Many people suffer from acne, rashes and bacterial infections after getting a wax. This happens when we don’t take care of our body which has gone through some damaging process.
Things to do Before the Wax Session
Scrub
Scrub the area you want to wax to expose any ingrown hair and remove dead cells. It will give the wax a smoother surface to work on. This way you won’t waste wax on the skin, and get better results.
Cleanse
Always start your waxing session with freshly washed skin. Scrub up with a mild soap to remove any germs, sweat, dirt, or other residue.
Grime increases your chance of incurring infected bumps and can prevent wax from sticking.
Dry
Wax won’t adhere to wet hair or oily skin either. Dry the area thoroughly with a clean towel.
Add a little powder — cornstarch is a safe alternative to talcum powder, if you don’t have the latter.
Powder can help sop up moisture if you’re sweating from heat, humidity, or because you’re nervous about waxing. It also helps protect the skin during the pull.
Use Clean Equipment
Most of us hire wax walis who come with spatulas. But to be on the safe side, keep a set of spatulas at home in a clean place and ask her to use those instead. This will minimise the chances of bacterial exposure to your skin.
4 Things You Shouldn’t Do After a Wax Session
Here are a few things you should avoid after getting a wax.
Stay out of the Sun
Try to stay out of the sun for at least 12 hours after you have gotten a wax. Your body is delicate and vulnerable at this time, and exposure to U.V rays will only make matters worse for your skin.
Do not over exfoliate
Wax not only removes hair, but the topmost layer of dead skin from your body. It means your body has already gone through a certain form of exfoliation. If you scrub after you have just gotten a wax, you can damage the skin barrier, leading to permanent scarring, and ingrown hair.
But try to scrub before getting a wax to make sure no ingrown hair is missed while getting waxed. A day or two before you wax, gently exfoliate with a mild brush or loofah to get rid of dead skin cells that surround the hair follicles.
Wear loose clothing
Tight fitted trousers or shirts can rub raw spots and irritate the skin. It can lead to bacterial infections and trigger your skin. Give your leggings a break for a day or two. Opt for loose shalwars, maxi dresses and breathable lawn shirts. During winters put on a soft t-shirt and layer it over with sweaters and shawl.
Avoid intense workouts
Activities like running, and cycling can cause friction in the waxed region. Add sweating to the list, and you have the perfect recipe for skin irritation. If you cannot live without working out, take it down a notch for the first two days.
Written by
Amna Sheikh
(sheikh_amna@outlook.com)
