While waxing doesn’t directly cause pimples, some people suffer from developing pimples after waxing. There are a variety of reasons why this may happen to you, and thankfully, you won’t have to give up waxing to stop breakouts! From preparation to aftercare and all the necessary steps in between, follow these guidelines to never deal with pimples after your waxing session ever again.
Proper waxing prep to prevent pimples after waxing
The first step to take to ensure that you don’t deal with pimples after your waxing session is to prepare well. There are several things you should do to not only lessen breakouts, but also to make your wax more efficient and reduce potential irritation and pain. If you go to a professional esthetician, they’ll already know about these steps.
Exfoliate before your wax
A day or two before you plan on waxing, or before your appointment, you should exfoliate the area of your body you want to wax. The timing is essential, and you shouldn’t exfoliate the day of your waxing appointment. Any method of exfoliation is okay, as long as it works well and doesn’t irritate your skin. By removing the dead skin cells and opening up your pores, you’ll lessen the chance of breakouts, too!
Use a cleanser
Pimples and breakouts are caused by bacteria entering your open pores. After a waxing session, the pores of your skin are fresh and exposed, so you want to keep it as clean and bacteria-free as possible! Estheticians and waxing studios regularly make use of pre-wax cleansers to prepare your skin for a wax. These cleansers and lotions sterilize and prepare the skin for better adherence to waxing formulations and fantastic results.
Make sure your space is clean
Another simple, but overlooked step is to make sure wherever your wax is performed is clean and safe. Estheticians sterilize their workspaces and chairs in between every single client.
If you’re waxing at home, be sure to thoroughly clean the space where you plan to perform your wax. Bathrooms are a bad idea!
Important things to remember during the wax
So you’ve taken the proper steps to prepare, but do you need to know during the wax? Rookie mistakes can lead to breakouts that are easily avoidable.
No double dipping
The cardinal rule of waxing that all estheticians and establishments know: never double dip your wax sticks or spatulas! Even with a cleanser, bacteria is everywhere on your skin. Double dipping is a surefire way to cause pimples and breakouts, and at worst, infection after your wax. If you ever catch your esthetician doing this, you need to find a new place to go for a wax.
Do you have any skin allergies?
All wax formulations are a little bit different from one another. For those who have any allergies or skin sensitivities to certain ingredients, make sure you double check what’s in your wax. When going to a professional, let them know beforehand. Hypoallergenic wax exists for people who have sensitivities to some natural ingredients.
Never wax open wounds or current breakouts
If you have any cuts, pimples, or breakouts on the area you want to wax, it’s best to wait until your skin heals or clears up. Additionally, if you’re using retinol or other prescription exfoliants, or topical antibiotics, your esthetician will ask you to stop treatment up to a week before your appointment. These products thin and weaken skin, and interfere with the waxing process.
Post-wax care to stop breakouts
Lastly, follow great post-wax care instructions to keep your skin healthy and clean. While your pores are open and your skin is slightly red and sensitized, you want to take the best possible care of your skin.
Things to avoid right after your wax
Professionals recommend that you avoid several activities right after your waxing appointment. Generally, it includes anything that may further irritate your skin. These are things such as working out, wearing tight clothing, swimming and sun exposure, using any fragrant products, or tanning for at least 24 to 48 hours after your wax.
Use the right products
A day after a wax, you should exfoliate as long as your skin has mostly returned to normal. Exfoliating helps to keep your pores nice and clear, and prevents potential pimples. Using an ingrown hair serum along with exfoliating will help stop ingrown hairs and bumps from appearing, too!
Go to a professional esthetician
To ensure that you’re getting the best possible results from your waxing, you should go to an experienced, licensed esthetician. With expert advice and reliable, welcoming customer service, you should never have to worry about pimples after waxing. Booking regular, monthly appointments also minimizes the chances of experiencing side effects, as your hair and skin will be used to the process.
For estheticians seeking hypoallergenic, effective waxing supplies, browse the inventory of Bare Beauty Wax Supply! We offer high-quality, cost-efficient waxing brands for all of your company’s needs.