If you are a fan of waxing, then it is important to know how to get rid of redness after waxing. Waxing can be an enjoyable experience for most ladies. However, it’s also a painful ordeal for others. This is especially true for women with sensitive skin as wax can be just as, if not, more painful to sensitive skin than shaving does.
The problem comes when your skin becomes irritated or red and swollen after a waxing session. At this point, the knowledge of how to get rid of redness after waxing immediately kicks in.
In this article, we will talk about how to prevent waxing redness and how to get rid of it once it occurs.
But first, let’s look at what waxing is, why we turn red, and the ultimate fixes!
What is Waxing?
Waxing is a procedure done to remove hair from the body. Check out this ongoing deal on the best waxing kit on amazon.
The procedure:
Warm wax is applied to the skin and rapidly removed as it cools. Waxing is usually done with either soft wax or hard wax.
Two major ingredients in soft wax are resin and oils.
Soft wax is removed using strips. The Wax is first applied onto the skin. Then a wax strip is positioned on top to remove hair against the direction of hair growth.
Hard waxes are made up of beeswax, resin, and oils and harden naturally. Unlike soft waxes, hard waxes do not require strips to remove hair.
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Why Do We Turn Red After Waxing?
Waxing involves reaching onto the base of the hair follicle and pulling the entire hair out of the skin. When this process is done, the skin may become disturbed and start to look red.
The following are reasons why you might turn red after waxing.
Contact Dermatitis
People often get contact dermatitis from an allergic reaction or irritant
Some products that can irritate the skin enough to cause dermatitis include scented detergents, soaps, and wax. Contact dermatitis can cause post-waxing acne.
The following are signs of contact dermatitis:
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- a searing stinging sensation
- peeling skin
- swollen skin
Folliculitis
This happens when there’s damage from hair removal. Damaged hair follicles make invasive microbes more vulnerable.
A major sign of Folliculitis is itchy lumps that could have an acne-like appearance.
The issue could get worse if you’re wearing clothing that scrapes on your hair follicles and causes further irritation. It is most likely to appear in the thighs and upper arms.
An ingrown hair
An ingrown hair may appear a week after waxing. Ingrown hairs happen when hair growth goes back into the hair follicle. Ingrown hairs can result in unsightly and uncomfortable lumps on the skin that look like pimples. If left untreated, they can spread infection.
Signs of an infection include pus leak from the hair follicle and ingrown hair cyst.
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How to Get Rid of Redness After Waxing
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Using natural remedies
Manuka Honey
Manuka Honey is from New Zealand. It possesses anti-inflammatory qualities and is produced by bees that consume manuka tree nectar.
How to use it
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- Just a tiny amount should be applied
- Allow it to sit for a few minutes
- Wash off with warm water
ACV, apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a natural antibacterial.
How to use it
-
- Dip a cotton pad in apple cider vinegar
- Apply it to the inflamed region up to three times each day
Pure Aloe Vera
Make sure you use pure aloe vera. To reduce inflammation:
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- Apply a tiny bit of the gel to the area that is red
- Allow it to seep into your skin
You can also make use of the already-made gel products. But make sure to use one that contains almost only aloe vera and no alcohol-based products
Using home remedies
Sugar scrub
Simple sugar scrubs can ease inflammation and stop ingrown hairs before they start.
How to use it
-
- Combine half a cup of sugar with either coconut or olive oil
- Apply just a little to the affected region and scrub gently
Cooling compress
A cool compress will lessen blood vessel contraction and swelling, which will lessen the look of redness.
How to use it
-
- In a bowl, mix an equal quantity of water and ice
- Dip a clean cloth inside the mixture and apply the solution to the spot for about 5 minutes
- Repeat the exercise three times
Cucumber mask
Cucumbers possess pain-relieving qualities that may promote the healing of red and inflamed skin.
How to use it
-
- Apply cucumber slices to your skin’s reddened areas while they are still cool
- As the slices warm up, flip them over to keep the cool side close to your skin
You can also blend aloe vera and cornstarch to form a paste then apply it to the affected area.
Oatmeal mask
Colloidal oatmeal is created from finely powdered oats. It can help reduce inflammation and hydrate the skin.
How to use it
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- Mix enough water and a few teaspoons of 100% pure colloidal oatmeal to make a paste
- Apply the paste and let the area dry for ten minutes before rinsing
Green tea and Mint
Mint is a natural astringent, and green tea contains tannic acid and antioxidants that may help repair damaged skin.
How to use it
-
- Add five green tea bags and three cups of fresh mint leave to a kettle with a quarter of boiling water
- Leave the mixture covered for at least an hour so it can steep
- Apply the solution with a cotton ball once it has been well-saturated
Witch hazel
Witch hazel has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities that can soothe and stop rashes.
How to use it
-
- Apply a cotton pad that has been dipped in pure witch hazel extract to the affected area
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Using essential oils
Rose geranium essential oil
Rose geranium essential oil significantly reduces the skin’s inflammatory reactions.
How to use it
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- Combine 6 to 15 drops of rose geranium per ounce of “carrier oil”
- Apply a thin coating of the resulting mixture to the afflicted area
Chamomile oil
Chamomile oil possesses anti-inflammatory properties and penetrates the deeper layers of the skin. This oil can help you get rid of red irritated skin after waxing.
