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“It doesn’t hurt at all,” they said.

But that wasn’t my experience.

person with smooth legs

ohlamour studio / Stocksy

Without proper instruction, at-home waxing can lead to unintended side effects or negative results.

I decided to try anat-home waxing kitfor the first time.

So, to the wax kit I went.

amara-beauty-aloe-vera-gel

Imaxtree

The kit contained several pre-made wax strips and oil cleansing cloths.

After a few seconds, I tried to rip off the stripbut alas, it wouldn’t budge.

It was as if I’d super-glued it to my face.

neosporin

In a panic, I decided to give it a good tug.

With that, the strip detached from my face and brought a clump of hair along with it.

It seemed to work, despite the physical and emotional suffering I’d just endured.

clearogen-acne-lotion

I finished the process by wiping off the remaining waxy residue with the oil towelettes and rinsing the area.

Then, I was on my merry, fuzz-free way.

The next morning, however, was a different story.

benadryl

I looked into the mirror and gasped.

Myentireupper lip area had breakouts.What did I do?I thought.

I washed my face, applied some concealer, and turned to Google.

Asian woman with a clear complexion and full brows

Imaxtree

But even so, why were they provided in this kit?

Cleansing skin after waxing is essential to remove any bacteria left from the removal of hair follicles.

After cleansing, an oil may help to soothe and rehydrate the area in question.

Byrdie Tip

Always read the ingredient label to ensure that none listed will cause you irritation post-wax.

This will effectively help calm irritated skin," Feklova says.

She says to opt for a mild antiseptic, like Neosporin, oraloe vera gelif you have sensitive skin.

As previously noted, some oils don’t clog pores or lead to breakouts.

Applying tea tree oil, an essential oil with antiseptic properties, post-wax may also keep breakouts away.

A non-drying version can regulate oil production and kill acne-causing bacteria while moisturizing.

Of course, such treatment can likely be avoided by opting for oil alternatives immediately after waxing.

What’s the difference between hives and breakouts?

We loveParissa Face & Lip Wax StripsandBliss Poetic Waxing Kit.