A Complete Guide on Waxing Aftercare
We’ll admit it. We leave a fresh wax appointment, feeling ready to conquer the world (and then some). There’s just something so magnificent about living in a body that you’ve radically accepted as your own–and doing what feels best for you and your body is an empowering experience. Whether it’s building muscle or eradicating your body hair, you’re the one who gets to choose!
Waxing aftercare is just as essential as the waxing process itself, and we’re here with a complete guide on the subject to keep your skin happy, healthy, and thriving.
What can you expect from your waxed area after your appointment?
Okay, so the trick to perfect skin post-wax is to think of waxing aftercare as an extension of your appointment. Your appointment isn’t over until 48 hours after your skin has had a chance to rest. Here’s what you can expect and why your skin needs to take a breather after being waxed.
Your skin may feel a little tender with some redness
After your wax session, it’s completely normal to experience some redness or tenderness. Your esthetician will probably apply a serum or calming mask. You can soothe your skin at home with your favorite moisturizers or a cold compress, and make sure to keep your hands clean and away from the freshly waxed area. Introducing bacteria into your skin with wide open pores and irritation is a bad combination. So take any redness and tenderness as a sign to let your skin relax and restore.
Inflammation and irritation might make an appearance
It’s always a good idea to take an over-the-counter pain reliever prior to heading to your wax appointment. It’s kind of like setting your future self up for a successful post-wax. Even though you might have a bestie date after brunch, you’ll want to skip out on the mimosas and coffee, as alcohol and caffeine can make your skin far more sensitive, leading to extra discomfort during your wax.
Activities to skip out on immediately following your waxing session
Some things will just have to wait, so tell us that you’re not going directly to the beach after getting waxed! We promise that we’re looking out for the health and wellness of your skin and that nothing is better than enjoying your post-wax life 2 days after recovery.
Hot tubs, baths, saunas, and steam treatments
Waxing requires you to let certain activities take a backseat for a couple of days as your pores close up and your skin is less sensitive. Yes, this begrudgingly means that you’ll have to miss out on your favorite steam treatments, saunas, hot tubs, and baths. But the return on the investment is healthy, happy skin that feels as good as it looks. This includes chlorinated pools, so make sure to plan that lazy Sunday by the pool at least two days after your wax appointment.
Tanning, sunbathing, gyms, and other exercises
The benefits that you get from waxing far outweigh the 48-hour, post-wax mindfulness required to skip out on tanning, sunbathing, or other exercises for just two days. And if you’re only getting waxed every 4 to 6 weeks, that’s a drop in the bucket. These types of activities create high friction on your skin and when coupled with spandex and bacteria, it’s a perfect disaster waiting to happen.
Tight-fitting clothing, body sprays
Speaking of spandex, all tight clothing is off the table after your wax session. Your pores are wide open and ready to breathe, and putting your skin in any constrictive clothing is going to work against that.
Plenty of people have negative reactions to fragranced lotions or perfumes. So if you’re a fan of body sprays, perfumes, or essences, make sure to wait about 48 hours before moving back into your post-shower routine.
Incorporate an exfoliation routine while showering to set up your skin for silky smooth, deep hydration void of ingrown hairs
Sometimes, showering is the only time during the day when you get five minutes to yourself. It’s an uninterrupted, completely isolated, and safe experience that goes beyond the benefits of personal hygiene, adding mental wellness, clarity, and cleansing, too. Taking advantage of your favorite skin care products is only possible with help from exfoliation.
There are so many different types of exfoliation methods, and finding one that works for you is your best bet. But speak to your waxer or esthetician, because you totally needed that routine (like yesterday).
Consider double cleansing with an oil-based cleanser to help nourish your skin
Double cleansing with your favorite oil-based body cleanser helps to slough away dead skin cells and nourish your skin without drying it out. Double cleansing the body offers your skin a two-step approach that keeps skin concerns like acne or atopic dermatitis at bay.
Build a post-shower body moisturizing routine and turn it into a little self-care moment!
You’re a busy bee, and sometimes self-care takes a back seat while you sort out the nitty-gritty of your day-to-day life. But, having a post-shower body moisturizing routine can be quick enough to incorporate into your regimen, especially since moisturized skin is far less susceptible to ingrown hairs and cracking. Just add in some aromatherapy, good music, candles, or whatever else helps you remember to moisturize daily!
Book with J Infinity Wax for all your waxing needs!
J Infinity Wax is here for all of your waxing needs, and if you’ve been on the fence about getting waxed, now’s the time to pull the trigger. We help educate you on the proper skincare routine, and carry the proper products that will help keep your skin hydrated, smooth and help keep ingrown hairs and breakouts under control. If you’re curious about what you need to get started, give us a call and set up a consultation to discuss your preferences and ask any questions you might have. We’re so excited to see you!
