Waxing is a quick and effective way to get rid of unwanted hair. The results last longer than shaving, and your skin feels smooth and supple after the process.
However, there’s an important aspect of waxing that some people overlook – post-waxing care.
While you may be fine if you don’t do anything, this isn’t always the case. If you want to ensure your skin looks and feels great for as long as possible, use the post-waxing tips found here.
1. Use a Post-Depilatory
After the soft hair removal wax process, you should apply a post-depilatory lotion. In fact, this is the top post-waxing care tip.
Most waxing businesses will have this product readily available.
A post-depilatory has several functions. It helps to:
- Remove leftover waxy residue
- Prevent red bumps
- Soothe your skin
- Prevent ingrown hairs
The best post-depilatories will also help slow down hair regrowth, extending the amount of time between sessions.
2. Avoid the Sun
The initial 48 hours after your waxing appointment, your delicate skin will be more vulnerable. While you may want to put on a bikini or shorts and hit the beach, it’s good to wait.
The UV rays can cause permanent sun damage and even hyperpigmentation. It’s best to wait at least two days before exposing your waxed skin to the sun.
3. Use Milk
You can help reduce waxing-caused redness by soaking a paper towel in a half skim milk half cold-water mixture and leaving it on your skin. Do this for 10 minutes at a time and repeat every few hours.
The lactic acid in the milk helps to calm your skin. You can also treat the area with a specially made moisturizing salve or a hydrocortisone cream.
4. Wear Loose Clothing and Natural Fabrics
Right after your waxing session, make sure you are wearing loose clothing. If you had a Brazilian or bikini wax, wear a clear pair of comfortable underwear.
This will help you avoid friction and sweat in the waxed area, which can increase the possibility of an infection or irritation.
You should also choose natural fibers, such as cotton. This is gentler on your skin than synthetics like polyester and spandex. These won’t let your skin breathe well.
5. Avoid Swimming
This includes pools, large bodies of water like a river, lake, ocean, or any other water that may contain bacteria. Be sure to avoid public water, like the public pool, for at least a few days after a waxing appointment.
If you get in a pool or body of water sooner than you should, it increases the possibility of an infection. No one wants to deal with this.
6. Prevent Ingrown Hairs
Most people want to avoid ingrown hairs and bumps. To do this, apply a cold pack to the area that was waxed right after the service. This will help close the pores and block any bacteria from getting into your skin.
You should also clean the waxed area using a two percent salicylic acid product or an antiacne pad.
7. Exfoliate and Moisturize Properly
Two to three days after your waxing appointment is the right time to exfoliate your skin. The pores in the treated area will have closed, and your skin will be fully recovered.
Moisturize from a day or two after your waxing appointment. This will help you avoid clogging your pores or exposing your skin to fragrances and chemicals.
8. Avoid Over-Exfoliating
Waxing will remove the upper layer of dead skin with the hair. Because of this, any type of excess scrubbing is going to cause skin damage.
After the initial few days, make sure to remove the dead skin cells using an exfoliating serum or light scrub. As mentioned above, this is going to prevent any type of ingrown hairs from occurring.
9. Avoid Touching Newly Waxed Skin
The natural oils in your skin may clog your pores. The bacteria that are present on your skin may increase the possibility of an infection, too.
Because of this, you should avoid any temptation to touch or scratch freshly waxed areas. This will help you prevent bumps or other types of undesirable reactions.
10. Avoid Hot Yoga and the Sauna
Steam is going to cause your pores to open. This helps hair grow. If you engage in hot yoga or go to the sauna, it can result in premature stubble.
Some people even think their wax service was not done properly if this happens. Also, bacteria live in wet, warm places. You need to work to keep your freshly waxed area as clean as you can.
This is also why it is best to take a break from hot yoga for a while. The last thing you want is to minimize the quality results that your waxing session will provide.
Post-Waxing Care Tips
If you want to ensure your waxed skin remains smooth and comfortable as long as possible, then post-waxing care is a must. The tips and information above provide you with a good starting point; however, you should also talk to your esthetician to find out if they recommend any specific type of care.
The right post-care tips will pay off in the long run and help ensure your waxing results last.
Did you find the information above helpful? If so, be sure to take time to read some of the other blogs we have posted on our site. We cover everything from sex and love to health, beauty, lifestyle, and more.