From Woes to Wows: How to Prevent Breakouts After Waxing

If you're tired of dealing with those pesky red bumps after waxing, rest assured that you're not alone in that struggle (not much of a comfort, we know!). But, if your skin leans toward a more sensitive side, even just a little bit, it's bound to break out each time you wax, as it's, let's admit, not the gentlest procedure.

And trust, many of us have experienced the frustration of smooth skin followed by red, inflamed pimples. But what causes these breakouts, and how can you prevent them?

In today's article, we'll explore the common causes of breakouts after waxing and share some tips on how to prevent them, so you can enjoy hair-free and smooth, clear skin.

So Why Do I Always Break Out After Waxing?

Breakouts can occur in any area of the skin that has been waxed, but there are certain areas that are especially not fond of it, such as the face (the upper lip, chin, and eyebrow area) and the sensitive bikini line. And these post-waxing breakouts, which sometimes form the very day of the waxing, happen due to several reasons:

• If your skin is easily sensitized and sensitive, it'll be more irritated by waxing.
• When hair is removed, the open follicles can trap bacteria, causing inflammation and, eventually, breakouts.
• If the hair isn't removed completely with the hair bulb while waxing but is instead ripped, it'll curl underneath the skin and grow back into the skin instead of out of it. This will initially cause red bumps that often turn into pimples.
• Sometimes, the wax itself may be the root problem, as your skin might not like its ingredients. So, combine it with the aggressive tugs while waxing, and you're bound to face irritated skin and breakouts.
• Failing to take proper care of your skin before and after waxing can also contribute to breakouts. For example, touching the waxed area with dirty hands can cause infection and breakouts. Also, applying heavy, pore-clogging lotions or creams after waxing will result in breakouts.

How to Get Rid of Breakouts After Waxing

So, if, for whatever reason (or combination of reasons), you're dealing with breakouts after waxing, don't worry – there are steps you can take to prevent and treat them:

#1: Keep Your Skin Clean

If you consistently break out after hair removal treatment, the No 1. skincare advice is to keep your skin as clean as possible before, during, and after waxing. This means you should avoid touching the waxed area or showering freshly waxed skin for at least 24 hours. This will give your skin time to heal and reduce the risk of bacterial infection. Instead, take a shower or bath before waxing to clean your skin thoroughly and remove any bacteria, dirt, or oils that may be present.

#2: Exfoliate Regularly

No matter your skin type, regular exfoliation may be helpful in preventing breakouts after waxing and in general. This is because exfoliation removes dead skin cells from your skin's surface, clearing out the pores and preventing the bacteria and dirt from collecting in them. However, be careful not to over-exfoliate, as this can irritate your skin and make breakouts worse. So, once or twice a week, use a gentle body scrub or skincare with a low percentage of AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids).

#3: Apply a Cold Compress

If you notice skin redness right after waxing, apply a cold compress to the affected area to soothe it. You can use a cold pack or wrap some ice cubes in a clean towel and press it against your skin for a few minutes.

#4: Use Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is known for its healing and soothing properties, making it an excellent natural remedy for breakouts after waxing. Apply aloe vera gel, freshly extracted from the plant or store-bought, to the waxed area to reduce inflammation and promote healing. Aloe vera can also be helpful with ingrown hairs as it's a mild exfoliant, unclogging pores and allowing the hairs to grow out.

#5: Avoid Tight Clothing

After waxing, avoid wearing tight-fitting clothing, like leggings or slim-fit jeans, as these will rub against your skin and cause irritation. Besides, tight clothes can also trap sweat and bacteria on your skin, leading to breakouts. Instead, choose loose-fitting cotton clothing that allows your skin to breathe.

#6: Avoid Saunas and Swimming Pools

Since your skin may be more vulnerable to irritation right after waxing, it's essential to avoid certain activities that can further irritate the skin.

Excessive sweating in saunas can aggravate your already irritated skin and cause inflammation. The steam and heat in saunas can also open up your pores, making your skin more susceptible to bacterial infection, which can cause breakouts. Therefore, it would be best to wait at least 24-48 hours, or until breakouts subside, before using a sauna.

Also, no matter how tempting, try to avoid swimming pools for at least 24-48 hours after waxing. This is because most swimming pools are treated with chlorine, a chemical that can irritate the skin, especially if it's freshly waxed.

#7: Try Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic that cleans the skin, kills acne-causing bacteria, and reduces inflammation. So, apply a few drops of tea tree oil to a cotton ball and spot-treat post-wax bumps. After 24 hours have passed, you can treat yourself to a soothing oatmeal bath mixed with a few drops of tea tree oil to speed up the healing process.

#8: Be Gentle With Your Skin

When you're dealing with breakouts after waxing, it's crucial to treat your skin with care and avoid applying products that can be irritating, like retinol. Also, avoid using harsh soaps, sulfates, or scrubs with crushed walnut shells that can damage your skin's natural moisture barrier and worsen breakouts. Instead, use gentle cleansers and light moisturizers that are specifically designed for sensitive skin.

Takeaway...

Although breakouts after waxing are very common, it doesn't make them any less frustrating. Besides, if you don't address the issue on time, these can be pretty persistent and even leave scars. So, try taking good care of your skin before and after waxing, and avoid anything that may irritate it and make the inflammation worse.

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