Contra-indication to Waxing

Contra-Indications to Waxing

Contra-Indications

While many people will understand that they can't be waxing while on Accutane (popular Acne medication), they may not realise that their new eye cream contains Retinoids too! Get familiar with your skincare products and check the ingredients lists.

If you use any of the Retinols, AHAs and BHAs, you need to have stopped using them at least a week before your appointment. Using any of these products before a waxing appointment can lead to increased sensitivity, redness, skin lifting and grazing so be sure to let us know.

Retinol/retinoids, Skin peels, AHAs, and BHAs - ingredients that used to be reserved for professionals are increasingly working their way into everyday skincare products. While we are blessed to be able to indulge our skin with the most advanced, effective formulas at super affordable prices, not everyone realises that using these products can prevent them from having waxing treatments. Just as we cannot wax someone with sunburn, it is not safe to wax newly exposed skin.

Retinols chemically penetrate deep into the skin's middle layer (the dermis) and help to neutralize free radicals which in turn boosts the production of elastin and collagen, as well as having an exfoliating effect on the skin’s surface. You often find these in over the counter anti-ageing, wrinkle reducing or acne treatments. Retinoids have become wildly popular, so most of the time your products will advertise it's presence as a feature, but there are some alternatives with similar effects that might not be so obvious such as Bakuchiol & Granactive Retinoids.

AHAs are fruit-derived acids that help peel away the surface of your skin so that new, more evenly pigmented skin cells may generate and take their place. They are generally found in drugstore skincare aimed at treating mild hyperpigmentation (age spots, melasma, and scars), enlarged pores, surface wrinkles and uneven skin tone. You may not even realise your face product contains AHAs, but have a look at the ingredients - if you see Glycolic acid, Lactic acid, Tartaric acid, Citric acid, Malic acid, Mandelic acid, Hydroxycaprylic acid, or Hydroxycapric acid, you're dealing with AHAs.

A common BHA is Salicylic Acid, but again - give it a miss in the run up to your waxing appointment!

You might be affected if you use powerful exfoliators on your skin. Salicylic acid (found in some toners or skin clarifyers), alpha-hydroxy acid, white willow bark, white willow bark extract and enzymes all strip cells from the skin. It's all too much exfoliation combined with waxing, and could make skin red, bleed or even scab over. Stop using these products in the area getting waxed for at least three days before, and three to four days after waxing. (Depending on the strength of the product and the type of skin you have, the safe wax wait time may be much longer before and after. If the alpha-hydroxy is over 8% then you may have to wait months before safely getting waxed.)

  • If you are taking anti-biotics or acne medication.
  • Use of skin peeling, skin thinning preparations.
  • Varicose Veins.
  • Underarms: Mastitis.
  • Skin disorders or diseases, such as bruising or recent haemorrhage, Scar tissue (especially recent).
  • Warts, Moles and skin tabs (area can be avoided).
  • Fractures or Sprains.
  • Bruising.
  • Diabetes - some people with diabetes have skin that is very slow to heal.  Please let your Therapist know if you react to waxing
  • Sensitivity test may be conducted. 
  • Sunburn.
  • Use of sunbeds 24 hours prior to waxing.
  • If you are receiving cancer therapy (chemotherapy or radiation).
 
Other Considerations
Menstruation does not prevent you from waxing, however, your skin may be more sensitive. 
If you are pregnant, using oral contraceptives or hormone replacement your skin may be more sensitive to waxing, 
If you smoke or have Rosacea waxing can irritate dilated capillaries (weak or broken blood vessels) which are commonly found on people with Rosacea and smokers. If the capillaries are very red, stay away from waxing in that area.
Stimulants such as caffeine or alcohol in your system can cause skin to be extra sensitive to waxing, meaning you could get more red or inflamed than usual. Give yourself a couple hours after drinking coffee or alcohol before getting waxed.

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