What are Side Effects of Waxing?

Waxing is quick, safe, long-lasting, and relatively economical means of removing undesired hair. You can use wax almost anywhere on your body. In addition to removing unnecessary hair, some type of waxing also has an exfoliating effect, thereby getting rid of dead cells and suntan, leaving the skin softer, shinier, and smoother.

Irrespective of all these facts, as with all methods of removing unwanted hair, waxing also has a few side effects. It is always better to know it before trying. After all, most of us intend to enhance our beauty through waxing. Right? Even though most of the side effects aren’t too major and easily solvable, some side effects can turn serious, mainly if the skin is too sensitive or the person undergoing this procedure is under certain medications.

To avoid the possible effects that may occur due to an inexperienced technician, it is highly recommended that you visit a professional Esthetician, especially while waxing the face and for bikini waxing. The effects can be reduced or prevented with proper awareness and any required preparation.

Long Term Effects of Waxing

1. Glowing skin for a longer time

Waxing removes hair from the root. However, it also removes a layer of dead skin cells, thus cleansing your skin. This gives long-lasting smoothness and an apparent glow to your waxed skin. This makes waxing one of the superior methods for unwanted hair removal.

2. Regular waxing for longer periods brings about wrinkles

Waxing your skin frequently for a few years may cause the skin to loosen and become inelastic. This is caused by the ripping off of applied wax in the waxing procedure. This makes your skin more prone to developing undesirable wrinkles.

10 Short term side effects:

While some of these side effects are manageable, avoidable, and easily get rid of, some can be tagged as “adverse side effects”.

1. High risk of skin burns and discoloration

If the wax warming apparatus has an on-and-off switch rather than a knob to regulate temperature, it can result in overheating of wax. If the wax is too hot, it can burn your skin or can result in darkening of the skin. Redness, dark spots, swelling, or even blisters can happen. The color change of the skin may take anywhere from a few weeks to a year to fade. It all depends on the skin type.

2. Inflammation

The wax strip has to be tugged to remove the hair. This can bring about inflammation in the waxed area. The swelling generally will be momentary and will subside eventually.

3. Ingrown hair

Ingrown hairs are another headache that is associated with waxing. Ingrown hair is hair that grows back into the skin instead of coming out. It may cause pain and infections. This happens because instead of pulling the hair out of the follicle, the wax cuts the hair just above the follicle. Ingrown hair is a common effect of bikini waxing and underarm waxing.

4. Redness

After a hot wax session, most of us experience this side effect to some extent. For some people, it will be pinkish that disappear within a couple of hours. For others, it can be a bright red and remains for more than a few hours or even a few days. It all depends on how sensitive the skin is and the area where the waxing is performed. In case of redness, one could be always old for some of the effective home remedies.

5. Bruises

Not all people leave the salon with smooth and silky skin. Some end up with bruises after waxing. Bruising more often happens due to:

• Inexperienced esthetician
• Wrong technique
• If the person is taking anticoagulant medicines
• If exfoliate the waxed area on the same day

6. Allergic reaction

For those who are trying waxing for the first time, there is a possibility of developing an allergic reaction if you are allergic to any of the waxing ingredients. Even though the possibility is very rare, the allergic reaction can be serious. It ranges from folliculitis, an inflammation of the hair follicles, to severe rashes. This is why it is always suggested to do a patch test of wax on the skin before waxing for the first time.

7. Pimples

The appearance of pimples after a face wax is quite common. This can happen even if you go to a good esthetician and you’re not prone to acne. The ingredients in the wax can trigger pimples. And the opened hair follicles are more prone to microbes and dirt. A skin patch test is highly recommended before wearing face wax to determine if the facial skin is more sensitive or prone to pimples.

8. Sunburn

After waxing, the skin becomes highly photosensitive, so even moderate sun exposure can lead to sunburn.

9. Bumps

The appearance of reddish bumps after waxing is a common issue of people with highly sensitive skin and while waxing highly sensitive parts like the bikini.

10. Skin infections

Unclean or infected products or materials used for waxing can trigger skin infections.

• Get a patch test a day before your first waxing
• Choose a reputed saloon that uses standard products
• Never apply wax on an already irritated, infected, or sunburnt skin
• Test the temperature before applying wax.
• It is better to avoid direct sunlight for at least 24 hours before and after waxing
• Use sunscreen oil whenever you have to go out after waxing
• Never wax if you are diabetic
• Apply Cold Compresses or Ice packs after waxing. This will help soothe the skin and reduce redness. Also, it is recommended to use a skin-soothing lotion after waxing.
• Exfoliation brings down the chances of ingrown hair. Anyway, never attempt it 48 hours after the waxing.
• If you are on some medication, like acne treatment, hormone therapy, or antibiotics, your skin can be more sensitive. In that case, get professional guidance before scheduling the waxing.
• After waxing, delicate body parts like the bikini area will be more sensitive. Wear light clothing to minimize the chance of brushing the cloth against the freshly waxed skin and irritating it.

Other Side effects

• Skin loses its suppleness and elasticity. The skin becomes a bit rough.
• Formation of wrinkles is possible. Since the skin loses out on its elasticity and suppleness, wrinkles can easily form.
• The skin becomes red and develops irritation. One can apply ice, of course, on the affected area.
• It is a bit painful since the hair is pulled off with the help of cloth containing wax.
• Skin rashes form.
• Skin darkening occurs, and burns can occur also.
• Waxing can cause skin infections. If the wax is unclean or unclean methods are used, it can cause such infections.
• There is a bit of subcutaneous bleeding.
• One comes across reddish bumps.
• Allergic reactions may occur. One can suffer from severe skin rash. One must consult one’s dermatologist.
• Ingrown hairs are due to waxing being done in the opposite direction of the follicles.

How to Deal with the Waxing-related Problem

• Skin must be non-greasy and dry before waxing.
• Avoid wearing tight clothes after waxing.
• Before applying the hot wax, check its temperature by placing some wax on the back of the hand.
• In case you are taking vitamin A or some medication for acne, it is better to avoid waxing.
• For about 24 hours after waxing, one must protect one’s skin from direct sunrays.
• Apply cold compresses immediately after waxing or a soothing lotion.
• If the skin happens to be sunburnt, broken or infected, or irritated, it is better to avoid waxing.