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Leire Cavia / Stocksy
Waxing is undoubtedly one of the most popularhair removal methods.
Read on for their insights.
Leire Cavia / Stocksy
Meet the Experts
Redness and Inflammation
Does waxing have you seeing red?
Post-wax, apply SPF to the treatment area to avoid sun damage.
Pimples
Congratulations!
“While waxing removes hair, it also takes some skin at the surface, leaving your pores exposed.
A pimple will form if the pore becomes infected with bacteria,” says Hayag.
Naturally, due diligence pre- and post-wax, including taking care of basic hygiene, is key.
Before getting a wax, Hayag advises prepping the skin for what’s ahead.
“Preventing [pimples] in the first place is important.
confirm to exfoliate beforehand.
A body wash with an exfoliant likesalicylic acidcan prevent and treat pimples.
Try using a pimple-targeting body wash, such as Neutrogena’sBody Clear Body Wash, before waxing day.
Ingrown Hairs
These painful invaders can pop up after any form of hair removal.
It also occurs more frequently in people with curly hair,” says Hayag.
Then follow up using a post-care serum," explains Sadrolashrafi.
They’re not pimples, and they’re not ingrown hairswhat are they?
How to Treat
According to Gallo, whether the bumps require treatment will depend on their severity.
“You could use cold compresses to soothe your skin afterward.
Applying topical cortisone cream is a good way to reduce inflammation.
check that that any moisturizers you use afterward don’t have any fragrances in them,” she explains.
Allergic Reaction
Many types of wax are used for hair removal.
Common ingredients include sugar, fruit enzymes, chocolate, honey, etc.
Some even includeessential oilsin their formulas to provide an aromatherapeutic element to the hair removal process.
For minor skin allergies, do a cool compress and apply an anti-itch lotion or over-the-counterhydrocortisoneto reduce discomfort.
Wear loose-fitting clothing with breathable fabrics to reduce irritation.
If the allergy appears more severe, contact your doctor or visit the emergency room immediately.
“[Bruising] can be common for sensitive skin.
If you bruised after a DIY waxing session, just be gentler with yourself next time.
If you experience bruising after a professional wax service, don’t return to that technician.
Unfortunately, bruising isn’t easily remedied.
Try a high-CBD cream to help with the pain.
Removed skin can also occur if the same area is waxed more than once,” explains Hayag.
Naturally, this issue tends to happen with at-home waxing more often than with pros.
you might also experience reactions associated with a medical condition.
“Ensure you always tell your therapist what medications and creams you are using.”
“Pain can be because of muscle damage.
“Taking ibuprofen before waxing will reduce inflammation and help alleviate the pain both during and afterward.
Wear loose clothing to prevent more irritation in the area,” says Hayag.
Bleeding
As if the waxing process wasn’t painful enough, sometimes it can cause minor bleeding.
But worry not: Although this side-effect is unpleasant, it isn’t uncommon.
Since the bleeding is follicle-specific, it should stop shortly after it begins.
First, wipe away the blood with a clean cloth.
Then, apply a cold compress to reduce inflammation and irritation.
Or, your skin looks darker, kind of like a sunspot is forming.
If that’s the case, you may have an increase in skin pigmentation.
“This [change in skin color] is calledpost-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
It can be because of the warmth of the wax or the pulling at the hairs.
Sometimes just the irritation of the waxing causes discoloration,” says Gallo.
Your doctor may recommend applying a product with ingredients that tackle hyperpigmentation.
“Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation takes time and patience to treat.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Hair removal: How to wax.
Khanna N, Chandramohan K, Khaitan BK, Singh MK.Post waxing folliculitis: A clinicopathological evaluation.Int J Dermatol.
2014;53(7):849-854. doi:10.1111/ijd.12056
Cleveland Clinic.Pigmentation: Abnormal pigmentation.
Updated March 29, 2016.
