Summer is fast approaching and us ladies know all too well the peril that is attached to having super soft sun kissed skin – waxing. Some find the procedure more painful than others and some do tend to experience the deadly breakouts. But do you actually have a skincare plan in place which will give you the most effective results, after paying the price quite literally, you don’t want to then be left with red skin which is sore.
Here, Amanda Von Hagen, lead product developer and skin specialist and Glo Skin Beauty, talks us through 7 skin saviour tips which you need to undertake after your wax, from preventing ingrown hairs, remedies for inflamed skin and what you should never do after a wax, she has covered it all.
Your perfect smooth summer skin is just a short read away…
- Always layer on that moisturiser
Irritation after waxing can lead to red and sore skin. It is vital to apply a moisturiser that has antiseptic properties. Natural ingredients like aloe vera will help to soothe the inflammation. You can also try using an LED light therapy mask, as recommended by LED Skin Solutions. Applying your moisturiser will also diminish the chances of ingrown hair as flaky and scaly skin is often the start of this.
- Try your best to avoid exfoliation, swimming and sunbathing
After waxing your skin will become rather sensitive so it is best to try and avoid the sun, swimming and exfoliation for at least 48 hours. Your skin is still compromised as hot wax has been applied and then torn off, so you don’t want to make the aftermath worse. If you are waxing prior to a beach holiday, try and book the appointment for at least 2 days before you fly so your skin can settle back down to its normal temperature and texture. If you can’t seem to avoid the sun after waxing then layer on the sunscreen and invest in a large hat, shades and clothing over your waxed areas as this will save your skin from increased sensitivity.
- Loose clothing
Wear loose clothing and underwear around the areas which you have waxed. Tight clothing does in fact constrict the area and traps the sweat underneath. The rubbing of the tight clothing can irritate the sensitive skin and the sweat can cause a breeding ground for germs.
- Avoid touching the smooth areas
Avoid touching the area as much as you can. It can be tempting as your skin is now smooth, but you may be transferring the bacteria from your hands to the vulnerable skin that is already prone to infection. Try to wait a few hours before you touch your skin and make sure that your hands are clean.
- Calm the inflammation
Apply a cold cloth to the area that was waxed if it feels hot or painful. Just fold a washcloth and hold it under cold water from your tap. Press onto the just waxed skin for immediate relief and swelling reduction. This is much better than applying any oils that could cause you further irritation.
- Say goodbye to ingrown hairs
Waxing is an exfoliating treatment that removes the dead cells on the surface of the skin along with unwanted hair. Waxing does reduce the risk of developing ingrown hairs as opposed to other types of hair removal such as shaving because it pulls hairs out the root. But once you do see your hairs begin to grow back, it is useful to exfoliate your skin with a body brush or an exfoliating product to encourage the new follicles to grow up and out of the skin, not inwards. This will ensure a silky-smooth finish after your next wax.
- Maintenance
The best way to help the process become pain free is to do it regularly. It does get easier over time and you will become more used to the feeling. Also your hair will eventually come out easier and grow less thick and fast. Regular visits will slowly help your skin become used to endurance.
This piece was brought to you by the experts at gloskinbeautyuk.com