Getting rid of your facial hair by using face wax every time? The “clean face” you get after every wax comes at a cost. Yes, there are quite a number of side effects from facial wax. Let’s find out how facial waxing affects your skin and simple ways to prevent it.

Face Wax

When the wax is applied on your face, it stiffens the unwanted facial hair. Pulling it in the reverse direction does the job of removing it.

Advantages of Face wax

✔ Hair gets pulled from the root, giving you a smooth look.

✔ Waxing removes a bulk of hair (compared to plucking, shaving etc) from your skin at once. 

Face Wax Side Effects:

1. It’s a painful process

Waxing isn’t comfortable. It causes pain! Pulling the waxing strips to remove the hair from its roots is of course painful. Some find it less painful, whereas people with sensitive skin find it impossible to deal with. If you need to remove hair from sensitive areas or the body parts with heavy hair growth, get ready to tolerate pain.

2. Skin rashes

Facial waxing can sometimes lead to skin rashes which may last for 2 -3 days. In case your rashes don’t disappear or become severe, check with your dermatologist. Also, it’s time to look for an alternate wax product that suits your skin type.

3. Bumps

Some experience small bumps after facial waxing when the hair is removed from the root. Using any moisturizing cream or any soothing cream on the skin bumps can restore your skin.

4. Inflammation

Some might experience mild redness and inflammation after a face wax. Try applying some soothing gel on your face immediately after waxing. Use gentle skin care products for a few days to avoid further skin irritation.

5. Skin allergies

Face wax can cause skin allergies in some. It’s always better to patch test the wax on a small portion of your hand. If you face irritation, then ditch it!

6. Sensitivity

Waxing sunburnt skin or deeply tanning skin is a very bad idea.  It leads to further damage. 

9. Scars

If waxing isn’t done right, it can rip your skin off, causing a wound. This can turn into scars if enough care isn’t taken.

Simple Ways To Prevent Side Effects of Facial Waxing 

Here are a few ways that help you avoid the side effects of using a face wax:

• Use right waxing products that are meant for specific body parts. Never use anything other than facial wax to remove hair off your face.
• It’s always better to take professional help for waxing rather than doing it yourself.

Do not use a face wax:

• If you’re taking oral tablets to treat severe acne or scarring.
• If you’re on prescription topical treatment (creams)  for acne or dark spots
• If your skin has active acne or open wounds. This may lead to severe infection.
• If you have warts or moles in that part of the skin. 
• If you have allergies to any ingredient present in the wax.
• If you have recently done any procedure on the skin including bleaching, laser treatments. Etc.

Face Wax Skin Care

• Gently exfoliate your face a day or two before waxing. This helps clear out the dirt and pollutants from your skin pores. It would make the facial waxing process smoother and more efficient.
• Cleanse your face with a gentle face wash before waxing. Make sure your skin dries thoroughly as this will help the wax to adhere properly onto the skin. 
• To reduce pain, you may also apply a cold pack to the skin for 20-30 minutes before waxing.
• Be careful while using hot wax; do not burn your skin. Always test the temperature of the wax by applying a small amount to the inside of your wrist.
• Apply the wax as directed to a small section of your skin with unwanted hair. Spread the wax in the direction of hair growth as evenly as possible. 
• Place the cloth strip over the wax and press gently for about 3 seconds. Pull it in the direction of hair growth to avoid ingrown hairs or bumps. 
• You may wash your face with cool water after waxing and apply a soothing non-comedogenic moisturizer post waxing. 

Sometimes, even though face wax has disadvantages, you can always give it a try with all the precautions. Waxing is one of the most common ways to remove them as cleanly as possible. Happy waxing!!