Side Effects of Face Waxing

Face waxing services are an easy and efficient way to manage facial hair. Before face waxing or removal of unwanted hair from your face, you need to know the potential side effects and how your skin may be affected. Side effects are common and your skin is unique, therefore understanding how your skin may react is important. To avoid possible side effects that can happen from an inexperienced technician, it is recommended that you go to a professional esthetician.

Medication Interactions

Medications can interfere with face waxing and cause unwanted side effects. For example, antibiotics can cause your skin to be ultra-sensitive and lead to severe redness following waxing. Acutane users should not be waxed. Acutane leaves the skin extremely thin, photosensitive and more reactive. You must disclose any medications you are currently taking to avoid side effects associated with face waxing.

Breaking Out

Breaking out after face waxing is normal. A skin test patch should always be done to see if your skin is more sensitive or prone to breaking out before waxing the facial area. Ingredients in the wax can trigger a reaction. Not all wax is the same, and with lower-quality wax, breaking out is more likely. Fever blisters are a possibility with lip waxing.

Sunburn

Never go tanning or sunbathing right after waxing, because your skin is compromised due to waxing. After waxing, your skin is photosensitive and has the potential to sunburn even with moderate sun exposure. Sunscreen is always recommended.

Burning and Scarring

You can get burned during face waxing if the wax is too hot, which is why having an experienced certified esthetician working on your face is essential. Scarring of the face can happen when the skin is burned from wax and the skin is lifted with the wax during the waxing procedure. If a burn does occur, it is important to keep the area clean to prevent infection.

Redness

Redness of the face is almost always an issue after waxing and may last up to one week, depending on the integrity and health of your skin. For those with heavier, darker hair, laser hair removal may be more effective and less traumatic to the face. Fairer skin is always prone to redness.