in the short term it will likely aggravate your sin and enlarge your pores which will cause your skin to break out more easily in the future.
Need more help? Ask our team!
I’ve helped over 2,500 people clear their acne naturally. If you cannot easily find an answer to your question on the website, please reach out to me by email (sam@goodglow.co) or send me a message on Instagram or Twitter. I will reply within 24 hours.
Hi, I’m Sam Wood, the chief editor, lead acne expert, and health coach at GoodGlow, as well as a best-selling author for one of the top acne books on Amazon. I struggled with acne for over 10 years, and began studying the effects of diet on skin quality while pursuing a degree in Nutrition Sciences at the University of Missouri. After shifting from mainstream skincare trends to in-depth research in medical journals, I experienced significant personal success in managing my acne. This inspired me to start GoodGlow, where I simplify complex scientific findings into easy-to-understand advice. With over 10 years in the field, I’ve helped more than 2,500 people achieve clearer skin through natural, holistic methods, and I’m dedicated to personally assisting those seeking guidance on their acne journey.
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