Test a small patch of skin first to check if you are allergic
How to use it
-
- Mix a few drops of chamomile essential oil into an ounce of jojoba oil
- Apply a small amount of the mixture to the redness on your skin
As a paste:
-
- Grind dried chamomile flowers to make a paste
- Add water and some whole oats
- Apply the solution to the irritated areas and let it sit for 15 minutes
- Use cool water to gently rinse
Lavender oil
In addition to having antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, lavender oil promotes the growth of scar tissue.
How to use it
-
- Mix with lotion
- Apply it to the skin
Test a small patch of skin for irritation first to see whether you are allergic to lavender essential oil.
Calendula oil
Calendula oil can be used to lessen pain and swelling, it also improves the general appearance of the skin.
How to use it
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- A few drops of calendula oil can be added to a fragrance-free lotion or ointment, or it can be diluted in a “Carrier Oil” before applying it to the affected area.
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How to Reduce Redness After Waxing Face
The best way to stop redness after waxing the face is to immediately apply a cool compress or take a cool shower to ease any pain or sensitivity. Do not take hot showers or baths.
Do not use products with fragrances because they can irritate skin that is already sensitive.
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Things Not to Do After Waxing
Strong Lotions
After getting waxed, do not use a strong lotion or moisturizer. You should wait 1-2 days before applying a moisturizer for the best results void blocking your pores.
The best moisturizer to use after a wax is Aloe Vera Gel.
Furthermore, avoid using chemical or fragranced cosmetics because they might irritate your skin.
If you’re getting your eyebrows or face waxed, refrain from wearing makeup to avoid pore blockage. It’s also recommended to refrain from applying any antiperspirants to your armpits for a day. This will allow your skin to breathe and lessen any resulting redness.
Heavy workout
Even though working out is beneficial for your health, going to the gym right after getting waxed is bad. Your skin will become more stressed as a result, increasing its redness.
Do not work out for at least 48 hours. This provides adequate time for your skin to heal from the waxing.
The Best Way to Wax to Avoid Redness
If you’re using soft wax, be sure to follow up with pre-epilation powder, and if you’re using hard wax, pre-epilation oil. This will make the wax stick more to the hair and less to the skin. Thus, it will also reduce the amount of redness.
- Put some wax on the back of your hand to test the temperature before you start waxing
- When the wax is peeled off, it won’t come off as readily if it is too cool, and this might result in unneeded redness
- Do not wax over the same area more than once
- To prevent excessive skin tugging, make sure you are pulling your hair out while holding the skin
- Use a wax designed for delicate skin
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Waxing Dos and Don’ts – Prevention Tips
Dos
- Ice cubes should be applied before and after waxing to reduce the likelihood of a rash on the area being waxed.
- The day before waxing, uses a mild exfoliating scrub on your arms, legs, and bikini area. This will remove dead skin cells and guarantee a superior waxing experience.
- By having a warm shower and applying a hot towel to the area, you can generate some heat before waxing. To get your pores ready for the visit, do this 30 minutes beforehand. The hair will come out easily, resulting in less pain and a lower risk of waxing-related irritation.
Don’ts
- Do not pick at the lumps left behind after waxing. It will increase the risk of infection.
- To lower the risk of skin damage or infection, wait at least five to six days after using a retinol-based lotion before waxing your facial hair.
- Avoid wearing makeup when going to the salon for a waxing appointment, and after getting your facial hair waxed, forego wearing any for the rest of the day. It will avoid clogged pores.
- While getting waxed, maintain your composure. In times of fear, the skin’s hair follicles are frequently contracted, making them more vulnerable to injury.
- Avoid waxing while you are on a period because your skin is quite sensitive at this time.
- If you shave in between waxing sessions, halt two to three weeks beforehand. For the wax to effectively remove your hair from the follicles, you need to have long enough hair.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why am I so red after waxing?
You are so red because naturally, the skin turns red after waxing when it is inflamed.
How long will redness last after waxing?
Redness does not last long after waxing. Your skin shouldn’t be inflamed and red for more than two days
How long after waxing do pimples last?
After waxing, pimples usually last between 1 and 2 days. But if the irritability persists or is worse than is typically tolerable, consult your doctor.
What should I do if I develop zits after waxing?
If you develop zits after waxing, apply some aloe vera gel or tea tree oil on the zit and massage it in.
What Is the Duration of the Waxing Rash?
Rashes after waxing typically go away naturally and in a few days. However, you should get it examined by a dermatologist if pus starts to form or an ingrown hair, or if it becomes infected, which can happen even a week after waxing.
Conclusion
To summarize the information above, redness after waxing is normal, but that doesn’t make it any less annoying. However, you can take a few steps to minimize flare-ups and look your best after each treatment. These tips should help you prevent the redness, or at least make it feel less painful.
In any case, it never hurts to be extra prepared before coming in for a wax especially if you want to ensure that the experience is as pain-free as possible. If you know how to get rid of redness after waxing and what reduces redness after waxing, you will be prepared.
If any area is red for more than a day after waxing, you should probably tell your esthetician about it. The esthetician will help determine what to do next.
Check out this article on How to Look 10 Years Younger Than Your Age Naturally – The best guide!