Once you have pulled through your dreaded waxing appointment, you may think everything's done, but there's actually one important thing left to do: apply some diligent post-waxing care. It is essential that you follow a few simple guidelines after waxing. Remember that a little prevention will go a long way to save you from some really annoying side effects which could ruin your perfect wax.
While waxing is nothing to be afraid of, in truth it does leave the skin in a sensitive state, at least for a while (from 24 to 36 hours approximately). During this time, you need to apply some care tips to soothe your skin and preserve your waxing results. By the same token, you should avoid certain other things to minimize the risk of potential skin problems like ingrown hairs, bacterial infections, rashes, itching, redness, and scarring. Let's dive into the do's and don'ts of post-waxing care!
The Do's of Post-Waxing Care
- Apply a Post-depilatory. Post-depilatory lotions are the number one post-waxing care tip. Your esthetician will surely have this product available. However, if you are considering DIY waxing, make sure you get one, too. Post-depilatories have several functions: removing waxy residue, soothing the skin, and avoiding red bumps and ingrown hairs. Depilsense Ayurveda post-depilatory tonic is a great option since it contains special ingredients that protect and help skin recover after waxing. In addition, it dramatically slows down hair growth, extending the time between waxing sessions. Keep in mind that your skin needs to go back to its original state, so why not help it with a product that restores its optimal pH like this post-depilatory acid cream. It enhances the skin's brightness after waxing and has soothing and moisturizing properties.
- Apply Cold Compresses. Cold compresses work great at calming red skin and reducing the appearance of red bumps, irritation or inflammation. You can also massage an ice cube directly on the waxed skin. If you can't bear this sensation, let the ice cube melt on a sponge puff and then compress your skin with it.
- Consider Cool Gels. Cool gels based on naturally calming ingredients like Aloe vera or tea tree oil can also help soothe freshly waxed skin. You can apply them regularly for a few days after your appointment to refresh and protect the area.
- Keep the Clothing Loose and the Fabrics Natural. Immediately after your waxing session, make sure you wear loose clothing. If you've just had a bikini or Brazilian, wear a fresh pair of comfortable undies. This is to avoid sweat and friction, which might increase the risk of irritation or infection. By the same token, choosing natural fibers like cotton will be much gentler on the skin than synthetics like spandex or polyester, which do not allow the skin to breathe properly.
- Exfoliate and Moisturize at the Right Time. Two to three days after waxing is the perfect time to exfoliate. Your pores will have closed and the skin will have recovered. Moisturize from the day or second day after your waxing appointment so as to avoid clogging your pores or exposing skin to chemicals and fragrances.
- Use Antiseptic Creams or Hydrocortisone Creams. If you do this under expert guidance, you will be able to keep inflammation, itching, irritation and rashes at bay.
- Choose Only Reputed Brands for Specialized Waxing Aftercare. You're dealing with the largest organ in your body: your skin. It deserves high-quality care, do not risk it! Make sure you use only high-quality, professional-grade products administered or recommended by a specialist.
- Do Not Touch Freshly Waxed Skin. The natural oils on the skin can clog the pores, and the bacteria that are normally on your skin might increase the risk of infection. Resist the temptation to scratch or touch waxed areas if you want to avoid bumps or other adverse reactions.
- Do Not Use Oily or Drying Skin Products Immediately. This includes thick body butters, heavily scented or colored body washes, sprays, lotions, or deodorants. Vaseline and oily products can clog your open pores and cause bumps, while fragrances or colorants can increase the risk for irritations on sensitive, freshly waxed skin.
- Do Not Pick on Ingrown Hairs. If you notice ingrown hairs after waxing, leave them alone for at least 48 hours, then exfoliate the waxed area gently, focusing on the ingrowns. Afterward, you can apply an antiseptic cream. If exfoliation does not remove the ingrown, try a special ingrown hair lotion.
- Do Not Expose Yourself to the Sun.
Make sure to wait at least 48 hours before sun exposure if you don't want to run the risk of burns and scarring. Freshly waxed skin is very sensitive, and its outer protective layer has been stripped; therefore, sun exposure, in this case, could be more damaging than usual. Your skin might also develop hyperpigmentation in the waxed area if you expose yourself to the sun without any protection, which brings us to a very common reminder: wear sunscreen at all times. You can choose a light one after waxing if you'll be out in the sun at all after waxing. - Do Not Go Swimming.
Wait at least 48 hours to swim in the beach or the pool after waxing. Salt water might sensitize your skin even further and cause bumps on freshly waxed skin. The chlorine in pool water can be harsh on sensitive skin as well, apart from the fact that swimming pools can carry bacteria that might unleash an infection. - Do Not Get Involved in Physical Activity. Not doing any exercise at all just because you've just waxed may sound extreme, but it is just a preventive measure. Sweat (and the bacteria that can thrive in sweaty skin), as well as friction, might cause more damage than good on your sensitized skin, so why take the chance? If you do work out, keep it light. Avoid sex for at least 48 hours after intimate waxing as well.
- Do Not Schedule a Chemical Peeling Appointment. Waxing has already removed the superficial layer of skin cells. Peeling would only strip those layers more deeply, over-sensitizing the skin and increasing the risk of skin damage in the form of irritation, drying or infection. Wait until your skin has normalized completely, that is, at least 36 to 72 hours.
Make sure you apply these post-waxing care do's and dont's to keep your skin healthy and glowing after your waxing appointment. At Beauty Image we have the best products for licensed estheticians to pamper their clients' skin before and after waxing. To learn more about us and our waxes, pre- and post-waxing care products, call TOLL FREE 888-513-8815 or fill out the contact form on this website. Don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter if you wish to get our latest news right in your inbox.
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