Now that you've experienced the wonderfully smooth and clean feeling of a fresh wax, it's essential to focus on proper aftercare to maintain the best results. Brazilian waxes require special attention to keep your skin healthy, happy, and irritation-free.
In this guide, we'll explore Brazilian wax aftercare 101, providing you with essential tips and practices to ensure a comfortable and successful post-waxing experience. From soothing creams to exfoliation techniques, Love Wellness has you covered with everything you need to know to care for your oh-so-sensitive skin and prolong the benefits of your Brazilian wax.
Let's dive in!
What Should You Know Before You Wax?
The key to successful Brazilian wax aftercare is preparing your skin before the service. Start by gently exfoliating the area you plan to wax a day or two before your appointment. This can help to remove dead skin cells, making it easier for the wax to grip the hair and reducing the risk of ingrown hairs.
It's also important to avoid using skin irritants like fragranced products, retinoids, and alpha hydroxy acids several days in advance. These can inflame and irritate the skin, making it much more sensitive to waxing.
Some additional do's and don'ts include:
- Do arrive with clean, dry skin free of lotions, oils, and perfumes.
- Do take ibuprofen 30 minutes before your appointment to minimize any potential pain or discomfort.
- Do tell your aesthetician if you're prescribed any topical creams or medications that could potentially interfere with your waxing session.
- Don't tan or use a self-tanner within two days before your appointment.
- Don't shave or trim your hair. Your esthetician needs at least a quarter inch of hair to perform the wax.
What Should You Do During Your Wax Appointment?
During your waxing session, it's important to be open and honest with your aesthetician about any allergies or sensitivities you have. The more information they have, the better equipped they can be to provide a comfortable waxing experience.
Note: If you experience any unbearable discomfort during the wax, don't be afraid to speak up. Your aesthetician can quickly adjust the temperature of the wax and apply a cooling gel if necessary.
What Should You Do After Your Wax Appointment?
When it comes to post-wax aftercare, there are a few simple things you can do to keep your skin happy, healthy, and irritation-free. Here are a few of our tried-and-true tips.
Cleanse With Care
After your Brazilian wax, it's crucial to keep the waxed area clean and free from bacteria to prevent infections. Use a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser like our pH Balancing Cleanser™ to cleanse the area. Avoid harsh soaps, exfoliants, or products with irritating ingredients, as they can further aggravate sensitive skin.
Soothe and Calm the Skin
It's common to experience some redness, irritation, or sensitivity after a Brazilian wax. You can soothe the skin by applying a cold compress or ice pack wrapped in a clean cloth to ease any swelling or discomfort. You can also apply a soothing gel or aloe vera to calm the skin and provide relief.
Avoid Hot Baths and Showers
For the first 24 to 48 hours after your Brazilian wax, avoid hot baths, showers, steam rooms, saunas, or any activities that may increase heat and sweat in the waxed area. Heat can cause further irritation and increase the risk of infection. Instead, stick to lukewarm water when cleansing the area.
Moisturize Regularly
Moisturizing the waxed area is crucial to keep the skin hydrated and prevent dryness or itchiness. Choose a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer and apply it daily to the waxed area. Look for moisturizers that contain soothing ingredients like chamomile, tea tree oil, or lavender to help calm the skin.
Not sure where to find a top-notch moisturizer? Check out Comfy Cream®, our soothing moisturizer for daily vulva and bikini care. Simply apply it to your bikini area daily to encourage silky-smooth skin.
Wear Loose-Fitting Clothing
After your Brazilian wax, opt for loose-fitting clothing to allow the skin to breathe and minimize friction. Tight clothing can cause irritation and trap sweat, which may lead to ingrown hairs or further discomfort. Choose breathable fabrics like cotton or linen to encourage airflow and prevent irritation.
Avoid Excessive Sun Exposure
The waxed area may be more sensitive to sun exposure, especially in the first 24 to 48 hours. Avoid sunbathing, tanning beds, or prolonged sun exposure during this time. If you plan to be in the sun, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to protect the waxed area from harmful UV rays.
Say No to Sexual Activity
To prevent infection and further irritation, it's recommended to abstain from sexual activity, including intercourse, for at least 24 to 48 hours after your Brazilian wax. Friction and bodily fluids can disrupt the healing process and increase the risk of infection. It's generally best to give your skin time to recover before resuming sexual activity.
Prevent Ingrown Hairs
To minimize the chances of ingrown hairs, gently exfoliate the waxed area two to three times a week, starting 48 hours after your Brazilian wax. Use a soft washcloth, gentle scrub, or exfoliating mitt to remove dead skin cells and prevent hair follicles from becoming trapped beneath the skin.
You may also want to avoid aggressive or harsh exfoliation, as it can irritate the skin.
Avoid Touching or Picking
Resist the urge to touch, scratch, or pick at the waxed area, as it can introduce bacteria and lead to infections or further irritation. Touching or picking at the waxed area can also disrupt the healing process and increase the risk of ingrown hairs. It's important to let the skin heal naturally and avoid any unnecessary manipulation.
Schedule Regular Maintenance
To maintain the smooth and hair-free results of your Brazilian wax, it's generally recommended to schedule regular waxing sessions. The frequency may vary depending on your hair growth rate, but typically it's recommended to get a Brazilian wax every four to six weeks. Consistent waxing can help weaken the hair follicles and result in finer regrowth over time.
Consult a Professional for Concerns
If you experience prolonged redness, severe pain, excessive swelling, pus, or any signs of infection after your Brazilian wax, it's important to consult a professional. A licensed esthetician or healthcare provider can assess your situation and provide appropriate guidance or treatment if needed.
The Bottom Line
Taking care of your skin after a Brazilian wax is essential for a smooth and comfortable recovery. By following the recommended aftercare tips, such as gentle cleansing, soothing the skin with Comfy Cream®, and practicing gentle exfoliation, you can support the healing process, prevent complications, and maintain the results of your waxing session.
Remember to communicate with your esthetician, schedule regular maintenance sessions, and seek professional help if needed. With proper aftercare, you can enjoy the long-lasting benefits of a Brazilian wax and feel confident in your smooth and hair-free skin.
Here at Love Wellness, we're dedicated to helping you look and feel your best. From soothing creams made with natural ingredients to our pH-balancing cleanser, our skincare products can help you keep your skin looking healthy and radiant.
Sources:
Brazilian Wax: Benefits and How to Prep | Cleveland Clinic
How to safely exfoliate at home | American Academy of Dermatology
ALOE VERA: A SHORT REVIEW | PMC
5 Ways to Exfoliate Your Skin Without Irritation | Cleveland Clinic