If you’ve ever suffered from red and irritated skin after waxing your bikini area, you know how uncomfortable it can be. Especially if you have sensitive skin!
Understanding why it happens and how to manage it can make your post-hair removal experience more comfortable.
Red and irritated skin after waxing the bikini area: Why does it happen?
These unsightly and uncomfortable red spots appear due to the following factors.
Hair removal
Waxing involves removing hair from the root. Although it is a common experience for us, it is a traumatic experience for the skin, especially in sensitive areas like the bikini line. Pulling the hair out temporarily damages the hair follicles surrounding the skin, which can trigger a cascade of inflammatory responses. This leads to redness, bumps and sometimes, rashes.
Wrong technique
The way you wax can also make a difference in how your skin responds. If not done correctly, it can lead to skin damage and subsequent redness, burns, infection, pigment changes and even scarring.
If you or the beautician pulls the tape too hard, for example, or in the wrong direction, it can cause more damage than necessary.
Type of wax used
Regardless of the wax you use, if you have reactive or allergic skin, make sure the wax does not contain allergenic ingredients. The chemicals in the solution could contribute to contact dermatitis. This is why it is wise to always do a patch test first.
There are several types of wax available for hair removal. Choosing the right kind of bikini wax can mean the difference between a comfortable and irritating post-wax season. Traditional waxing methods, such as strip waxing, involve applying a thin layer of wax and then removing it with a strip. This can be too harsh on sensitive and sensitive skin.
It may be best to use hard wax or stripless varieties, as they adhere more to the hair than to the skin. Their use can result in less trauma to the hair follicle and therefore less redness and inflammation afterwards.
Red and irritated skin after waxing the bikini area: How to prevent it
You may not be able to completely avoid irritation, but you can reduce the negative effects and promote a faster recovery with the following steps.
Choose the right product (candle)
The wrong type of wax can make you more likely to suffer from irritation, especially if you have sensitive skin. Choose a product that’s made for sensitive skin—cream-based formulas work well—or talk to your esthetician about your concerns before your appointment. Tell the technician anything you are allergic to.
If you’re waxing at home, avoid formulas that contain artificial colors, fragrances, and harsh chemicals. Make sure your skin is clean and dry before you start. Then apply the wax in the direction of hair growth and remove it with a quick movement in the opposite direction. If the candle needs heating, make sure it is not too hot to avoid burning.
Take care of sensitive skin
If you have eczema, psoriasis or other skin conditions, you should take extra precautions. Sensitive or eczema-prone skin can make you more susceptible to irritation after waxing. If you’re waxing professionally, ask about the products used and make sure you’re comfortable with the esthetician’s knowledge before proceeding.
Preparation (exfoliation and cleansing)
Exfoliating regularly a few days before waxing can help remove dead skin cells and reduce the chance of ingrown hairs after waxing. However, use mild products. Avoid exfoliating right before waxing – and never right after waxing – as both can make your skin more sensitive, weaken the skin barrier and cause potential problems.
Before waxing, clean the skin with a gentle cleanser to remove any dirt, oil or bacteria. Do not apply any lotion before waxing.
If your hair is long, cut it to about a quarter of an inch before waxing. This ensures better adhesion of the wax and reduces discomfort during the procedure.
Red and irritated skin after waxing the bikini area: How to deal with it
Freshly waxed skin is extremely sensitive. It is necessary to treat your skin gently. Make sure you use soothing ingredients to calm, soothe and help the skin heal. After waxing on sensitive skin makes it prone to redness, irritation, bumps and pigmentation, so it is important to take good care of the skin.
If you end up with red spots, redness, irritation, or a rash after a wax, follow these steps to soothe it.
Cool it down
If your skin is red, hot, itchy and inflamed, the first step is to cool it. You can apply a cold compress if you have time. If not, spray on some of the Rescue + Relief Spray and then reapply as needed. This is a soothing heat-relieving, redness-reducing spray that will also soften the skin.
Apply Aloe Vera
Did you know that the ingredients in the Rescue & Relief Spray are mixed in an aloe emulsion? Aloe is known for its soothing properties and can relieve redness and irritation while providing the skin’s hydration needs.
Freshly waxed skin may feel raw and tender. Mist the affected area with this non-contact spray. It is ideal for immediate relief from any burning, redness, irritation, itching or stinging. It’s non-comedogenic and has natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, meaning it won’t contribute to bumps or breakouts. We’re proud to say that this Rescue + Relief Spray is often recommended by dermatologists and has won multiple awards for the best post-skin pacifier!
Avoid irritants
While your skin is recovering, avoid using products that contain harsh chemicals or fragrances. These may further irritate your skin. Stick to gentle, fragrance-free, non-greasy and hypoallergenic products to promote healing.
Gently clean the waxed area with a mild, non-irritating cleanser to keep it clean and free of bacteria. Avoid using harsh soaps or scrubs that can further irritate sensitive skin.
It is essential to have proper after-care for hair removal for the smoothest, trouble-free results. Redness and irritation are normal, but sensitive skin can be especially vulnerable to irritation, bumps, breakouts, and breakouts. It is important to use soothing ingredients to calm the skin and help maintain and condition the skin as it recovers.
Moisturize
A pure hypoallergenic moisturizer such as Body Repair Lotion can help strengthen the outer layer of skin, heal faster and maintain skin elasticity. It is specially formulated to soothe, strengthen and hydrate the skin and will help prevent dryness and flaking.
It also contains aloe, glycerin, beta-glucan/oats (gluten-free), balsam and other natural soothing and anti-inflammatory ingredients that can help soothe redness and keep skin healthy and glowing all summer long.
If the skin cracks and bursts, dermatologists recommend us Skin repair balm: a staple product in spas and hair removal centers for after hair removal! It is a petroleum-free, breathable healing ointment that will help the skin heal quickly, reduce inflammation and protect against further irritation. Apply after blurring with Rescue & Relief Spray.
Avoid tight clothing, sun, exercise
After waxing, tight clothing, friction, or heat from activities such as exercise can worsen skin irritation and lead to a red, itchy rash or rashes and ingrown hairs. Rubbing, scratching or sweating in the area can further irritate the skin and make the skin more susceptible to invasion by bacteria or pimples. Wearing loose clothing until the skin heals is the best approach.
The skin is especially vulnerable to the sun’s ultraviolet rays after hair removal. Try to avoid the sun, but if you must, it’s important to apply sunscreen to the area to avoid further irritation and hyperpigmentation.
Have you struggled with irritation and redness after waxing?
Featured image by Armin Rimoldi via Pexels.
