Is your skin susceptible to rashes that occur immediately after waxing? While post-waxing rashes are common to us all, it's primarily associated with aggravation in Pitta dosha as per Ayurveda.
“Developing a rash is a way of the body to cope up with the stress it has experienced. Ayurveda can help heal, soothe and nurture such skin,” says Dr. Zeel Gandhi, Chief Ayurvedic Doctor at Vedix.
In this article, we tell you about the different go-to natural remedies and a few important preventive measures.
Let’s begin.
Highlights:
- Why Do You Get Rashes After Waxing?
- How Do You Get Rid Of Post-Waxing Rashes?
- How To Prevent Rashes After Waxing?
- How Long Does Post-Waxing Rashes Last?
Why Do You Get Rashes After Waxing?
"In a way, waxing is a process that involves damaging hair follicles to attain slower hair growth. During waxing, your skin experiences a certain level of stress and trauma. Sometimes, this induced stress on your skin may trigger the release of a compound called ‘Histamine’[1] in the waxed area. This is an instant localized immune response of your body to protect your skin cells," says Dr. Zeel
She further adds, "However, the released histamine causes enlargement of the blood vessels underneath the skin, which leads to the formation of redness and rash in your skin."
As per Ayurveda, elevated levels of Pitta dosha in your skin can manifest in the formation of rash associated with the release of histamine.
Some of the factors that contribute to elevated Pitta, thereby causing rashes on your skin after waxing includes:
1. Folliculitis:
The rash appears in the form of pimples, which is associated with inflammation [2].
2. Ingrown Hair:
In this case, the rashes develop as small bumps that are warm when you touch. People with curly hair are more prone to ingrown hair, which eventually result in folliculitis.
3. Contact Dermatitis:
This is most common among people with sensitive skin. You may develop a rash if the wax contains any chemicals that cause contact dermatitis [3]. This type of rash is usually itchy and is associated with tenderness, burning sensation, and inflammation.
Histamine is an organic nitrogenous compound that is associated with the local immune responses in your body. Histamine regulates the physiological activities in the gut and inflammatory responses. Also, it has a central role in causing itching sensations in your body.
How Do You Get Rid Of Post-Waxing Rashes?
1. Natural Methods
A. Cool Compress
After waxing, clean your skin properly and apply an ice pack for 15-30 minutes all over the waxed area. You can also use a clean cotton napkin that is soaked in ice-cold water to treat your waxed skin.
B. Warm Compress
Soak a clean cotton towel in hot water. Squeeze off the water and put the towel on the waxed area for a few minutes at a time. Repeat this a few times. This helps to naturally eliminate ingrown hair by opening up your skin pores.
C. Exfoliation
Clean the waxed area with a mild herbal cleanser and lukewarm water. Pat dry the skin using a cotton cloth. Now, use an Ayurvedic scrub made of suitable ingredients based on your doshas to exfoliate your skin gently for 5-10 minutes.
“You can also use a pumice stone to exfoliate your skin that has ingrown hair. Do this twice or thrice a day to prevent development of rashes. However, do not over-exfoliate your skin,” says Dr. Zeel.
D. Moisturization
After exfoliation, it is advisable to apply a hydrating moisturizer on your skin. It helps to calm down the inflammation and gives your skin a soft texture. “You can pick a herbal moisturizer based on your skin type and elevated doshas,” says Dr. Zeel.
2. Ayurvedic Herbal Remedies
You can rely on any of the following Pitta controlling herbal packs based on your skin type to reduce rashes that appear after waxing. These herbs have natural anti-inflammatory and cooling properties that are effective in controlling the post-waxing rashes.
A. Kumari (Aloe Vera)
It can be used on any skin type. Mix a spoonful of honey with two spoons of freshly extracted aloe vera gel [4]. Apply it on the rash and wash it off after half an hour.
B. Haridra (Turmeric)
It can be used on any skin type. Prepare a pack by mixing one spoon of honey, yogurt, and ¼ spoon of turmeric. Apply it over the affected area and leave it for 15 minutes. Later, wash it off using warm water.
C. Brahmi (Bacopa Monnieri)
It can be used by people with Pitta-Vata skin type. Rub warm brahmi oil on the affected area for 5 minutes. Leave it for half an hour before washing your skin with an aloe-vera-based cleanser.
