Waxing for hair removal, particularly on the face carries certain risks. These risk may include redness, bruising and lifting of the skin.
These conditions may be exaggerated by the use of certain pharmaceuticals and cosmeceuticals, particularly those of anti aging and anti acne treatment. Examples of these are Retinoids, Retin-A, Renova, and alpha hydroxy acids(AHAs) like glycolic acid, in which use of these products should be discontinued for a week before and after waxing that particular part of the body.
Clients who are using accutane/isotretinoin cannot, under any circumstances wax, until they have discontinued use for at least six months. Waxing while taking accutane can result in dramatic tearing of the skin because it is so compromised by this medication.
Certain prescription medications may aggravate the skin when waxed, particularly those causing photo sensitivity to sunlight. Examples of these are many antibiotics such as tetracyclines, and blood thinners such as Warfarin, which may cause bruising.
Clients who are receiving esthetic and dermatological peeling treatments may also experience redness and skin lifting from waxing and therefore should avoid waxing while undergoing such treatments. Also waxing should not be done 48 hours before or after tanning and on any area that still shows any redness from tanning. Because the fields of pharmacology and dermatology are continually changing and expanding, there may be products and drugs that cause negative reactions to waxing that have not been documented. Please consult your dermatologist if you are unsure.
Avoid touching the area that has just been waxed, since bacteria from your fingers can easily be transferred into your hair follicles, causing breakouts. For facial waxing, avoid makeup for several hours. For body waxing, wear loose fitting clothing. Avoid heavy workouts, sun exposure, very hot baths or fragranced lotions for 48 hours. With brazilian waxing, you will want to avoid sexual intercourse for 48 hours as well. Keep the skin clean with a mild soap and water, and apply Aloe Vera if your skin feels irritated.
