Can You Wax with Acne?

In this article:

• What Causes Acne?
• When is it Safe to Wax with Acne?
• Risks of Waxing with Acne
• Retinol & Other Acne Medications and Waxing
• Dermaplaning and Waxing
• How to Prevent Post-Waxing Pimples
• Skincare for Pre- and Post-Waxing

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is intended for awareness purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. If you have any concerns or uncertainties, it is best to seek guidance from a professional who can offer personalized advice based on your specific situation.

What Causes Acne?

Acne is an inflammatory skin condition that affects the sebaceous (oil) glands, which are connected to hair follicles. This common skin issue impacts around 80% of people between the ages of 11 and 30 at some point. Acne occurs when these oil glands become clogged with dead skin cells and sebum, leading to inflammation and the development of pimples.

When You Can Wax

• Wait for Healing: Only wax when your acne is not in an active state. Allow time for the inflammation (redness and pus) to subside and for the skin to heal.
• Pain-Free Areas: Ensure the acne-affected area is not painful to touch. Avoid waxing over areas that hurt.
• Patch Test: If you are trying a new method of hair removal or a new product, it is essential to do a patch test. Given that the face is a highly visible area, allowing 24 hours to test will save you lots of nerves and time in the future without putting your self-confidence under pressure.
• If you have never used wax before, Parissa Wax Strips are a great option for beginners. They are made with cream-based bees wax that is fragrance-free
• If you have sensitive facial skin and fine hair, Sugar Wax is a way to go. This is Parissa’s most gentle formula. You can wash of extra wax with warm water. This way you have the flexibility to safely remove wax from acne affected areas.

Pro tip: if the strips are too large for your target area, simply cut them in pieces of a suitable size.

• Parissa Hot Wax is the most efficient for short coarse hair. This wax is strip-free which allows you to carefully apply wax on your chosen areas. You must be cautious while using this wax as it has the strongest hair-pulling power in our wax collection. Ensure to conduct a patch test before using.

Risks of Waxing with Acne

Waxing over acne-prone areas can be challenging and carries certain risks. Although it’s not impossible to wax, it’s essential to be aware of these potential hazards:

1. Bacterial Spread: Waxing can spread acne-causing bacteria to other parts of the skin, potentially leading to more breakouts.
2. Heightened Irritation: Acne-affected skin is already sensitive, and waxing can exacerbate redness and swelling.
3. Risk of Skin Lifting: Waxing over inflamed pimples can damage the skin further, possibly resulting in scars.

Retinol & Other Acne Medications and Waxing

It is advisable to wait at least 2 weeks after discontinuing the use of topical acne treatments such as retinoids (like tretinoin) or oral medications like isotretinoin (Accutane) before waxing. These medications can make your skin more sensitive and prone to irritation, and waxing during or immediately after their use can potentially cause skin damage or adverse reactions.

Dermaplaning and Waxing

Dermaplaning, a procedure that removes the top layer of dead skin cells and fine hair, can leave your skin more vulnerable. It is not recommended to wax immediately after dermaplaning because it removes a layer of your skin, increasing the risk of skin lifting during waxing. It's best to wait a few days after dermaplaning to allow your skin to recover before waxing.

Why Do I Have Acne/Pimples After Waxing?

Many people notice small, red bumps on their skin immediately after waxing or about a week later. Waxing itself does not cause acne; rather, your skincare routine before, after, and between wax appointments plays a crucial role in preventing breakouts.

Histamines: When the skin undergoes trauma (such as waxing), allergies, or infection, histamines increase blood flow to the affected area, leading to inflammation and redness.

Ingrown hairs: Sometimes after hair removal (such as tweezing, shaving, or waxing) the hair is growing back into skin. Redness and slight irritation may occur around the ingrown hair, and it may look like a pimple.

This happens because:

• Your hair has a natural tendency to curl
• The skin is not exfoliated and moisturized well preventing hair from breaking through the surface
• The skin area has a dense hair-growth (a lot of hair close to each other such as pubic area) and/or think and coarse hair

Important: if you suspect that ingrown area is infected, you should see a medical professional.

How to Prevent Post-Waxing Skin Irritation and Pimples

1. Cleansing the Skin: Use a gentle soap and warm water to cleanse the skin, reducing irritants. Gently pat the skin dry to avoid further irritation. Parissa Ingrown Rescue Soap with tea tree oil purifies pores and soothes inflamed skin caused by waxing and shaving or other types of hair removal. 
2. Wearing Loose Clothing: Avoid tight clothing for 1–2 days after waxing to prevent fabric from rubbing against the skin and causing irritation.
3. Applying Fragrance-Free Moisturizers: Use fragrance-free moisturizers to soothe irritated skin post-waxing and reduce inflammation. Parissa Ultra Soothe Oil is a perfect choice post-waxing as it is made of chamomile extract which is known for its anti-inflammatory properties.  Alternatively, you may try Azulene Oil, chamomile extract with lightweight formula with non-greasy finish that is very convenient for daily use.
4. Exfoliate & moisturize: Start exfoliating your skin regularly 24-48 hours after waxing to remove dead skin cells. In addition, moisturizing will help hair to regrow without obstacles.
• Ingrown Rescue Kit would be a great addition to your waxing routine. It includes a Tea Tree Oil Soap, Konjak Exfoliating Sponge and Ultra Soothe Oil

Conclusion

Waxing with acne can be challenging, but it is possible with the right precautions. Understanding the risks and implementing a proper skincare routine can help minimize potential issues. Always consult with a professional if you have concerns about waxing with acne to ensure the best care for your skin.