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If you’ve fallen victim to irritated skin after waxing, don’t worry.
Meet the Experts
What Causes Redness and Irritation?
Stocksy
Usually, you’ll see it pop up right after the waxing, particularly if you’re sensitive.
No worries, though, because it generally subsides over the course of the day.
There are ways to relieve it faster than just waiting it out, though.
How to Prevent Irritation
But before we talk about relief, we have to talk about prevention.
Your skin shouldn’t be red and irritated for more than a few minutes.
Typically, waxes are made of resin, but that’s not always the case.
Plenty are also made of artificial colors, fragrances, and ingredients.
“Having sensitive oreczema-prone skinat baseline can make you more susceptible to irritation after waxing,” explains Penzi.
Some patients also have a true allergic reaction to the wax itself."
you’ve got the option to also ask them about the products they use.
Byrdie Tip
“Before waxing, consider washing with asalicylic acidcleaner,” suggests Camp.
What Should I Avoid Before Waxing?
Also, confirm that you useSPFregularly afterward," advises Shokeen.
If the wax requires heating, be sure it is not too hot to avoid a burn.
Be sure to apply a soothing gel or lotion afterward to avoid irritation.
These will act as a buffer, so the wax adheres more to the hair and not the skin.
It lessens the amount of redness and also conveniently prevents skin from being torn off in the process.
Use a wax made for sensitive skin; cream-based products often work well.
If your tech doesn’t clean or prep your skin, run for the hills.
These things can make a difference regarding how red or irritated you become.
Brownlee advises against using oils immediately after waxing, which can clog pores and exacerbate irritation.
“Brewed tea bags cooled and placed on the eyes might also help after waxing the brows.
Instead, use a piece of gauze between your skin and whatever frozen product you choose.
Because it’s light on the skin, it allows it to breathe more thanliquid foundationandconcealer.
In some cases, a topical steroid cream, like Cortizone, may help to reduce inflammation.”
After waxing, Camp suggests avoiding the sun for 48 to 72 hours.
“Waxing can make skin more sun-sensitive, meaning you might sunburn faster or more intensely than normal.”
Everyone is different, but experts say some waxes are better than others.
Evans RL, Bates S, Marriott RE, Arnold DS.
The impact of different hairremoval behaviours on the biophysical and biochemical characteristics of female axillary skin.
Int J Cosmet Sci.
2020;42(5):436-443.
