Waxing is a fast and convenient way to remove hairs from areas like the torso, back, bikini line, arms, and legs.
Just heat the wax, spread it on your skin, let it harden, and then rip it off with all your might!
Waxing will make your skin as smooth as a dolphin, but it can also make it as red as a ripe tomato.
Irritation is a common side effect of this hair removal treatment, and it can make you itchy and achy.
Fortunately, there are a few ways you can fight redness and rashes post-wax.
Here are four tips for soothing your skin after subjecting it to all that yanking.
Wear Loose Clothes
The immediate post-wax period is not the time to sport your skinny jeans.
Tight clothes constrict and squeeze your skin, causing red marks, itching, and chafing that further irritates your already sensitive skin.
Let your skin breathe! Wear loose, comfy clothes such as T-shirts, sweatshirts, sweatpants, and pajamas.
Apply a Compress
Placing a cool compress on your skin for up to 20 minutes can help soothe your skin. If you suspect that part of the reason for your irritation is from grown hairs coming in, use a warm compress instead to draw them out.
You can purchase compresses from your local drugstore or make your own. If you’re going the DIY route, use a plastic bag and ice to create a cold compress, or soak a towel in warm water for a hot compress.
Use your compress whenever the pain is bad and you need relief. If they start to lose their potency, you can freeze your cold compresses or re-dunk your hot ones to restore them to their original temperatures.
Avoid Harsh Products
You’d think that your irritated skin would enjoy getting slathered in cold, soothing lotion. But no—no, it won’t.
Post-wax pores are especially sensitive, and using heavy, fragranced products can clog them, resulting in breakouts, bumps, and additional redness.
If the urge to moisturize is strong, opt for thinner, natural products that help with irritation, such as aloe vera or witch hazel.
Leave the Skin Alone
When your skin is red, bumpy, and itchy, the urge to pick at it can be irresistible. But doing so can make your irritation worse, and if you pop a bump or accidentally scratch yourself, bacteria can enter the wound and cause an infection.
These tips for treating skin irritation after waxing can help waxed skin heal.
While it’s normal to experience some level of irritation after waxing, if your skin is especially inflamed, you could have ultra-sensitive skin or be allergic to the products you use.
The next time you get waxed, ask about the differences between hard and soft wax.
Hard wax is better for sensitive skin as it cuts down on discomfort, so that may be the best option for you. It all depends on what works for you and your skin.
