Pimples After Waxing? Here’s How to Calm Your Skin
Waxing is the best hair removal method to get smooth, hairless, silky skin. But, it may sometimes lead to unwanted side effects in the shape of those pesky, red dots:post-wax pimples.
Now, the good news is you don’t have to deal with these post-wax pimple breakouts always, and there are waxing breakout remedies!
Read this guide on pimples after waxing to learn more about why these post-wax pimples form and effective tips for quick relief.
Table of Contents
What are Post-Wax Pimples?
Pimples after waxing, also referred to as folliculitis, occur when hair follicles get inflamed or infected. The common signs and symptoms of post-wax pimples include tiny bumps, red dots, large, obnoxious blemishes, or whiteheads. These signs prevail due to:
- Bacteria transfer to the open pores after waxing.
- Ingrown hairs
- Too much oil production clogging the pores
- Normal irritation after the waxing process.
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Causes of Pimples After Waxing
Before discussing the solutions and remedies, it is essential to understand the underlying causes.
Waxing may cause pimples and breakouts because hair follicles are located in the skin. While you wax, this hair is pulled out using force, thereby causing stress on the skin.
This stress causes micro-tears visible as breakouts and bumps in your waxed skin. While you cannot see them through the eye, these microscopic tears are prone to bacterial breeding and infection if left untreated. Bacteria give rise to pimples.
Additionally, waxing may eliminate some of your skin’s surface, exposing the pores. As a result, anything touching the area during this time, even the soothing agents, may be the reason for pimples after waxing back.
Luckily, Pre-wax prep, during the process precautions, and post-wax care tips can help reduce post-waxing breakouts.
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A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Prevent Pimples After Waxing
Here’s the stage-wise division of preventive tips like pre-wax, during the wax phase, and post-wax to prevent breakouts.
Pre-wax prep: Preparing the stage for clear skin
Gentle exfoliation: To prevent ingrown hairs and for cleanser wax application, apply a mild scrub, 1-2 days before waxing, to eliminate dead skin cells.
Through cleansing: immediately before waxing, apply a pre-wax gel to cleanse the targeted area of oil, dirt, and bacteria.
Select the right wax: This is the most important step, as it includes choosing the high-quality wax according to your skin type.
During the process: Techniques to reduce irritation
These techniques, regardless of whether you’re waxing at home or at a salon, can help minimize the risk of pimples:
Work in Small sections: this ensures lesser skin irritation and more precise hair removal.
Hold the skin taut: To help the wax grip the hair more effectively, holding the skin taut helps a lot. It minimizes the risks of irritation or bruising.
Removing the wax in the opposite hair growth direction: This step, while removing ingrown hairs, also effectively eliminates hair from the root.
Do not wax the same area: waxing over the same site multiple times may irritate the skin and make it prone to pimple breakouts.
Set proper temperature: Too hot wax temperature may damage the skin and further increase the likelihood of pimples and irritation. Thus, it is always recommended to patch test the temperature on a small area first.
Post-wax care tips: To nurture your skin
The post-waxing care phase is most crucial for preventing the likelihood of pimples:
Do not touch the waxed area: This is to prevent the easy transfer of bacteria from your hands to the freshly waxed, vulnerable skin.
Apply soothing post-wax products: To calm the skin and promote healing, apply a product specifically formulated for care after waxing like a specific brand’s post-wax oil and post-wax lotion.
Wear breathable, loose clothing: Wearing tight clothes can potentially trap bacteria and sweat, causing pimples or irritation.
Avoid hot showers or baths: Skip using hot water for at least a day after waxing, to prevent further skin irritation.
Gently exfoliate after 24 hours: To minimise the formation of ingrown hairs, apply the recommended ingrown hair serum spray.
Regularly moisturise: Apply a soothing moisturiser to keep the skin hydrated, maintain its health, and prevent irritation.
