What to Put On Your Face After Waxing: A Skincare Guide
Written by: Erin Sevigny
Facial waxing is an effective method for removing unwanted facial hair and offers several benefits. It smoothes the skin, allowing for flawless makeup application. It also acts as a natural exfoliant, removing dead skin cells and leaving the face looking brighter. Waxing can even help define your features so your beautiful facial structure can truly shine!
At Franklin Skin Studio, we want you to experience optimal, long-lasting benefits of your waxing treatment, which is why it’s so important we discuss post-wax care. In this blog, we’ll share our expert tips on how to care for skin after waxing. We’ll cover what to put on your face after waxing, what not to put on your face, and activities to avoid after treatment.
Why Post-Waxing Skincare is Essential
While wax’s primary job is to remove hairs, it also has a natural exfoliant effect, which can leave your skin raw and sensitive after treatment. Taking the proper steps to protect your freshly waxed skin can help prevent uncomfortable and unsightly after effects like redness, bumps, and ingrown hairs. Plus, gentle, thorough after-care promotes healing so you can see the silky smooth skin you’re hoping for – sooner.
The Best Post-Waxing Skincare Products
The products you use after your wax treatment are just as important as the products your esthetician uses during treatment. We generally recommend not putting any product on your face for the first 24 hours after treatment, as the skin is still vulnerable to irritation. Once you’ve given your face a day to breathe, some products can protect it and speed up the healing process.
Soothing Balms and Creams
Some inflammation and tingling are normal after waxing. Luckily, there are products that can help soothe the skin. Our comfort cream is specifically formulated to calm irritated skin post-waxing. It contains aloe vera to hydrate, heal, and protect the skin’s barrier.
Products that help maintain your skin’s water levels, like our Cell Protection Balm, can also promote post-wax healing. It’s infused with live yeast cell derivatives to promote cell regrowth and is noncomedogenic, meaning it prevents bacteria buildup.
Lightweight Moisturizers
It’s a good idea to avoid heavy, oily moisturizers, as these can clog the pores and cause acne. Instead, stick to light, oil-free moisturizers. These can prevent your skin from drying out after your treatment without the risk of breakouts.
Barrier Repair Cream
Waxing’s exfoliant effect removes some of the skin’s protective barrier. Our Barrier Repair Cream fortifies your skin with ceramides and lipids that mimic your skin’s natural barrier to protect your freshly waxed skin from damage.
What to Avoid Putting on Your Face After Waxing
Knowing that products to avoid is also an important part of after waxing care. Faces are particularly susceptible to irritation from certain products post-wax because the skin on your face is so thin and fragile.
Harsh Skincare Products
When deciding what to put on a face after waxing, we always tell clients that minimal ingredient lists that you can easily understand are ideal. Fragrances can irritate freshly waxed skin, as can alcohol. Because waxing opens the pores, these harsher ingredients can cause discomfort after treatment.
Makeup and Heavy Sunscreens
When consulting with clients, we always discuss the importance of thoughtfully scheduling treatment. That’s because we recommend avoiding makeup for at least 12 hours following your waxing – and ideally 24 hours if possible. So, it’s a good idea to have your treatment at least a full day before a special event for which you’d like to wear makeup.
We also recommend staying out of the sun for the first 48 hours after treatment. When you are ready to enjoy some time outdoors, stick to a lightweight sunscreen that won’t clog the pores.
Your Own Fingers
Although it might be tempting to pop pimples or bumps, it’s important not to pick at your skin after waxing. Your hands can carry bacteria that can clog your pores and make breakouts worse. If you must touch your face after waxing, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly first.
Natural Remedies to Soothe Post-Waxing Irritation
Several natural remedies can soothe the irritation that often comes after face waxing. A care routine you’ll actually stick to is the best one, in our opinion, so if you prefer to use items you already have at home, here are some simple, natural products to help calm inflammation.
Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera has powerful anti-inflammatory and healing properties. It can greatly reduce the appearance of redness and soothe irritated skin. Just be sure to avoid applying it around your eyes, as it can sting if it gets in your eyes. Apply a thin layer of aloe vera gel to clean dry skin. Allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes before rinsing with cool water.
