Waxing is a great way to remove facial hair. All you need is to tell your waxer what you want, sit back, close your eyes, relax, and let them do their job. It’s an easy and fairly mindless experience that gives you a flawless finish. However, it can be a slightly painful experience. You rip off your hair from the roots leaving your skin a bit irritated. Since waxing involves pulling your hair from the roots, you need to make sure that your skin is ready for it. Most clients don’t know that their skincare routine can actually affect their waxing session.

One rule you must follow is you don’t use retinoids on the area you are about to wax. Retinoids decrease the thickness of the stratum corneum, which is the outermost layer of the skin. When you use retinoids in the area you are waxing, it will strip off the epidermis and result in abrasion, which can lead to scarring. 

It is mandatory that you stop using retinoids a few weeks before your waxing appointment. If you are receiving in-office treatments like microdermabrasion or acid peels, you should also let your aesthetician know. However, if you were late in reading our advice and your skin got ripped off, don’t panic because there is a solution to it. 

In this article, we’re going to talk about ways to avoid scarring after a waxing session. 

Tip #1: Protect the infected area

After your waxing appointment, wash the area with water and get Neosporin. Then, apply a thin layer of antibiotic on the wound to protect it from natural elements that may irritate it. Also, apply the antibiotic during the morning before you go outside and at night before going to bed. If you wear sunscreen, it is good too. 

You can even use Supergoop’s Superscreen Daily Moisturizer, which offers hydration and protection without the chalky white texture of other sunscreens. Some experts recommend using Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser on the wound and applying an antibacterial cream (bacitracin or mupirocin), oral NSAIDs for pain, which is a topical barrier like Aquaphor.

However, don’t use any scented products because they can irritate the skin. Always use sunscreen because it can prevent inflammation and discoloration. Aside from the sunscreen, you can use a moisturizing salve like Vaseline Petrolatum or Cerave Healing Ointment. 

Tip #2: Keep the skin moisturized

It is essential to keep the skin moisturized because it aids new skin from starting out. Use Bio-Oil to avoid scarring or Avéne Thermal Spring Water. If you don’t want heavy moisturizers, a facial mist will suffice. Just remember to keep a small bottle of moisturizer or mist in your bag daily so that you can spritz on a few to keep your skin hydrated throughout the day. 

Tip #3: Don’t use makeup

Avoid using makeup because it will only aggravate the problem area. Makeup can cause infection or inflammation. The makeup tools and brushes can also harbor bacteria that can infect the area. For this reason, you should only use makeup when the skin is healed. Despite the need to cover it, you must think about your long-term goal of treating it.

Conclusion

Facial waxing is a great way to remove the hair from the roots, and it will grow back thinner than before. But before your appointment, you need to avoid any chemical peels or retinoids. If you ever experienced any burns from waxing, you can use the tips we’ve mentioned above to help you avoid scarring. 

If you are used to waxing your own hair, you can always purchase a beaded wax. Here at Simmply Esthetics, we are dedicated to providing the highest quality luxury wax, wellness, and skincare products for professional use. We also have wax beads that you can grab your hands on. Check our website today to place your order!