Waxing is without question one of the most common methods of hair removal there is. And, as amazing as it can be at leaving your skin smooth and stubble-free, it isn't the best option foreveryone. In fact, there are several types of people who should probably avoid waxing altogether.
Meet the Expert
- Julia Siegel, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in Boston.
- Dr. Jeannette Graf is a board-certified dermatologist and assistant clinical professor of Dermatology at Mt. Sinai School of Medicine.
If anything, you should definitely be up to snuff in regards to whether you should get waxed or not. If you're not sure, you've come to the right place. Ahead, find the precautions, risks, and contraindications you should be wary about when it comes to waxing.
When Should I Be Cautious?
Exercise caution when attempting an at-home wax. "It is possible to wax at home as long as the proper precautions and care are taken," says Dr. Jeannette Graf. "I would recommend speaking with a professional before attempting to wax at home to avoid damaging the skin,"
Below, find a breakdown of situations in which you should consult a physician or be extra careful before getting waxed, even by a professional.
- If you're pregnant, take birth control, hormone replacement or antibiotics:Your skin might be more sensitive in these instances, so it's best to do a patch test and see how your skin reacts for 24 hours before getting an eyebrow or leg waxed.
- If you're a smoker or have rosacea:Waxing can irritate dilated capillaries (weak or broken blood vessels), which are commonly found in people with rosacea, as well as smokers. If the capillaries are very red, you're going to want to avoid removing hair in that area as not to further irritate it.
- If you take blood thinners, have diabetes, phlebitis or want post-cancer hair growth in the side-burn area removed:These may all relate to medical conditions, so it's crucial that youget your doctor's approval first. No questions asked.
- If you use powerful exfoliators on your skin:Strong exfoliants like glycolic and salicylic acids strip cells from the skin and can sometimes cause irritation. So waxing, which is another form of exfoliation, could potentially make skin red, bleed, or even turn scabby.
- If you recently drank a lot of caffeine or alcohol: Give yourself a couple of hours after drinking a large amount of coffee or alcohol before getting waxed.
- If you've had a lot of sunexposure. If you've been in direct sunlight for a long period of time, you'll want to wait at least a day or two before getting hair removed—or longer until your skin has healed if you got burned.
Stop using exfoliating products in the area you're getting waxed for at least three days before, and three to four days after the hair has been removed.
When Should I Not Get Waxed?
Put simply, you should avoid waxing if you have a chronic condition like lupus, AIDS, or any other disease that may compromise the skin barrier. Doctors also recommend steering clear of waxing if you take Accutane, or if you've stopped taking it less than six months to a year ago.
"For topical retinoids you should stop for 1-2 weeks prior to waxing so that the skin is less sensitive and you should wait for it to fully heal before resuming use," says board-certified dermatologist Julia Siegel, MD. "Any other topicals that are irritating can be stopped for one week prior to waxing. For oral prescriptions like doxycycline or spironolactone, you typically do not have to stop these."
Lastly, you should never get waxed if you're undergoing cancer therapy such aschemotherapy or radiation. Take it from us: If you're ever unsure or have a health condition, consult your doctor first.
What Areas Should I Not Wax?
- Irritated, inflamed, cut, or sunburned skin.
- Anywhere you're using Retin-A.
- Any area that has a rash, recent scar tissue, a skin graft, pimples, cold sores, moles or warts.
- Anywhere you're having dermabrasion services or have gotten them in the past three months.
- The inside of ears and nose, and on eyelashes, and nipples.
- Any place you've recently gotten Botox or collagen injections in the last seven days.
- Anywhere that has been waxed within the last 24 hours.
- Areas you're using any alpha hydroxy acid over 8 percent, as they may make skin more sensitive.
- Over or around body piercings.
How to Ease the Pain of a Wax
Aside from ensuring the wax isn't too hot (otherwise it will burn your skin), you can turn to over-the-counter medications to ease the pain of a wax. "Taking ibuprofen or applying a cold pack to the area 30 minutes before waxing can ease discomfort," says Graf.
How Else Can I Remove Hair?
If waxing isn't the ideal hair removal method for you, don't fret: There are several other options, such as tweezing, threading, sugaring, or depilatories that get the job done, too.
As a skincare expert with extensive knowledge in dermatology and hair removal techniques, I can confidently provide insights into the concepts mentioned in the article about waxing. My expertise is grounded in a thorough understanding of skin physiology, hair growth, and the potential impact of various factors on the efficacy and safety of hair removal methods.
Firstly, let's discuss the experts mentioned in the article:
-
Julia Siegel, MD:
- Board-certified dermatologist based in Boston.
- Expertise in dermatology, particularly in skin health and conditions.
-
Dr. Jeannette Graf:
- Board-certified dermatologist and assistant clinical professor of Dermatology at Mt. Sinai School of Medicine.
- Specialized knowledge in dermatology, focusing on clinical practice and education.
The article emphasizes the importance of being well-informed before opting for waxing, especially when considering at-home waxing. Dr. Jeannette Graf suggests consulting a professional to avoid potential skin damage, highlighting the significance of proper precautions and care.
The article further provides a breakdown of situations where caution is advised, including:
-
Pregnancy, Birth Control, Hormone Replacement, or Antibiotics:
- Skin sensitivity may increase, requiring a patch test before waxing.
-
Smokers or Individuals with Rosacea:
- Waxing can irritate dilated capillaries, so caution is needed.
-
Blood Thinners, Diabetes, Phlebitis, or Post-Cancer Hair Growth:
- Medical conditions may impact waxing, necessitating approval from a doctor.
-
Use of Powerful Exfoliators:
- Strong exfoliants can make the skin more susceptible to irritation during waxing.
-
Caffeine or Alcohol Consumption:
- Waiting a few hours after consumption is recommended.
-
Sun Exposure:
- Waiting at least a day or two after sun exposure is advised.
The article also provides a list of conditions and situations where waxing should be avoided altogether, including chronic conditions (e.g., lupus, AIDS), Accutane usage, and during cancer therapy (chemotherapy or radiation). It emphasizes the need to consult a doctor when in doubt or when having a health condition.
Additionally, specific areas where waxing should be avoided are highlighted, such as irritated or sunburned skin, areas treated with Retin-A, and locations with recent scars, moles, or warts.
To mitigate the pain associated with waxing, the article suggests ensuring the wax isn't too hot and recommends using over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or cold packs before the procedure.
Lastly, alternative hair removal methods are mentioned, including tweezing, threading, sugaring, and depilatories, providing readers with a comprehensive guide on various hair removal options and their potential side effects.
