12 Tips to Care for Your Skin Before and After a Wax

It’s hard to overstate the importance of after-wax care. When you go in for a wax—whether it be your underarms, legs, bikini area, or somewhere else entirely—your goal is to have smooth, skin. Post-wax pimples, bumps, and redness, not so much. Luckily, a proper pre and post-wax routine can help minimize the risk of developing these concerns. If you’re not sure how to prep for a wax—or care for your skin afterward—keep reading. Here, we’ll share pre- and post-wax do’s and don’ts and clue you in on the best ways to soothe your skin and keep after-wax pimples, redness, and irritation at bay.

1. Exfoliate Before Your Wax

Exfoliating before your wax is important, as the process can help remove any dead skin, dirt, and debris that can interfere with the hair removal process. This, in turn, helps ensure a smoother waxing experience.

If you’re waxing your face—think eyebrows or upper lip—we recommend gently exfoliating with the SkinCeuticals Micro Exfoliating Scrub the day before the appointment. For your body, try the Aēsop Redemption Body Scrub.

2. Apply Baby Powder Before Waxing

If you’re prone to post-wax irritation, consider lightly dusting the area with baby powder before smoothing on your wax (or, if you’re getting a professional wax, ask your technician to). Baby powder can help absorb excess oils on your skin that may interfere with the wax. It also acts as a barrier and helps prevent the wax from sticking to your skin. A light dusting is all you need—too much can prevent the wax from adhering to your hair.

3. Opt For a Gentler Wax

The type of wax you use can play a big role in how your skin looks and feels after the fact. Traditional soft wax is heated to fairly high temperatures, which could potentially irritate the skin. If you have sensitive skin, try hard wax or sugaring instead: Both are generally considered to be slightly less painful than soft wax since they only adhere to the hair (and not your skin).

4. Apply a Cold Compress

We won’t lie: Waxing often isn’t the most pleasant experience. It can be uncomfortable, even for seasoned vets. To help soothe post-wax discomfort, apply a cold compress to the area for five to ten minutes. Just take care not to put ice directly on your skin—instead, wrap your cold compress in a clean towel or cloth.

5. Try Aloe Vera

You’re likely aware of how well aloe vera can help cool the skin after a sunburn. What you may not know is that the summer staple can be equally useful for soothing post-wax discomfort. Immediately after your wax, apply a thin layer of aloe vera gel to the affected area to help calm the skin and reduce redness. Just be sure that you’re using 100% aloe vera—many formulas contain alcohol, which can dry out the skin.

6. Try a Post-Shave Treatment

If you don’t have any aloe vera on hand, try a post-shave treatment. These products are formulated specifically to help soothe and calm the skin after hair removal. Many also contain gentle chemical exfoliants to help reduce the likelihood of developing red bumps after waxing or shaving. Kiehl’s Ultimate Razor Burn & Bump Relief is a great pick, as it moisturizes, cools, and helps calm irritated skin. If you’re dealing specifically with post-bikini wax bumps, try the Fur Ingrown Concentrate. The oil-based formula helps soothe skin after hair removal, and it’s suitable for delicate areas, like your upper lip and pubic area.

7. Wear Loose, Breathable Clothing

After your wax, keep it comfy. Skip the skin-tight jeans or leggings and stick to loose, breathable clothing for at least 24 hours. Tight clothes can create unnecessary friction, which may worsen discomfort after a wax.

8. Use a Gentle Cleanser

Bumps after waxing can develop if dirt, oil, and bacteria are introduced to the area. Keep your body clean of potentially irritating dirt, oil, and debris with a gentle body cleanser, such as the Youth to the People Superfood + Niacinamide Body Cleanser, which helps cleanse and hydrate the skin while improving skin texture and tone. For the face, we love the Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser, which is pH-balanced and packed with kind-to-your-skin ingredients, including olive-derived squalane, avocado oil, and glycerin.

9. Don’t Pick at Bumps

When it comes to after-wax care, knowing what to do is as important as knowing what not to do. And one thing you should definitely avoid is touching the area. If you touch your skin after a wax, you risk transferring dirt and bacteria from your hands onto your freshly-waxed skin—which could lead to post-wax pimples. Keep your hands off, and if you spot any ingrowns or bumps, leave them be: Picking at them could worsen irritation and lead to discoloration (or even, potentially, scarring).

10. Exfoliate With Care

It’s best to avoid exfoliating immediately after your wax, as the skin may be more sensitive than usual. But once the area is back to normal, consider adding a (gentle) exfoliant to your after-wax care routine. Consistent exfoliation can keep the skin smooth and soft and help release ingrown hairs, per the Cleveland Clinic. For body exfoliation, we love the Youth to the People 10% AHA + Yerba Mate Energy Scrub, as it contains both physical and chemical exfoliants and helps unclog pores. Facial skin is a bit more delicate, so using a mild chemical exfoliant is ideal. Try the L’Oréal Paris Bright Reveal 12% Niacinamide Dark Spot Serum, which offers gentle exfoliation and helps promote brighter, more even-looking skin.

11. Keep the Area Moisturized

According to a study published in Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, hair removal—both shaving and waxing—can disrupt your skin’s natural moisture barrier. This can lead to dryness and leave your skin more susceptible to irritation. To help replenish your skin barrier, moisturize the area daily with a nourishing cream or lotion. We’re partial to the Kiehl’s Creme de Corps Refillable Body Lotion with Cocoa Butter for the skin below the neck, while CeraVe AM Lotion Face Moisturizer with SPF 30 is ideal for hydrating, protecting, and nourishing facial skin.

12. Be Patient

Dealing with red bumps and ingrowns can be frustrating, but it’s important to be patient while you wait for the discomfort to subside. If your skin still looks red and bumpy after some time has passed or it starts to get worse, it’s a good idea to visit your dermatologist. They can help address the problem and provide insight into what you can do to prevent unnecessary discomfort (and those irritating post-bikini wax bumps) next time around.

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