4 Common Intimate Skin Issues After Waxing and How to Treat Them

Brazilian waxing can leave your skin feeling smooth and flawless, but it’s not uncommon to experience a few minor skin issues afterward. Knowing how to manage these concerns can help you maintain healthy, irritation-free skin. Here are the five most common intimate skin issues after waxing and expert tips on how to treat them.

Ingrown Hairs

Ingrown hairs can sometimes occur after waxing due to various factors. Here's why they happen and how to prevent them:

Hair Removal Direction: Waxing removes hair from the root, but when the hair starts to grow back, it may grow inward or curl back into the skin instead of growing straight out. This can cause irritation and lead to the formation of ingrown hairs.
Skin Regeneration: After waxing, the skin may be slightly inflamed or sensitive. This can cause the hair follicles to become blocked or clogged with dead skin cells, making it more difficult for the hair to exit the follicle normally, leading to ingrown hairs.
Tight Clothing: Wearing tight clothing after waxing, especially in areas like the bikini line, legs, or underarms, can cause friction and pressure on the skin, which may push hairs back into the skin and increase the likelihood of ingrown hairs.

How to Prevent Ingrown Hairs After Waxing:

Pre-Waxing Preparation: Gently exfoliate the skin a day or two before waxing to remove dead skin cells and help prevent follicles from becoming clogged. Ensure that the skin is clean and free from any oils or lotions to allow the wax to adhere properly.
Post-Waxing Care: After waxing, apply a soothing, alcohol-free moisturizer to calm the skin. Avoid tight clothing that may cause friction on the waxed area, as this can increase the risk of ingrown hairs. Consider using gentle exfoliating products (such as a mild scrub or an exfoliating glove) a few days after waxing to prevent dead skin buildup, which can block hair follicles.
Avoid Picking or Scratching: Resist the urge to pick or scratch at any ingrown hairs, as this can worsen irritation and potentially cause scarring or infection. If you notice ingrown hairs, try using a warm compress or a specialized ingrown hair treatment to gently release the hair.
Use Products with Salicylic Acid: Skincare products that contain salicylic acid or glycolic acid can help exfoliate the skin and prevent hair follicles from becoming clogged, reducing the chance of ingrown hairs. These ingredients also help soothe any inflammation that may occur after waxing. By following these steps, you can reduce the likelihood of ingrown hairs after waxing.

Redness and Irritation

Redness and irritation are common side effects after waxing, typically due to the removal of hair from the root. Here’s why they happen and how to prevent them:

Skin Sensitivity: Waxing can cause temporary irritation as it pulls hair from the root and can also strip off some of the skin’s natural oils. This can make the skin red, sensitive, and inflamed for a short period after the procedure.
Trauma to the Skin: The pulling action of waxing can sometimes cause minor trauma to the skin, leading to redness and discomfort. This is especially true if the waxing technique is too harsh or if the skin is not properly prepared.
Allergic Reaction: Sometimes, waxing products contain fragrances, dyes, or other chemicals that can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, resulting in redness and irritation.

How to Prevent Redness and Irritation After Waxing:

Pre-Waxing Preparation: Make sure your skin is clean and free of oils, lotions, or deodorants before waxing. These can interfere with the waxing process and lead to increased irritation. If possible, exfoliate a day or two before waxing to remove dead skin cells and reduce the risk of irritation.
Gentle Waxing Technique: If you're doing it yourself, make sure to follow the waxing instructions carefully and avoid pressing too hard when applying or removing the wax. This can reduce trauma to the skin and lessen irritation.
Post-Waxing Care: Immediately after waxing, apply a soothing, alcohol-free, and fragrance-free moisturizer or aloe vera gel to calm the skin. Avoid touching or rubbing the waxed area, as this can exacerbate redness and irritation. Applying a cold compress or ice pack to the area can help reduce inflammation.
Avoid Heat and Sweat: For the first 24-48 hours after waxing, avoid hot showers, saunas, or intense exercise that can make you sweat. Heat and sweat can aggravate irritation and increase redness.
Avoid Sun Exposure: After waxing, the skin is more sensitive to UV rays. Protect the waxed area from direct sun exposure for at least 48 hours to prevent further irritation and redness. If you need to go outdoors, use a sunscreen with a high SPF to protect your skin.
Use Soothing Ingredients: Consider using post-waxing skincare products containing soothing ingredients like chamomile, calendula, or aloe vera. These can help calm the skin and reduce redness and irritation.