Cold Compression
Oatmeal Masks
Oatmeal has natural soothing effects, can reduce redness, and can relive itchy skin. While there are plenty of DIY oatmeal mask recipes out there, we recommend keeping it as simple as possible post-wax. Simply combine one tablespoon of whole rolled oats with two tablespoons of milk in a bowl. Apply the mixture to your face, and let it sit for 20 minutes before rinsing with lukewarm water.
Witch Hazel
Witch hazel is an excellent addition to your skin care. After waxing, the skin can be more prone to infection because the protective barrier has been removed, Witch hazel protects your skin against infection and reduces inflammation. We suggest soaking a cotton pad in pure witch hazel and dabbing it onto your skin up to three times daily.
Preventing Bumps, Breakouts, and Ingrown Hairs
Nothing harms self-confidence quite like bumps, breakouts, and ingrown hairs on your face – it’s the first part of you people see! While some temporary bumps are normal after waxing, it’s important to prevent long-term bumps, or ingrown hairs, which can be painful and unsightly.
Exfoliate Gently(When Safe)
Waxing exfoliates the skin, so we recommend waiting at least two days post-treatment to do any additional exfoliating. However, after 48 hours, it is a good idea to resume your regular exfoliation routine because it can remove dirt, oil, and dead skin cells – of which can cause ingrown hairs.
Avoid Heavy Exercise
Another part of strategically scheduling treatment might involve considering your workout schedule. You don’t want to go to a hot yoga session the day after waxing because sweat can clog the pores and cause breakouts. It’s a good idea to avoid heavy workouts for at least 24 hours after treatment.
Spot- Treat Problem Areas
if some bumps persist after two or three days, you can spot-treat problem areas. Any product containing salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or glycolic can help unclog pores and remove bacteria. Just be sure to observe the proper waiting period for each ingredient, as these harsh ingredients can irritate the skin if applied too soon after treatment.
- Salicylic acid. Wait 3 days
- Glycolic. Wait 48 hours
- Benzoyl Peroxide. Wait one week
Post-Wax Lifestyle Tips for Faster Recovery
We also like to advise clients on what to do after face waxing – and what activities to avoid. Your skin is in healing mode after a wax, so you might need to adjust your usual routine until it’s recovered.
Avoid Sun Exposure
Avoid direct sun exposure for at least 48 hours after treatment. Too much time in the sun can cause hyperpigmentation after waxing. If you must be outdoors, be sure to sit in the shade and wear a large hat. Remember, you should avoid most products, including sunscreen, for at least a day after treatment.
Skip Heat and Friction
You know by now that cold can calm inflammation. So, you might have guessed that heat can have the opposite effect, which is why we recommend staying away from hot environments like saunas or hot tubs.
Any excessive or harsh contact with the face can irritate if post-wax, too. So, after washing your face, don’t be too rough with a face towel. Instead, gently pat the face dry, applying as little pressure as possible.
Stay Hydrated
Be sure to drink plenty of water. This is one tip many clients overlook after a wax. Face care isn’t just about what you put on your body – but also what you put inside of it. Staying hydrated is an important part of keeping your skin moisturized. It also promotes skin flexibility, which can reduce the chances of ingrown hairs.
Nourish Your Skin with Franklin Skin Studio
Discover the benefits of innovative treatments combined with customized care at Franklin Skin Studio. Our experienced estheticians will take their time learning about your concerns and crafting a treatment plan that aligns with your skincare goals while considering your unique skin type. We offer targeted facial waxing treatments that will give you smoother, brighter skin and highlight your features to leave you looking radiant.
Our warm and welcoming Franklin spa is more than a place for beauty treatments – it’s an oasis where you can relax, unwind, and indulge in a moment of self-care. Plus, we take a holistic approach to your beauty skincare needs, which is why we have an extensive menu of treatment, including microneedling, peeling, dermaplaning, lasers, and facials. Our trained skincare specialists will assess and determine which treatments will get you the complexion you deserve.
Your journey to healthier, radiant skin starts with us, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Book your appointment today! Call 615-509-4730 to schedule.
