Everyone’s skin is different, and this means that among those who enjoy bikini waxing and other similar waxing services, the skin’s response will vary. Some people notice virtually no side effects on their skin whatsoever, while others may deal with limited redness, irritation or, in some cases, acne breakouts.

At His & Hers Waxing, we can help both men’s and women’s body waxing clients understand their skin’s response to our treatments and take the appropriate steps. If your skin is prone to acne, whether in general or specifically following a wax, there are a number of strategies you can take to help limit its risk and keep the skin looking great. This two-part blog will dig into many of the areas you can prioritize.

Pre-Wax Cleaning and Exfoliation

Preventing post-wax acne involves some attentiveness from the beginning of the process, including before the wax ever begins. For starters, it’s good to exfoliate the area about to be waxed in the days before your appointment, a process that will remove bacteria, dirt and other potential impurities from the skin so there’s no risk of infection or irritation from the wax.

Not only will this keep your skin protected during your appointment, it will also make the waxing process itself simpler and easier. The buildups you’re cleaning away from the skin often make waxing more difficult and more painful, plus may cause you to have to wax again sooner to maintain your results.

Contact With Waxed Area

We certainly know the temptation that comes about after a wax – you want to feel that smooth skin you’ve just achieved. And while we understand the desire, we recommend against touching the skin wherever possible. This contact can move bacteria that was on your hands over to your skin, which is vulnerable directly after a wax. You may also be transferring oils that lead to acne formation (more on this in a moment).

Oil Products

Oil and acne are linked together – a greater quantity of the former in the skin leads to greater risk of the latter. This is because oils clog the pores, leading directly to pimples.

For this reason, evaluate the products you use on your skin and avoid the oil-based ones for a few days or weeks after a wax. There are many oil-free moisturizers and other creams out there, including some specifically meant to help with post-wax irritation.

Post-Wax Exercise Tips

Another temptation is to get right into the gym after a wax to even further promote your youthful new appearance, but we have to advise against this as well – at least temporarily. Exercising right away after waxing will lead to sweat leaking into the waxed area, bringing several contaminants that might lead to acne breakouts. Any level of activity that would lead to significant sweat should be avoided for at least a couple days. For more on staying free of acne breakouts after a wax, or to learn about any of our waxing services, speak to the staff at His & Hers Waxing today.