Contraindications for waxing

Waxing is a sure way to get smooth legs and a bikini area. However, before signing up for the procedure, you should take into account the characteristics of your body. Our topic is contraindications for waxing.

Waxing is without a doubt one of the most common hair removal methods. But, no matter how attractive the feeling of smooth skin is, this method is not suitable for everyone. In fact, there are several types of people who should avoid waxing altogether.

Therefore, today we will look at the precautions, risks and contraindications that you should pay attention to when it comes to waxing.

When to be careful

• If you are pregnant, taking birth control, hormone replacements, or antibiotics: In these cases, your skin may be more sensitive, so it is best to do a patch test 24 hours before the procedure and see how your skin reacts.

• If you smoke or have rosacea: Waxing can negatively affect dilated capillaries (weak or broken blood vessels) commonly found in people with rosacea and also in smokers. If the capillaries are visually very noticeable and red, you should avoid removing hair in this area so as not to irritate them further.

• If you are taking a blood thinner, suffering from diabetes or phlebitis, these are all medical conditions, so it is imperative that you first get your doctor's approval for any kind of manipulation.

• If you use powerful exfoliators on your skin. Strong exfoliants, such as glycolic acid and salicylic acid, strip the skin of cells and can sometimes cause irritation. Thus, waxing, which is also another form of exfoliation, can make the skin red, or even bleed. It is recommended that you stop using exfoliating products on the area where you plan to wax at least three days before the procedure, and not use them for at least three to four days after hair removal.

• If you have taken large amounts of caffeine or alcohol. These nervous system stimulants can make the skin more sensitive to wax, as they cause fluid retention in the body and, subsequently, can make the skin more inflamed than usual. Do not drink alcohol and limit coffee intake a few hours before the waxing procedure to protect yourself from such negative consequences.

• If you are actively sunbathing. If you have been in direct sunlight for a long time, you should wait at least a day or two before waxing. And if you get a sunburn, then you need to wait until the skin is completely healed.

In what cases should wax depilation be abandoned?

Waxing should definitely be avoided if you have a history of chronic conditions such as lupus, AIDS, or any other disease that compromises the skin barrier. Doctors also recommend avoiding waxing if you have epilepsy, ringworm, scabies, or if you are taking Accutane or have stopped taking it less than a year ago. Lastly, you should never wax if you are undergoing cancer treatment such as chemotherapy or radiation.

What areas should not be depilated?

For safety reasons, you should not wax in the following areas:

• On irritated, inflamed skin, on skin after a sunburn or cut.
• On skin areas where you use Retin-A cream.
• On any area where there is a rash, fresh scar tissue, skin graft, pimples, herpes, "hanging" moles or warts.
• Inside the ears and nose, as well as on the nipples and male genitals.
• If you have recently had Botox or collagen injections, then these areas should not be waxed for seven days.
• Above or around body piercings.

Waxing alternatives

If, for the reasons above, waxing isn't the right hair removal method for you, don't worry, there are a few other options, like tweezing, flossing, sugaring or using depilatory creams that do the job just as well.

I hope my information was useful to you, and now you probably know if the waxing procedure is right for you. Be healthy and beautiful! :)