Pre and Post Waxing Care
Knowing the most effective waxing skincare tips (before and after) will mean the difference between pain and comfort, and smooth skin and why-did-I-even-bother results. With just a few adjustments, you can take (most) of the discomfort out of waxing and bare all with no worries about irritated skin, unwanted hair growth, and unsightly bumps. Take our word for it; whether you’re waxing your face, body, or those hard to reach areas, waxing is no place to learn do’s and don’ts through trial and error.
Before Waxing Skincare Tips
DO clean skin thoroughly before waxing. Wax sticks clean skin easier and cut down on the threat of breakouts.
DON’T wax if you’ve been using prescription acne medications or have a sunburn.
DO let hair grow before waxing. The ideal length is ¼ to ½” long. Any shorter and the wax won’t be able to adhere properly; any longer and removing it will be extremely painful.
DON’T wax the week before or after your period. Your skin will be ultra-sensitive and waxing will be that much more painful thanks to your raging hormones.
DO use an over-the-counter numbing cream 30 minutes before waxing to minimize the discomfort.
DON’T use a moisturizer right before or right after waxing.
DO get a good night’s sleep the night before waxing and stay away from the double espresso the morning of your waxing treatment to keep any pain at a minimum.
DON’T forget to prep skin with powder or oil before applying wax. Depending on the type of wax you’re using – Strip wax or Hard wax – prepping the skin will prevent the wax from sticking, absorb excess moisture, and may also cut down on the pain when you pull the wax off.
DO pop an ibuprofen 30-to-60 minutes before you wax if you have a low pain threshold and know you won’t be able to handle any discomfort.
After Waxing Skincare Tips
DO give your skin a rest after waxing. Keep away from direct heat including the sun, hot water and working up a sweat at the gym for at least 24 hours.
DON’T shave when your hair starts growing back in. Maintain a 2-to-6 week waxing-only schedule for an (almost) painless experience with great looking results.
DO use a after-wax lotion to soothe newly vulnerable skin.
DON’T try and scrub away wax residue with soap and a washcloth. Use products made specifically for wax removal and after-wax care to remove spots of leftover wax and hydrate skin.
DO admire your smooth skin from a distance. Touching skin immediately after waxing leaves you vulnerable to infection from the bacteria on your hands.
DON’T be afraid to use an ice pack or even a bag of frozen vegetables on skin that feels inflamed or red.
DO use a mineral-based cover-up to hide the tell-tale redness of just-waxed skin.
