A GUIDE TO AFTER WAXING CARE

16 Feb, 2022 posted by Laudee

Most of you probably know the importance of preparing your skin before your next waxing appointment. Diligent skin prep allows the waxing to yield better, longer-lasting results and makes the entire experience more comfortable and a little less painful for you.

Measure like moisturizing your skin regularly and exfoliating a day or two before the waxing session prevents ingrown hair. Similarly, showering on the appointment day makes the hair follicle softer, making it easier to remove them. Finally, refraining from applying any product, such as lotions or moisturizers, on the day of the waxing gives the wax a better chance of adhering to the skin.

However, post-waxing care is equally imperative as pre-waxing prep to save your skin from the unwanted side effects of the treatment.

Waxing removes the uppermost skin layer of dry, dead cells, along with the hair, leaving your pores open and your skin in a sensitive state. As a result, it becomes more susceptible to bacterial infection, unsightly pimples, ingrown hair, rashes, and scarring.

Therefore, you need a proactive plan to soothe your skin and help it continue to look and feel amazing for a long time. Here are a few tips for adopting during the days after waxing:

Apply cold compress

If you have very sensitive skin, cold compresses can help calm the skin and reduce the redness that often occurs after waxing. Cold compresses are also great at preventing swelling, irritation, inflammation, and the appearance of tiny red bumps. You can also apply an ice pack to the waxed area if you can bear the sensation directly on the skin.

Wear loose, non-abrasive clothes

Head over to your appointment wearing loose clothing that is non-abrasive on the skin. You do not want to wear a fitting top and bottom immediately after waxing, as the fabric can rub against the sensitive skin, causing irritation and raw spots. Moreover, form-fitting clothes in warm weather increase your chances of sweating, which can further aggravate the rashes and redness. Thus, opt for maxi dresses, skirts, loose pants, etc., made with soft, breathable cotton in the days following the depletion.

Stay away from the sun

As discussed above, skin is most vulnerable for up to 24 hours after waxing since the follicles need to close and heal. Thus, avoid exposing your waxed areas directly to the sun as the heat can cause scarring and burns on the tender skin. Moreover, skin is more prone to hyperpigmentation immediately after waxing. The ultraviolet rays from the sun can trigger the stimulation of pigment in the skin that rises to the surface to form a protective barrier. Consequently, the skin develops dark spots and a blotchy appearance.

In addition, avoid applying sunblock with a high SPF 12 to 24 hours after waxing. The chemicals in the sunscreen can aggravate the newly waxed skin. If you have to go out, choose a lightweight sun-protection cream. However, it is better to avoid the sun, especially in the afternoon, for maximum protection.

Avoid showering immediately afterward

After waxing, the esthetician usually applies a post-depilation lotion to eliminate wax residue, soothe the skin, and clean the area. Therefore, wait a couple of hours before you hop into the shower, and use lukewarm water and a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser. The slight warmth of the water will help stabilize your skin’s sensitivity. Let the water run off the waxed area to remove the suds instead of rubbing the skin, and use a soft clean towel to dab away the moisture instead of scrubbing after showering.

Avoid swimming pools, beaches, saunas, and workouts

All of these increase your risk of getting an infection by manifolds. Chlorine in pools and salty seawater can be harsh and cause even more bumps on your skin. The prevalence of bacteria in swimming pools can also result in an infection in your open pores.

Since the skin is susceptible to invading bacteria, and bacterial growth thrives in a warm, humid environment, it is best to avoid heat and sweat soon after waxing. In addition, vigorous workouts can cause excessive sweating and friction between the skin and fabric and different body parts. If you have to exercise, keep it light and wear appropriate clothes.

All of the factors mentioned above are a recipe for extreme skin irritation and rash development. Thus, it allows your pores ample time to heal and close before you resume these activities.

Moisturize the skin

Waxing may strip the skin of its natural oils. Therefore, along with regular waxing appointments, you also need a dedicated moisturizing routine to keep it smooth, supple and nourished. During the first few days, choose a gentle, fragrance-free topical moisturizer with specific ingredients to battle the post-waxing skin woes.  Look for creams infused with chamomile oil and aloe vera gel, which has anti-inflammatory properties and calms the skin simultaneously. You can also use lotion-based products packed with vitamin C, jojoba oil, and pro-vitamin B5.

If you experience excessive itching, irritation, and inflammation, use antiseptic or hydrocortisone creams. However, always consult a physician before using these products.

Exfoliate after a few days

It is safe to exfoliate your skin a couple of days after waxing once your pores have healed and closed. Opt for mild exfoliating products that are not harsh against the skin and will not damage the skin’s protective barrier. Opt for products free of mineral oils that can clog pores, resulting in a breakout. Chamomile, sea kelp, vitamin E, and aloe are excellent ingredients for soothing and calming the skin. You can also use a body scrub, which contains salicylic acid for exfoliation. Salicylic acid helps curb the redness and swelling, as well as decreases the number of pimples, and speeds up healing.

Once you begin exfoliation after waxing, you should also take measures to prevent painful ingrown hair. Products like PFB Vanish have both moisturizing and exfoliating ingredients that help prevent ingrown hair and bumps.  AHAs and both lactic and glycolic acids are also great for keeping ingrown hair away.

Wrapping up

Waxing helps get rid of unwanted hair while making your skin feel soft and smooth. However, if you want your skin to appear healthy and glowing for a long time after waxing, you need to take meticulous care of yourself. Simple measures allow your skin to restore and heal, so it does not suffer from the occasional side-effects of waxing, such as redness, inflammation, or blotchy appearance.