Natural DIY Treatments to Soothe and Exfoliate Post-Wax Pimples
Certain home or natural remedies do provide relief if you’re dealing with lingering inflammation and pimples after waxing.
| Natural Remedy | Key Ingredients | Benefits in the context of post-wax pimples | How to use | Frequency |
| Sugar Scrub | Sugar (1/ 2 cup), coconut oil or olive oil (½ cup). | Soothes irritation, prevents ingrown hairs. | Prepare a mixture and massage it into the affected area. Scrub gently in a circular motion. |
Every alternate day. |
| Aloe vera | A piece of aloe vera leaf. | Soothes inflammation. | Directly apply the leaf on the affected area. Massage gently on skin. |
3 times a day. |
| Tea Tree essential oil | Tea tree oil, carrier oil like coconut or olive oil. | Effectively soothes recently waxed skin. | Mix tea tree oil with a carrier oil and apply to the affected area. | Upto 3 times daily. |
| Witch Hazel | Witch hazel extract. | Astringent and antiseptic properties to calm and prevent rashes. | Apply pure witch hazel extract with a cotton ball on the affected area. | Upto three times daily. |
| Apple cider vinegar | Apple cider vinegar, water | Antiseptic properties balance the skin’s PH and also reduce inflammation. | Mix apple cider vinegar with water in the same (1:1 )proportion and apply all over the affected areas with a cotton pad or ball. | Upto thrice daily. |
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Long-Term Skin Care Tips for Waxing Enthusiasts
To maintain healthy skin and long-lasting smoothness after waxing, consistently exfoliate, moisturize, and protect from sun exposure.
Long-Term Skin Care Tips for Waxing Enthusiasts:
Regular Exfoliation: Exfoliate 2-3 times a week to prevent ingrown hairs and keep pores clear. Use a gentle, fragrance-free scrub or exfoliating mitt.
Sun Protection: Protect your skin from the sun, especially after waxing, to avoid irritation and hyperpigmentation. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen to waxed areas.
Avoid Heat and Harsh Products: Avoid hot showers, saunas, and swimming pools for at least 24 hours after waxing to prevent irritation. Also, avoid products with heavy oils or pore-clogging ingredients.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep your skin healthy from the inside out.
Cold compress: Apply a cool compress (like an ice pack) or take a cool shower to minimize sensitivity and irritation.
Gentle Cleansing: Continue to cleanse the waxed area with a mild cleanser to remove any residue or bacteria.
Be Patient with Your Skin:If you develop a pimple, resist the urge to pop it. Allow it to heal naturally or use a spot treatment.
Consider Tea Tree Oil: Diluted tea tree oil can help prevent pimples when applied a few days after waxing.
Professional Advice: Consult with a skincare professional or esthetician for personalized advice and recommendations.
Conclusion
Experiencing pimples after waxing is a natural side effect of waxing and is thus a completely normal thing. The skin tends to get more sensitive during the process, and the open follicles create space for bacterial growth and breakouts.
While unsightly post-wax pimples can be prevented with proper preparation and precautions. Certain signs like persistent blemishes, extreme redness and swelling, persistent ingrown hairs, hyperpigmentation or formation of cysts, etc, may necessitate the need to consult your board-certified dermatologist.
FAQs
Why do we get pimples after waxing face?
Pimples after facial waxing are common due to the inflammation and potential for bacteria to enter open hair follicles.
What causes acne after waxing?
Acne-like bumps after waxing, often resembling pimples, can be caused by folliculitis (inflammation of hair follicles) or ingrown hairs.
What is back acne after waxing?
Back acne, or breakouts after waxing, is a common occurrence due to the process of hair removal and the potential for bacteria to enter open hair follicles.
How long do wax breakouts last?
Wax breakouts, or pimples after waxing, typically last from a couple of days to a week, with most resolving within 2-3 days.
How do you get rid of pimples after waxing?
To eliminate pimples after waxing, keep the area clean and dry, use a cold compress, and consider using aloe vera or tea tree oil to soothe and disinfect the skin.
How to get clear skin after waxing?
To achieve clear skin after waxing, focus on soothing irritation, preventing ingrown hairs, and maintaining hygiene.
Can I apply coconut oil to prevent pimples after waxing?
Yes, Its moisturizing and antimicrobial properties can help soothe the skin, reduce inflammation, and prevent bacteria from causing pimples.
Can I apply aloe vera after waxing?
Yes, you can apply aloe vera after waxing. It helps soothe and hydrate the skin, reducing inflammation and pimples that may occur after waxing.
Is it normal to get white pimples after waxing?
Yes, it’s normal to get white or clear pimples, also known as whiteheads, after waxing. This is often a temporary reaction to the hair removal process, and the pimples are usually a result of inflammation of the hair follicles.
What is the best aftercare for waxing skin?
The best aftercare for waxed skin focuses on soothing, moisturizing, and preventing irritation or ingrown hairs.