D. Chandana (Sandalwood)
It can be used by people with Pitta-Kapha skin type. Mix Multani mitti and sandalwood powder in equal amounts. Add sufficient amounts of water to it to make a fine paste. Apply the paste on the affected area and wash it off after half an hour.
E. Amalaki (Indian Gooseberry)
Amalaki is suitable for all skin types. Add a spoon of honey and 2 spoons of yogurt to a spoon of amla powder. Mix well to make a fine paste and apply it on your skin. Leave it for 15 minutes and then rinse it off using cool water.
3. Essential Oils
A. Lavender Oil
Add 10-15 drops of lavender oil to 100 ml of calendula oil. Massage the affected area with this oil for a few minutes.
B. Peppermint Oil
Add 20 drops of peppermint oil to 100 gm of an alcohol-free aloe vera gel. Mix well and apply it on the affected area to get quick relief.
C. Geranium Oil
Add 20 drops of geranium oil to 100 ml of sweet almond oil. Apply this oil on the affected area every day.
D. Tea Tree Oil
Add 10 drops of tea tree oil to a cup of coconut oil. Apply it on your skin only if the irritation or rash appears after a week of waxing.
Vedix Tip: Always do a patch test before using any essential oil on your skin. You can continue to use the remedy only if you don’t have any irritation until 48 hours after applying it.
4. Home Remedies
A. Sugar Scrub
Mix half cup of sugar and half cup of coconut oil. Exfoliate your skin with this sugar scrub using circular motions twice a week between your waxing sessions.
B. Witch Hazel
Apply witch hazel extract on the affected areas on your skin using a cotton pad. Repeat doing this thrice a day.
C. Apple Cider Vinegar
Mix apple cider vinegar and water in equal amounts. Apply this solution on the rashes using a cotton ball. Repeat doing this thrice a day until they disappear.
5. Other Skin Creams & Gels
- You can apply hypoallergenic creams containing cortisones [5] to control the rashes that appear after waxing.
- You can also use aloe vera-based gels to reduce irritation and swelling on the waxed skin.
How To Prevent Rashes After Waxing?
Dos
1. Ensure you apply ice cubes on your skin before and after waxing. This reduces the chances of developing rashes.
2. Make a habit of exfoliating your skin twice or thrice a week. This prevents the build-up of dead skin and other dust particles on your skin, thus preventing rashes post-waxing.
3. Always maintain regularity in your waxing schedule (typically once every 4-6 weeks). Delaying your waxing appointment leads to more hair growth, which may cause more pain and irritation during waxing.
4. Prefer wearing loose-fitting clothes for at least a week after waxing.
Don’ts
1. Never pick at the rashes that develop after waxing. This may lead to further skin damage and may result in irritation and infection.
2. Avoid using retinol-based skincare products [6] at least a week before your waxing appointment.
3. Avoid wearing make-up or using cosmetics on your skin for the whole day before and after waxing. This lets your skin pores breathe.
4. Never use other hair removal procedures such as using razors in between your waxing appointments. This may result in thicker hair growth that causes more irritation and inflammation when you do waxing.
5. Avoid waxing when you are on or close to your menstruation time as your skin becomes more sensitive and tender during this period due to increased Pitta dosha.
6. Avoid any skin product or perfume that contains skin irritants.
7. Avoid physical exercise for at least 24 hours post waxing.
8. Avoid exposing your skin to the sun for at least 24 hours after waxing.
How Long Does Post-Waxing Rashes Last?
Typically, you may notice the post-waxing rashes subsiding within 2-3 days. “However, if you notice any pus formation or ingrown hair infection persisting even after a week post your waxing session, then consult your dermatologist,” says Dr. Zeel.
Important Note:
Please consult your doctor before applying any of the remedies mentioned above to deal with a post-waxing rash on your skin.
The Last Word
Post-waxing rashes are one of the most common skin issues among people, irrespective of the waxing procedures they use. But, the best part is that you have a plethora of natural Ayurvedic solutions as mentioned in this article to deal with them effectively. All you need to do is to allocate some time for your skincare after waxing depending on your aggravated doshas.
At Vedix, we customize an Ayurvedic skincare regimen that targets your unique skin problems by analyzing your doshas.
Know Your Dosha Now
Last medically reviewed on May, 6, 2021.
