How to Avoid Post-Wax Bumps

It’s common to get pimples after a wax, whether it’s tiny little bumps, whiteheads, or rather large monsters. While waxing itself doesn’t cause breakouts, bacteria that enters the open pores post-wax does. Waxing any part of your body can cause breakouts for a number of reasons: allergies to the wax itself, skin sensitivity, touching the area, or even getting a mild burn. When you get a wax, some of your skin on the surface gets removed, meaning your pores are left exposed. Anything that touches the area during this time, including soothing agents, can cause pimples. 

Luckily, you can minimize and avoid post-wax bumps so that you can have clear and smooth skin!

Here’s how:

1. Prep Properly

One thing you can do to prevent pimples is to get rid of dead skin cells. Simply use a gentle exfoliator—like a washcloth with warm water—prior to waxing to make sure makeup and oil are removed from your face or bikini area or legs. Note: It’s always recommended to leave waxing to a professional for safety and sanitation.

Keeping all areas clean is important as well. If you’re at home, scrub your hands and nails thoroughly with warm water and soap. Then, put on disposable gloves to keep things sanitary. When you make an appointment for a professional wax, it’s important that the esthetician wears gloves (at least on the hand that’s in contact with your skin) to avoid post-wax bumps. If you’re getting a Brazilian, and they ask you to help hold the skin during the service, you can ask for a pair of gloves for yourself.

• Wax Precautions

When it comes to waxing, the most important thing is to not double-dip. Even if it’s your own wax pot, you should only dip the applicator once, then throw it away. Using a fresh stick each time ensures that you don’t introduce any bacteria into the product. and avoid post-wax bumps. If you go to the pros, it’s even more important that the salon or spa practices this precaution. If you notice that the salon is dirty, you should cancel your appointment and find a new spa.

Tip: Using a tea tree-based wax can help prevent pimples, too. Tea tree has antiseptic properties frequently used in acne skin care products. Those prone to breakouts after waxing tend to get fewer pimples if, along with other precautions, you use a wax that contains the essential oil from the native Australian plants (or apply after the appointment at home).

If you’re sensitive to wax, consider putting a thin layer of baby powder over the area about to be waxed. Professional waxers typically will already do this during your appointment. The powder will make it easier for the wax to grab your hairs while simultaneously absorbing excess oil and reducing contact irritation.

• Post-Wax Care

If you’re at home, apply witch hazel with a cotton ball or square. Its antiseptic and soothing properties can help ward off infection. As always, it’s important to not touch the area after waxing. While many people enjoy the smooth hair-free feeling, you’re most susceptible to infection after removing the hair.

We also suggest avoiding using products that have oil in them after a wax. It’s best to moisturize with oil-free products that are all-natural and don’t contain synthetic oils, which can cause post-wax bumps on the compromised skin. Instead, apply a skin-soothing ointment like hydrocortisone, aloe, or witch hazel to the area to calm inflammation and reduce irritation.

After you’ve cleansed at home, you can lightly exfoliate the area again the next day, unless you’re red or tender. Continuing to exfoliate regularly will help ward off pimples and ingrown hair in general. In the next two days, you’ll want to stay away from pedicures if you had a leg wax, including saunas and whirlpools with any type of waxing. If you had body waxing, stick to a shower rather than a bath, which can irritate freshly waxed skin.

Additionally, you’ll want to avoid any type of exercise or activity that will make you sweat a lot the day of your service. Be sure to wear loose clothing around the area you got waxed for a few days, especially if you’re new or have infrequent appointments for waxing.

Consistent waxes will certainly help your skin react better to the hair removal process. Consistency really is key, as post-wax bumps can also occur simply from sensitive skin’s reaction to the wax. Receiving a wax every four to six weeks to help the area adjust to it can help prevent a reactionary breakout. Any time longer than six weeks and you’re starting the process all over again. Take care of the skin before the wax by exfoliating and leave the area alone afterward and you should be good to go!

Botanica Day Spa Waxing

For any hair removal you’re looking to say buh-bye to, Botanica has you covered! Face, underarm, leg, and Brazilian waxes are all available by our veteran waxing professionals. We adhere to strict sanitation for waxing to avoid post-wax bumps and make your appointment as comfortable and painless as possible!

Call today at 727-441-1711 to book your waxing appointment and have smooth skin every month for much longer than shaving can do!

Love,

Gen