How to Prepare for Waxing Services
Let’s talk about how to ensure your skin is in the best possible condition for a waxing service! Since this process can be a daunting one already, we are going to dispel at least half of this mystery. Knowing how to prepare for this will take your results up a notch.
Products to avoid before waxing
Firstly, ensure the area has not been treated with any retinols or exfoliation in the past 72 hours. Any time within this period would increase the risk of skin lifting during the waxing service. Some estheticians would like for there to be at least one full week of discontinued use of certain ingredients before the waxing service in order to prevent any adverse reaction. This advice can be due to the products depth of penetration into the skin as well as the processing time the skin needs to recover from the use of these ingredients.
There are oral and topical products that can cause contraindications for waxing due to the effects on skin or potential interactions with the waxing process. Here are some common products to avoid before waxing:
Topical Retinoids: Products containing retinoids, such as Retin-A, Differin, or Tazorac, can thin the skin and make it more sensitive. Waxing while using these products can lead to increased risk of skin irritation, redness, or even tearing of the skin.
Oral Retinoids: Oral medications like isotretinoin (Accutane) can also thin the skin and increase sensitivity. Waxing while taking these medications can cause severe skin irritation, bruising, or tearing.
Topical Steroids**: Corticosteroid creams or ointments used to treat skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis can weaken the skin's integrity and make it more susceptible to damage during waxing.
Exfoliating Agents**: Products containing alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), or other chemical exfoliants can increase skin sensitivity and make it more prone to irritation or damage during waxing.
Benzoyl Peroxide**: Topical acne treatments containing benzoyl peroxide can irritate the skin and make it more sensitive to waxing. It's recommended to discontinue use of benzoyl peroxide at least a week before waxing.
Salicylic Acid**: Similar to benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid can increase skin sensitivity and should be discontinued prior to waxing.
Oral Blood Thinners**: Medications such as aspirin, warfarin, or clopidogrel can increase the risk of bleeding during waxing. It's essential to inform your waxing technician if you are taking any blood-thinning medications.
Oral Antibiotics**: Some antibiotics can make the skin more sensitive to waxing or increase the risk of skin irritation. It's advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before waxing while taking antibiotics.
Topical Antibiotics**: Certain topical antibiotics may increase skin sensitivity and should be used with caution before waxing.
Honorable Mention goes to Alcohol : These substances are also known to thin the blood & will not relieve the sensation of waxing.
It's crucial to communicate openly with your waxing technician about any medications or topical products you are using to ensure your safety and minimize the risk of adverse reactions during waxing.
If you are not sure of a specific product possibly causing contraindications for waxing, consult with a healthcare professional or a dermatologist.
Condition of the skin before waxing
Secondly, if there are any cuts, abrasions or open lesions this may alter the waxing service or prevent it all together. Skin in a state of healing will not produce great waxing results. This may cause the professional to avoid the area or reschedule the service all together.
Thirdly, any current outbreaks or sensitivity in the area. Issues such as rashes, flareups from preexisting conditions & general redness, flaking or irritation on the skin are the main things your wax technician will be avoidng to ensure a safe waxing experience. Their presence may be a cause to discontinue or reschedule the waxing treatment.
Fourthly, waxing causes blood cells to surface via the temperature of the wax itself as well as the trauma of hair removal. In the case that too much blood sufaces in an area with thinner skin, bruising may occur. While this side effect of waxing may be remedied, it’s best to avoid all together.
The Perfect Pre-Waxing Skin
Fifthly, there are some chemistry components to waxing of course. The best pre waxing skin, & hair in fact, have been maintained during the month. This means that you have been exfoliating, hydrating & moisturizing the area to be waxed. Extra hydration on the skin in the days before the waxing treatment will allow for the wax (hard wax) to adhere only to the hairs & not the skin.
Now for THE STEP NO ONE CAN SKIP! SANITATION, OF COURSE! This step assists with reducing irritation or infection post waxing. This is the step that any wax technician will tell you is your most important as well. This happens just before hitting the treatment room no matter where you are coming from. Use soap & water or an antibacterial wipe in the area to be waxed. DO NOT rely on the in treatment cleansing for the sanitation of the waxed area as this is used only to remove any excess oils or debris & is not a full form of sanitation of the area
How many is this now? No matter, if you have recently received a esthetic treatment, to include chemical peels, microneedling or microdermabrasion, consult with the esthetician performing your waxing service & follow their recommendations.
Happy Waxing!
No matter where you are being waxed you should develop these simple product usage habits and sanitary practices to prepare for the treatment. These pre-waxing steps will ensure you receive the best possible waxing results. For an extra 10% off just for reading this & being better informed, use the promo code WAX10 at checkout!
