Table of Contents
There's nothing far horrifying than your skin breaking out after waxing your face. It's truly the greatest nightmare for all women. Instead of achieving a hairless face, imagine seeing red, angry pimples? Eek!
Keeping your face hair-free is one thing; maintaining clear skin is another. But who would have thought that achieving the former can do the opposite of the latter? It's dreadful, I know, but luckily, there are some ways to solve your dilemma.
This article talks about why our face breaks out after waxing and how to prevent and get rid of these zits.
Why Does Face Wax Lead to Breakouts?
Here's the truth, ladies - waxing itself isn't an ultimate cause of your face breaking out. Rather, the culprit is the bacteria that go into your open pores after waxing. That's because waxing removes some of the skin on the surface. And when this happens, our pores are left open to anything that could touch the area, including agents causing pimples.
So if you're experiencing pimples, be it in small bumps, whiteheads, or the larger ones, know that this is common. For some people, instead of pimples, they get rashes, which is normal after waxing.
Some of the biggest triggers of waxing breakouts are if :
Also read : Best home waxing kits reviews
Waxing Tips For Better Results:
Experiencing breakouts doesn't have to be the reason to give up facial waxing altogether. Especially not when there are ways you can follow before and after facial waxing.
1. Before Facial Waxing
1.1. Exfoliate properly
Before heading over to your facial waxing appointment, make sure to exfoliate properly. By exfoliating, you're getting rid of those dead skin cells and any makeup, dirt, and oil that clog your pores. Remember clogged pores can lead to ingrown hairs, and worse, acne breakouts.
A night before your waxing session, gently exfoliate the area you need to be waxed.
You may want to try out the cult classic, St. Ives Fresh Skin Apricot Scrub. It’s extremely affordable yet very effective at removing dirt and oil and minimizing the appearance of pores. Face scrubs are best for oily and dry skin types.
If you have sensitive skin, it's ideal to stick with chemical exfoliants like salicylic acid. Try ISDINCEUTICS Melaclear Serum for a gentle, chemical exfoliant that's blended with skin-calming ingredients.
Also read : Best numbing cream for painless waxing
1.2. Avoid retinol products
Do this for at least a day or two before your waxing appointment. Retinol is typically used in anti-aging creams and serums. Products like these are very potent.
Consequently, they heighten your skin's sensitivity to activities like waxing. Hence, it's not uncommon for regular retinol users to get pimples or a reddened skin after a wax.
1.3. Apply baby powder
Moisture can hinder the wax from firmly gripping the hair. Thus, you need something to absorb the excess moisture. A light dab of a baby will do the trick.
It will also ensure that the wax can grab hold of the stubble and take out the hair entirely and properly. Whether you're waxing your upper lip, your eyebrows, or another area of your face, sprinkling some baby powder prior is a great idea.
2. After Facial Waxing
2.1. Use A Calming Facial Mask
If redness arises or tiny pimple-like bumps start to form in the waxed area, soothe your skin with a cool, calming mask.
Mario Badescu Azulene Calming Mask uses chamomile extract to provide skin relief and Balsam Peru to minimize inflammation. Unlike some masks, this one won't harden so washing it off with water will do.
2.2. Keep Your Hands Off Your Face
I get it!
Your hands are itching to touch and see for yourself how soft your face is after waxing it. Sorry to break it to you, but you have to suppress this urge at all costs. Until the waxed area heals, you should only admire your face from the mirror. Otherwise, you're just putting bacteria in your skin, clogging your pores, and causing breakouts.
2.3. Never Pop ‘Em
Whatever happens, never pop your pimples. Doing so will just spread the bacteria and promote pimple growth.
And worse, your face will be left with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) and permanent scars. Don't say I didn't warn you!
2.4. Stay Away From Public Water, Heat, and Steam
As I have mentioned before, bacteria are the leading cause of breakouts. Public water like swimming pools has all kinds of bacteria. That's why it is best to avoid them until after the waxed area has healed.
