Beauty Tip: Avoiding facial waxing problems

As an esthetician, my work includes waxing eyebrows, lips, chins and sometimes cheeks. It is necessary to inform the skin care therapist of any medications (taken internally or applied topically) that may make skin sensitive. This also includes any acne medications, facial bleaching agents, OTC (over the counter) retinol or alpha hydroxy acids. These products can thin the skin or just make the skin more sensitive, especially if a woman is close to menstruating. When a person is waxed under these conditions, the top layer of the skin is removed with the wax causing a painful abrasion to the skin which can take up to 10 days to heal completely. Products should be avoided for at least 8-10 days prior to waxing. Waxing of a very small area of skin can be performed first as a test of skin sensitivity. While this is not common for all skin types, I have seen it happen many times with others who perform facial waxing without asking the appropriate questions first.

If the proper information is provided prior to waxing this painful situation can be avoided.