Buzz
Waxing is a fast and effective method for removing facial hair, but unfortunately, it can also cause irritation and rashes. If your skin becomes red, itchy, dry, or flaky after waxing, you might be experiencing dermatitis. Waxing can also lead to folliculitis, characterized by bumpy skin due to ingrown hairs or infected hair follicles. You can treat this common rash with medication and home remedies, while also preventing it by taking precautions before and after waxing. If the condition is severe or recurring, consult a dermatologist or seek professional waxing services.
Steps
Soothing Contact Rash
Determine if you have contact dermatitis. Contact dermatitis can occur when the skin is damaged or irritated by a factor such as hot wax. You may experience redness, itching, bumps, or blisters if the wax is too hot or has an unsuitable consistency.
- If swelling, pain, or a burning sensation occurs, stop waxing at home and consider professional waxing services.
Apply a cold compress. Soothe your skin immediately after waxing by using an ice pack. For longer-lasting relief, soak a washcloth in cold water and apply it to the irritated area for 15-30 minutes at a time. Repeat this therapy multiple times a day as needed.
- Avoid leaving ice on the skin for more than 20 minutes per session. After removing the ice pack, allow your skin to warm up and return to its normal sensation before reapplying.
Wash your face with cool water and a gentle cleanser. Calm your facial skin by rinsing gently with cold water. Use an oatmeal-based cleanser or mix 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of baking soda with 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of water to create a mild DIY cleanser.
- Oatmeal-based cleansers have anti-inflammatory properties, making them particularly effective for soothing irritated skin.
- Baking soda gently cleanses the skin and helps reduce itching.
Moisturize your skin. After washing your face, apply a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer to the irritated area. Look for moisturizers free of dyes, fragrances, parabens, and oils. Apply the moisturizer while your skin is still damp.
- Moisturizers containing ceramides can be especially helpful in treating contact dermatitis.
Apply a steroid ointment. Try over-the-counter steroid lotions and ointments, such as 1% hydrocortisone cream, applying it 1-2 times daily for up to 4 weeks.
- If over-the-counter ointments are ineffective, your doctor may prescribe stronger topical or oral corticosteroids.
Use calamine lotion or cream. Calamine lotion helps soothe itching and irritation caused by contact dermatitis. You can apply calamine lotion as often as needed to relieve itching. Calamine works partly by drying out the irritated skin, so you may need to moisturize afterward.
- Calamine lotion is most effective when applied right after washing your face while the skin is still damp.
- If desired, you can mix calamine lotion with moisturizer to achieve both benefits simultaneously.
Avoid scratching. While the rash may be extremely itchy, it’s crucial not to scratch to prevent further skin irritation. Keep your nails short and/or wear gloves or socks on your hands while sleeping to make scratching difficult if you unconsciously do so during sleep.
Seek medical attention for severe reactions. If your skin reacts severely after waxing, or if the rash doesn’t respond to home remedies and over-the-counter medications, you may need to consult a general physician or dermatologist. Schedule an appointment if:
- The rash causes intense pain or discomfort that disrupts sleep or daily activities.
- The rash shows no improvement after 3 weeks.
- The rash spreads beyond the waxed area.
- You develop a fever or pus-filled blisters.
- You experience irritation in your lungs, eyes, or nose.
Treating Folliculitis
Determine if you have folliculitis. Folliculitis occurs when hair follicles become infected or when hair grows inward instead of outward (ingrown hair). You might have folliculitis after waxing if:
- You notice red bumps or pimples around hair follicles in the waxed area.
- Your skin is red, tender, or inflamed.
- Your skin feels itchy or burns.
Cleanse your skin. Gently wash your face with warm (but not scalding) water and a mild antibacterial cleanser. Always use a clean washcloth each time. Wash your face twice daily and pat dry with a clean towel.
- Choose a cleanser free of dyes, fragrances, and parabens.
- Tea tree oil-based cleansers can be particularly effective in treating and preventing folliculitis.
Moisturize your skin after washing. Use a gentle moisturizer free of dyes, fragrances, and parabens. Opt for lotions formulated for sensitive skin, such as Cetaphil or Lubriderm.
Apply a warm compress. Soak a soft cloth in warm water and wring out the excess. Place the cloth on the reddened area 3-6 times daily for 10 minutes each session. This helps reduce inflammation and encourages drainage from pustules and blisters.
Use an antibiotic ointment. Treat the inflamed area with an antibiotic cream or ointment like bacitracin or triple-antibiotic cream. Carefully follow the instructions on the packaging or consult your doctor for proper usage.
Apply anti-itch lotion. Anti-itch lotions containing oatmeal or calamine are excellent choices for soothing itchiness caused by folliculitis. Avoid using hydrocortisone cream, as it may lead to fungal infections.
Consult a dermatologist for severe folliculitis. If the rash from folliculitis is extremely painful, widespread, or doesn’t improve with home care after a few days, visit a dermatologist. They can remove ingrown hairs and/or prescribe topical or oral antibiotics if the folliculitis is caused by a fungal or bacterial infection. They may also prescribe medication to reduce inflammation.
- If you have a fungal or bacterial infection, avoid using the same washcloth on other parts of your body, as this can spread the infection.
Preventing Rashes and Skin Irritation
Exfoliate the night before waxing. Gentle exfoliation before waxing can help prevent ingrown hairs and folliculitis. The night before waxing, cleanse your face with a mild exfoliating product designed for facial skin. Avoid harsh scrubbing—use your fingertips or a clean washcloth to massage your face gently in circular motions.
Use clean tools for every waxing session. Reusing waxing tools or neglecting proper hygiene can spread fungi, bacteria, and even viruses, which may cause rashes. Always wash your hands and face before waxing, and never reuse waxing applicators. If waxing at a salon, ensure the technician wears gloves and uses properly sterilized tools.
Apply a cold compress immediately after waxing. Right after waxing, place an ice pack or cold compress on the waxed area for 15-20 minutes to soothe the skin. Cooling the skin also helps close pores and hair follicles, preventing bacterial entry.
- Aloe vera gel can also calm irritated skin post-waxing, reducing redness and preventing breakouts.
Avoid touching the waxed area. While it’s tempting to feel the smooth skin after waxing, excessive touching can irritate the skin and introduce bacteria. Refrain from touching your face unless necessary (e.g., when washing or applying moisturizer) for a few days until the skin heals.
Use oil-free moisturizers. Before and after waxing, apply a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer free of dyes and oils, as these can irritate the skin and clog pores. Opt for soothing moisturizers like aloe vera or witch hazel.
Avoid exercising immediately before and after waxing. Excessive sweating can clog pores, irritate the skin, and cause breakouts. If you need to exercise, do so before waxing or wait a few days for your skin to recover.
Consider alternative hair removal methods instead of waxing. If waxing frequently causes rashes or breakouts, you might want to explore other options. Try using facial hair removal creams safe for the skin or consult a professional to see if laser hair removal is suitable for you.
- Laser hair removal is not ideal for eyebrow shaping. Use eyebrow-specific hair removal creams or other methods like tweezing.
What You’ll Need
- Cold compress or ice pack
- Baking soda
- Oatmeal cleanser
- Fragrance-free, oil-free moisturizer
- Over-the-counter steroid ointment
- Calamine lotion
- Clean towel
- Warm water
- Gentle antibacterial cleanser
- Table salt
- Over-the-counter antibiotic ointment
- Oatmeal anti-itch lotion
- Clean waxing tools
- Medication (prescribed or recommended by a doctor)
