What products to avoid when waxing?

Author: Raleigh Hintz  |  Last update: Thursday, July 10, 2025

Some products that conflict with waxing are: Accutane, Differin, Retin A/Retinol, Glycolic acid/AHA's, ProActive, Avita, Benzoyl peroxide, Salicylic acid/ BHA's. These are only some of the products that we are aware of that may cause problems. New ones come out every day!

What products should I avoid before waxing?

Moisturizers and Oils: Do not apply lotions, oils, or creams on the area to be waxed on the day of the appointment, as they can interfere with the wax's effectiveness. Blood Thinners: If you are taking medications that thin your blood (like aspirin), consult your doctor before waxing, as this can increase sensitivity.

What products should I avoid after waxing?

No oil-based or tanning products. Avoid products with Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) which may irritate waxed skin.

What should you not wax over?

Contra-Indications to Waxing
  • If you are taking anti-biotics or acne medication.
  • Use of skin peeling, skin thinning preparations.
  • Varicose Veins.
  • Underarms: Mastitis.
  • Skin disorders or diseases, such as bruising or recent haemorrhage, Scar tissue (especially recent).
  • Warts, Moles and skin tabs (area can be avoided).

What skincare affects waxing?

Avoid using over-the-counter skin care products containing retinol and prescription retinoids two to five days prior to waxing your face to avoid removing skin along with your hair. Reduce discomfort. Since waxing can be painful for some people, consider ways to reduce discomfort.

DON'T do these things after waxing

What are 3 disadvantages of waxing?

Waxing can be an excellent option for managing unwanted hair. However, it can result in side effects, like pain, infections, and ingrown hairs. To prevent or reduce the risk of side effects, be sure to choose an esthetician carefully, prepare your skin beforehand, and soothe it afterward.

What should clients avoid after waxing?

Keep the waxed area clean, and avoid heat and friction during the next 24 - 48 hours. This means: No hot baths or showers (cool to lukewarm water only). No saunas, hot tubs, massage or steam treatments.

Should I moisturize before or after waxing?

Moisturize Skin Before Waxing

Moisturize well on the days leading up to your appointment. Healthy, well-moisturized skin allows the wax to release more easily. Too much moisturizer could coat the hair and interfere with the wax's grip, so avoid moisturizing on the day of your waxing session.

How to avoid skin darkening after waxing?

Choose a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic moisturizer and apply it regularly. Sun Protection: Avoid sun exposure for at least 24 hours after waxing. If exposure is unavoidable, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 on the waxed area to prevent hyperpigmentation.

When to avoid waxing?

When Not To Wax
  1. If you have recently tanned. Waxing after tanning can remove the top layers of your skin, leading to redness and possible scarring. ...
  2. If you have sunburn. ...
  3. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding. ...
  4. If you take certain medications. ...
  5. If you have an open wound or sore near where the hair will be removed.

How to close pores fast after waxing?

Using Cold Water to Tighten Pores

Ice therapy is a simple and effective way to achieve pore minimization and skin benefits post-waxing. The cold water constricts the blood vessels, reducing redness and swelling. It also helps to soothe the skin, making it less prone to reactions.

What happens if you don't moisturize after waxing?

A lack of moisturization increases the chances of getting ingrown hair in the weeks following a wax session. Natural ingredients are important in all skincare products and they are especially essential for post-wax moisturization.

How do you prep your skin for waxing?

Everyone's hair will grow at different rates, but the general suggestion is to not shave for a week or two before your waxing appointment. Exfoliating the waxing area in the days leading up to your appointment will help to get rid of dead skin which will help the wax stick to the hairs.

What to do between waxes in the summer?

Exfoliate and Moisturize

The key to keeping your wax fresh is proper skin care. Let's be honest, everyone loves a good moisturizer. Routinely moisturizing your skin with an oil-free lotion or hydrating cream will help your skin feel smooth and look healthy between waxes.

What are 3 safety precautions when waxing?

Hair should never be removed from warts, moles, skin growths of any kind, from the soft tissue of the eyelid or from the nostrils. Avoid double-dipping wax sticks to prevent the spread of infections from one patron to another. Change the towel, sheet or paper beneath the area of the patron that will be waxed.

How long after waxing can you shower?

NO hot shower or bath for at least 12 hours.

This makes it susceptible hot water entering the open hair follicle during a shower or bath. This will irritate the area and create discomfort. Once your follicles close you can return to your normal bathing routine. Just use warm or cool water for bathing after a wax.

What relieves skin after waxing?

Using cortisone cream: Applying cortisone cream to clean skin after waxing may help relieve inflammation and swelling. Applying fragrance free moisturizers: Applying fragrance free moisturizers, such as aloe vera gel, may help soothe irritated skin post-waxing and reduce inflammation.

Does waxing cause dark inner thighs?

*Avoid shaving and waxing: “Avoid shaving and waxing as it can further darken the skin”, she said, adding that one must not scrub or exfoliate the area heavily.

Is it better to wax before or after shower?

Avoid waxing immediately after having a shower. This gives your skin time to dry which helps your body temperature come back to its normal state. Ensuring your skin is completely dry after a shower also helps the wax adhere better to your body hair.

Do and don'ts after waxing?

DON'T use fragrance products such as deodorant and perfume after waxing as it might cause skin irritation such as post-waxing pimples and redness. DON'T apply talcum powder right after waxing as it might clog your pores and cause ingrown hair. DON'T apply make-up after a facial wax.

What products should you avoid before waxing?

Some products that conflict with waxing are: Accutane, Differin, Retin A/Retinol, Glycolic acid/AHA's, ProActive, Avita, Benzoyl peroxide, Salicylic acid/ BHA's. These are only some of the products that we are aware of that may cause problems. New ones come out every day!

What happens if you don't exfoliate before a wax?

Skipping exfoliating skin before waxing inhibits wax's ability to do its job, increasing hair breakage and acne after waxing and ingrown hairs. An exfoliant can not only prepare skin for a successful waxing service, but it also helps improve skin tone and texture, revealing the younger, more even skin underneath.

What is waxing etiquette?

Let It Grow Between Waxes

“We say you hair should be as long as a grain of rice. If you've been shaving, try and leave it as long as you can; three weeks would be ideal. If you're a regular waxer every 4-6 weeks is perfect for repeat appointments.”

How long does it take for pores to close after waxing?

Now, while your pores don't technically open or close, they are left somewhat expanded for the first 24 hours after waxing, making them more vulnerable to ingrown hairs (ouch) and breakouts (no thank you).

Can I apply vaseline after waxing?

Can I go workout afterwards? It's not recommended, as the area can be tender and you will want to avoid any additional irritation for a bit. If you are an avid runner and just beginning to wax, you can apply a thin layer of Vaseline to minimize irritation.

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