Folliculitis

Folliculitis is the inflammation of hair follicles. This can occur after waxing due to various reasons. Here’s why it happens and how to prevent it:

Bacterial Infection: Waxing removes hair from the root, which can create small openings in the skin. These openings can become entry points for bacteria, leading to an infection that causes folliculitis. The warmth and moisture in the waxed area can further encourage bacterial growth.
Skin Irritation: The process of waxing can irritate the skin, especially if the skin is sensitive. This irritation can damage the hair follicles, making them more susceptible to infection and inflammation.
Ingrown Hairs: Ingrown hairs, which can result from waxing, can sometimes lead to folliculitis. When the hair grows back into the skin instead of out, it can cause irritation and inflammation, leading to the development of folliculitis.

How to Prevent Folliculitis After Waxing:

Pre-Waxing Preparation: Cleanse the skin thoroughly before waxing to remove any oils, lotions, or impurities that could interfere with the waxing process and increase the risk of infection. Consider exfoliating the skin a day or two before waxing to help remove dead skin cells, which can reduce the chances of irritation and blocked follicles.
Post-Waxing Care: After waxing, apply a soothing, alcohol-free moisturizer to calm the skin and prevent dryness, which can lead to irritation. If you experience any redness or swelling, applying a cold compress can help reduce inflammation. Avoid tight clothing or friction on the waxed area, as this can irritate the skin and increase the risk of folliculitis.
Keep the Area Clean and Dry: Make sure to keep the waxed area clean and dry, especially in the hours following waxing. Bacteria thrive in warm, moist environments, so avoid excessive sweating, saunas, or hot baths for at least 24 hours after waxing.
Avoid Scratching or Picking: Resist the urge to scratch or pick at the waxed area, as this can introduce bacteria into the follicles and lead to infection. If you develop any pimples or bumps, try using a gentle antiseptic or topical antibiotic to prevent infection.
Use Antibacterial Products: Consider using skincare products with mild antibacterial properties, such as tea tree oil or witch hazel, to cleanse the area and reduce the chance of infection. These products can also help soothe irritated skin.

Histamine Reaction

A histamine reaction is a possible side effect of waxing, particularly for those with sensitive skin or underlying skin conditions. It occurs when the body releases histamine in response to the trauma caused by waxing. Here’s why it happens and how to prevent it:

Skin Trauma: Waxing removes hair from the root, which can irritate the skin and trigger the body’s immune response. This leads to the release of histamine, a chemical that causes blood vessels to expand and the skin to become red, itchy, and swollen. It’s essentially an inflammatory response to the perceived injury.
Increased Sensitivity: People with sensitive skin or conditions like rosacea or eczema are more prone to experiencing a histamine reaction after waxing. The skin is more reactive and can over-respond to the irritation caused by waxing.
Allergic Response: In some cases, the ingredients in the waxing products, such as fragrances, resins, or preservatives, can trigger an allergic reaction, leading to histamine release and the symptoms of redness, swelling, and itching.

How to Prevent a Histamine Reaction After Waxing:

Patch Test: Before waxing large areas, perform a patch test on a small area of skin to check for any adverse reactions to the waxing product. This can help identify any potential allergies and reduce the risk of a full-blown histamine reaction.
Pre-Waxing Preparation: Cleanse the skin thoroughly before waxing to remove oils, lotions, and dirt that can interfere with the waxing process. This also helps to avoid further irritation. Exfoliate gently a day or two before waxing to reduce the buildup of dead skin cells, which can make the skin more prone to irritation.
Post-Waxing Care: Immediately after waxing, apply a soothing, alcohol-free moisturizer or aloe vera gel to calm the skin. If you experience significant swelling or itching, a cold compress can help reduce histamine-related symptoms. Avoid scratching the affected area, as it can worsen the reaction and cause further irritation.
Avoid Heat and Friction: For at least 24-48 hours after waxing, avoid hot showers, saunas, intense exercise, or tight clothing that could create friction. These can exacerbate the histamine reaction by increasing inflammation and sensitivity.
Use Antihistamines: If you’re prone to histamine reactions, taking an over-the-counter antihistamine (like Benadryl) may help control the symptoms. However, it’s best to consult with a healthcare provider before using any medication.
Choose Sensitive-Skin-Friendly Wax: If you have a history of histamine reactions or sensitive skin, consider using a wax specifically formulated for sensitive skin. These waxes typically have fewer allergens and are less likely to cause irritation.

How to Prevent Post-Waxing Skin Issues

Exfoliate and Moisturize Regularly: Proper skincare before and after waxing helps keep your skin healthy.
Choose a Professional Esthetician: Ensure your wax is performed by a licensed expert who uses high-quality products.
Communicate Your Skin Concerns: Let your esthetician know if you have sensitive skin or a history of skin issues.

Wax Snob Studios: Your Partner in Healthy, Smooth Skin

At Wax Snob Studios, we prioritize your comfort and skin health. Our experienced professionals use premium products to minimize irritation and deliver flawless results. Book your appointment today to experience the difference!