What Do I Need To Know Before Waxing?

7 Things You Need to Know Before You Wax

Getting smooth skin for summer is great. Getting a nasty infection from a sketchy salon? Not so much. 

DO consider an at-home wax kit. 

There is a much lower chance of infection when you wax at home than in a salon. Why? For what? The cleanliness of your hands and the room where you wax can be monitored. Of course, to get the best results you must be confident using the goods. Nonetheless, if you’re up for it, wash your hands before you start — a crucial step because waxing can cause tiny tears in your skin, putting you at risk for infection. It is also a good idea to use alcohol before you start sanitizing the devices that come with the package. Then throw away anything from the kit which is intended to be disposable; this will help prevent bacterial growth.

DON’T forget to research the salon. 

Asking a friend to suggest a salon she trusts when determining which places are legit— or stop by the place to make sure it’s safe. You can also use site feedback such as Yelp to find out if others have had a good experience there. And of course, if you’re in a living room, you can always ask the esthetician to adjust the sheet (or whatever you’re sitting on) and wash his or her hands before you continue. Speaking up rather than causing an infection.

DO avoid exfoliating or drying products before you wax. 

Though people have varying levels of skin sensitivity, products that contain retinol or exfoliate ingredients can render skin even more sensitive than normal — and even vulnerable to burning. But avoid using prescription retinoids, as well as OTC retinol products, some alpha hydroxy acids, and exfoliate products like scrubs for about a week before you wax.

DON’T schedule an appointment the week before or during your period. 

This is when your body is most sensitive to pain. Have your wax schedule within the first two weeks of your cycle.

DO pain-proof your wax. 

When you wax a small area like the bikini area, eyebrows, or arms, try using an anesthetic over the counter to help numb the skin a bit. You may also use an ice, ice bag or cold compress shortly in advance and take a pain reliever such as ibprophen or acetaminophen. Post-wax, consider using an aloe-based cream (which does not contain alcohol), then ice again to reduce the feeling of burning.

DON’T hit the gym immediately post-wax. 

Sweating increases your risk of bacteria spreading to your newly-smooth skin, so you can definitely plan your workout for another day. Even, if you’ve just had a bikini wax (friction can cause irritation and acne), wearing tight clothes like spandex or yoga pants is a no-no. In other words, you have to bust out pretty much the most comfortable pair of sweatpants. 

DO call a doctor if the waxed area still hurts 24 hours later. 

If you notice any redness, bumps, strange odor or feeling a little uncomfortable on the waxed area —make an appointment with your doctor or dermatologist ASAP.