Hey friend,

The process of waxing removes hair from the root, but this tugging and ripping can cause irritation. While it’s normal for anyone’s skin to be a little red and sensitive for a bit afterward, it shouldn’t last more than a few hours. Post-wax rashes can be a combination of ingrown hairs, folliculitis, or even contact dermatitis. If you’re experiencing any irritation, read on to learn how to treat red and irritated skin due to waxing.

Wear Loose Clothing

Friction and trapped sweat can easily cause our skin to become irritated. I’ve found that clothing fibers rub against raw skin, causing redness, dryness, and itchiness to rear their ugly heads. Even worse, the salt in your sweat can burn freshly exposed pores, leading to an itchy, bumpy disaster! Wearing loose-fitting clothing the day of your wax and two days afterward can help you avoid unnecessary irritation.

Apply Cooling Products

Aloe vera contains a myriad of skin-care benefits due to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, and applying pure aloe to freshly waxed skin can significantly soothe irritation. Many post-wax cooling gels contain aloe, but we should all be wary of any cooling products that contain alcohol or perfumes, as they can worsen irritation. If you don’t have pure aloe or a post-wax cooling gel on hand, ice packs can also do the trick.

Moisturize Correctly

While many of us may want to put on a thick layer of cream to soothe our skin and make it smoother, these creams can clog pores and lead to more bumps and irritation. Post wax and shave oils help moisturize your skin without clogging pores. Look for products that contain oils, such as tea tree, rose hip, rosemary, chamomile, or aloe vera, while steering clear of added perfumes.

Ultimately, the best way to treat red and irritated skin from waxing is to let it breathe and leave it alone. If you can’t seem to find relief after following these tips, you can apply a thin layer of OTC hydrocortisone cream to help reduce itchiness and inflammation.

I hope you’ve found these tips helpful! Consider sticking around and joining the club ( my email list) so you don’t miss out on new posts or anything else I share!

Much love, JessXO