Side Effects Of Facial Waxing: Prevention And Tips

Fun Fact

In ancient Egypt, a smooth, hairless body defined beauty. Both women and men used a mixture of sugar, honey, and oil to remove the body and facial hair.

The Side Effects Of Facial Waxing

1. Is Painful

Pulling out the peach fuzz is indeed painful! However, it also depends on your skin type, the type and brand of waxing products, the hair density on your face, the pain tolerance levels, and the area you are waxing. Usually, waxing the upper lip or sensitive skin can be painful.

2. May Cause Rashes

This is a common side effect of facial waxing. The facial skin is delicate compared to the skin on your body. Waxing may cause temporary irritation and fluid-filled blister-like rashes. If the rashes do not go away after 2-4 days, consult your dermatologist. Also, avoid waxing your face and switch to other hair removal techniques.

3. May Cause Redness And Inflammation

Facial waxing may cause mild redness and inflammation with a burning or stinging sensation. Freshly waxed skin is sensitive to touch, and these symptoms should subside within a few hours. Apply a soothing gel or cream to your face immediately after waxing. Consider using an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream if you are experiencing redness or irritation. Avoid using products with harsh chemicals for a few days.

4. May Cause Ingrown Hair And Bumps

If the hair is not removed from roots, it may cause ingrown hairs and bumps on your face.  Ingrown hairs occur when the hair shaft breaks or is shaved just below the skin surface, and the hair grows back into the skin instead of outwards of the skin’s surface. These may appear like inflamed bumps after a week of waxing. They can be painful and can cause itching and inflammation.

5. Slight Bleeding

The hair follicles are connected to blood vessels. When you wax and rip the hair out, you may see tiny blood droplets oozing from the pores. This type of trauma is common during waxing. In case you observe abnormal or continuous bleeding, consult your doctor.

6. Adverse Reactions

Face waxes can cause allergic reactions. You may experience hives, itching, and rashes. Do a patch test to prevent this.

Sindhu, a vlogger, spoke about her negative experience with facial waxing in her vlog. She said, “It started feeling so itchy. I scratched my whole face the entire night. I got so many bumps on my face (i).”

Also, waxing tanned or sunburned skin is not a good idea. It may cause sensitivity and breakouts on the waxed area. Usually, facial waxing does not cause any scars. However, if not done the right way, it may peel the top layer of the skin and cause scarring. Hence, take extra care while waxing your face.

Other common side effects of face waxing include skin irritation, swelling, hyperpigmentation, and dryness, which develop due to the removal of natural oils from the skin. Here are a few tips to prevent any such side effects. Here are a few tips to prevent any such side effects.

How To Prevent The Side Effects Of Facial Waxing

• Never use body waxes on your face. They may burn or bruise your skin.
• Always read the instructions on the product labels before using facial wax.
• Avoid waxing wounded skin, rashes, or active breakouts to prevent infections.
• Avoid facial waxing if you have sunburnt, dry, or sensitive skin.
• Do not opt for facial waxing if you have recently undergone laser treatment.
• Avoid facial waxing if you are using any prescription topical treatments for acne, age, and dark spots.

Quick Tip

An alternative to face wax is a dermaplaning treatment, where a fine blade is used to remove hair and improve skin texture. You can also get a laser bleach treatment.

Tips For Facial Waxing

• Exfoliate your face a day before waxing to clear all dirt and pollutants. It will help hair make its way through your skin and smoothen the waxing process. Remember to use light, non-harsh scrubs to avoid making the skin more sensitive.
• Post waxing, apply a cold (not frozen) pack to your face for at least 20-30 minutes to reduce pain and inflammation. It should be above 4°C. Applying a soothing gel may also help ease the discomfort.
• When using hot wax, check its temperature before application to prevent burning your skin. You may also test the wax temperature by applying a dab of the wax to the inside of your wrist to make sure it is at a comfortable spreading temperature.
• Always spread the wax evenly and pull it in the direction of the hair growth. This helps the wax adhere properly (for better results) and prevent ingrown hairs and bumps.
• Follow a proper skin care routine and apply face serum a night before doing facial wax.

Quick Tip

Wrap a few ice cubes in a cotton cloth and dab on the irritated skin after waxing for a soothing effect. Also, avoid heat exposure, like steaming, saunas, or the sun, for 12-24 hours.

If you are wondering whether facial waxing will make your skin loose, get your answer by checking out the section below!

Does Face Waxing Loosen The Skin?

Although some people believe that waxing your face may make your skin loose and saggy, there is no scientific evidence to back this claim. On the other hand, people may initially feel that their skin looks tighter after waxing because the hair is gone. However, this effect is temporary and has no long-term impact on the skin’s elasticity or firmness. Additionally, excessive waxing may cause skin damage over time.  Follow a proper skin care routine before and after waxing in order to keep your skin looking healthy and glowy.

Infographic: 6 Potential Side Effects Of Facial Waxing

While facial waxing might be a better and safer alternative to shaving, it is still painful and comes with its own set of cons. To help you make an informed choice, we have rounded up the side effects of waxing your face in the infographic below. Scroll down to know more!

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Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does face waxing cause pimples?

Inflammation after waxing may cause pimples and small pus-filled bumps, especially when the skin is sensitive or allergic to the product used.

Does face waxing cause pigmentation?

Yes, face waxing may lead to post-inflammatory pigmentation due to the trauma and improper technique. However, if done properly, waxing should not cause pigmentation issues.

Does waxing face damage skin barrier?

Yes, face waxing can potentially damage the skin barrier. It can cause skin irritation, inflammation, and sensitivity, which can weaken the skin barrier and increase the risk of infections. It’s important to take proper care of the skin after waxing by moisturizing and avoiding harsh skincare products to help restore and maintain the skin barrier.

Can I wash my face after waxing?

It’s best to avoid washing your face immediately after waxing as the skin may be sensitive and prone to irritation. Water and soap can also strip away natural oils and further irritate the skin. Wait at least 24 hours before washing your face after waxing.

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

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Dr. Farhaad RiyazMD, FAAD, FACMS

     

Dr. Farhaad Riyaz is a US-based dermatologist and an authority on skin cancer, ethnic skin, general dermatology, laser medicine, and non-invasive cosmetics. He has been in private practice since July 2018 and is a member of the AAD and ASDS in addition to several other professional societies. He has 9 years of experience and takes pride in developing personalized skincare...more

Arshiya SyedaSenior Editor

 

Arshiya Syeda is a senior editor at StyleCraze with 7 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer and combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care. She holds a bachelor's degree in literature and psychology from Osmania University, Hyderabad, and a post-graduate diploma in psychological...more

Ramona SinhaEditor

Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal. She also did a certificate course in dermatology offered by the Novosibirsk State University...more

Shiboli ChakrabortiCommerce Editor

Shiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content. She loves reviewing skin care and hair care products and constantly endeavors to provide...more