A freshly waxed skin is more vulnerable to sun damage. Hence, sun exposure is never a good idea. Lastly, refrain from going to saunas and steam rooms to avoid sweat and extreme heat.
These two variables can aggravate skin redness and inflammation. Oh, and like pools, those public facilities are infamous at harboring acne-causing bacteria.
2.5. Follow a Facial Waxing Schedule
Consistency is the key to a pimple-free facial waxing session. Again, breakouts post-wax can simply happen due to your skin's negative reaction to the wax. This is especially true if you have sensitive skin.
Conditioning your skin to get a wax every three to six weeks can help the area adjust to such treatment. As your face gets used to waxing, the reactionary breakouts lessen and eventually go away.
Home and Natural Remedies to Soothe Pimples After Waxing Face
Aloe Vera
The benefits of Aloe vera have stood the test of time. Aloe vera has been a common remedy for treating acne and fading acne marks. With its anti-fungal qualities, Aloe vera can boost the healing process, prevent infections, and alleviate skin inflammation.
Simply put, all the powerful properties of Aloe vera work together to prevent acne from breeding.
Seven Minerals Aloe Vera Gel helps calm inflammation and soothes irritation. It's an excellent waxing treatment made with 100% pure Aloe vera extract.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has long since been the go-to natural remedy for many ailments. Acne is no exception. Thanks to its organic acids, it has what it takes to ward off bacteria and germs. ACV also has lightening properties that help fade acne marks.
Don't use apple cider vinegar alone on your pimple. Rather, mix one part of ACV with two to three parts of water. For more sensitive skin, follow a 1:4 ratio.
One of the popular organic ACV brands in the market is Bragg Organic Raw Apple Cider Vinegar. It helps soothe your irritated skin after waxing and keep it healthy.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is known to neutralize the bacteria that causes acne, which makes it a great spot treatment. Apart from its acne-fighting components, it can also sooth recently waxed skin. That said, essential oils can clog pores in the first two days after waxing. Hence, it’s best to use tea tree oil for lingering or late-forming pimple.
Nature Truth’s Aromatherapy Tea Tree is a purifying formula that makes a great remedy for breakouts. When using a tea tree oil, make sure to dilute it first with a carrier oil. Mix 1 drop of tea tree to 12 drops of coconut or olive oil. Then dab the diluted tea tree oil on your acne using a cotton round or pad.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is possibly the simplest at-home ingredient that you can grab at short notice. But more importantly, it’s also the most effective and inexpensive acne remedies. Functioning as an antibacterial, exfoliant, and astringent, lemon juice gets rid of breakouts.
As a spot treatment, apply it carefully to your pimples with a cotton swab. Let the affected area absorb the juice for a few seconds. Afterward, you can rinse your face with lukewarm water. You can do this a few times a day in a short period until the blemishes disappear.
For a less acidic solution, you can mix the lemon juice with honey. Leave it for over 10 minutes before washing your face with cool water. If you have very sensitive skin, you can use rosewater instead.
Honey and Turmeric
Honey and turmeric are two essentials that you can find in your kitchen. This duo has cured us of many illnesses. Whether you have a bad throat or a sudden breakout from facial waxing, honey and turmeric are some of the best home remedies. With a solid combination of anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial powers, you'd never go wrong with this quick acne solution.
Mix a half teaspoon of turmeric with one tablespoon of honey. Apply it to the breakout area for 5 minutes. Finally, rinse your face with lukewarm water.
Wrapping Up
By following the pre-waxing and post-waxing care tips above, you can achieve a breakout-free skin. You just need to be patient and thorough with the steps. They may seem a bit much but your efforts will be worthwhile.
Also, keep in mind that everyone has different skin types. What works for others might not work for you. The takeaway here is to understand your skin.
If your breakouts persist after waxing, consider using another facial hair removal method. This could be threading, sugaring, or laser hair removal.