How to Treat and Prevent Bumps After Waxing

When you go in for a waxing session, the last thing you want is bumpy skin.

Removing unwanted body hair is supposed to leave you smooth and supple, so what gives?

There are several potential causes, and most of them are avoidable. We’re exploring those annoying post-waxing bumps today.

Potential causes of bumps after a waxing session

After your bikini wax, you may have experienced bumps and redness. While you can expect some irritation, a breakout isn’t what you want. It’s easy to just blame your acne-prone skin for the problem. And there is some truth to that.

Waxing is a form of exfoliation and when we remove dead skin cells, your hair follicle is more susceptible to infection. Serums and proper aftercare applied after treatment typically keep that from happening.

Usually, bumps after waxing have other causes.

Contact dermatitis

You’ve probably heard this term before concerning rashes or skin reactions to nasty chemicals. Contact dermatitis occurs when you touch something that your body doesn’t like. As a reaction, itchy bumps pop up. And, while you may not be allergic to the hard wax used by your esthetician, something else is happening.

Waxing exfoliates, revealing new skin cells that are susceptible to irritation. They haven’t developed a hardened surface yet and absorb anything you apply to them. Using lotions with fragrances or untested waxing products can cause a breakout. In severe cases, you could see swelling and peeling skin!

Folliculitis

Your Brazilian wax may leave your intimate areas smooth and silky, but waxing causes trauma to your hair follicles. One of the natural side effects of waxing is removing them, but damage isn’t the goal. Those itchy bumps left after waxing might be folliculitis.

Bacteria use damaged follicles as their entry point into the skin. Areas that are closer to the body are prone to this kind of issue, as are the arms. You can’t disinfect your body because beneficial organisms are on the surface. But painful bumps don’t have to be the result.

Ingrown hair

Ingrown hairs are among the most common sources of itchy, red bumps post-wax. Especially in areas with coarse, curly hair, ingrowns are fairly normal. After about a week, you’ll notice red spots where you waxed. 

It turns out that getting a bikini wax could be asking for trouble without good aftercare!

When hair grows back after any hair removal process, there’s a chance it’ll be blocked at the surface. Instead of growing out through the pore, the strand turns around and keeps going. While these usually resolve themselves, they can be the source of infection. 

Ways to treat bumps after waxing

Thankfully, there are several treatment options for the post-wax blues. Your skin is resilient and will bounce back quickly with the right care. Then, you can enjoy weeks of hair-free bliss without the bumps.

At home after your appointment

Some of these might seem like common sense, but it’s good to hear them again for first-time waxing clients. 

When you first notice the bumps, clean your skin using a non fragrant, pH balanced soap and warm water. Don’t use products with fragrances or active ingredients, as they can further irritate the area. Gently pat dry after to avoid further issues.

Warm and cold compresses are helpful for different types of issues. Cool temperatures can soothe if you’re itchy or burning. Heat softens the hair and bacteria (pus) within pores  and can help ingrown hairs release on their own.

Wearing loose clothing allows treated areas to breathe after a waxing session. Give yourself a couple of days to flow free if you’ve had bumps in the past.

Cold compresses  can help relieve swelling skin during recovery. Combine those with soothing  moisturizers that contain  aloe vera and hyaluronic acid for best results.

See a doctor if infection occurs

If the bumps haven’t cleared up after a few days or are worsening, see your doctor. You risk ingrown hair cysts and cellulitis if you don’t treat them correctly. They can prescribe medication to knock out infections or drain cysts if necessary.

Best ways to prevent bumps after waxing

Don’t let the potential for side effects scare you. Your regular skincare routine should be enough to keep them away! We’ve also got a few tips for ways to prevent bumps that are simple and effective.

If the bumps occur on your face

Before your waxing session, you can do a few things to prevent future bumps. Avoid products with retinol in the days leading up to your appointment. They increase the chance of damage to your skin during waxing. 

Drink enough fluids to make sure your dry skin is hydrated. Even oily skin benefits from hydration, so give it some love! Avoid using makeup for at least a day after your appointment to avoid irritating the area.

If the bumps appear on your arms, legs, or bikini area

While you need to treat your face gently, you can take a more direct approach to other places. Most of the time, bumps on the arms, legs, and bikini zone are caused by ingrown hair. 

Use a gentle scrub or mitt to exfoliate your skin a day before your waxing session. This helps to remove excess dead skin cells, which can make waxing more painful. A few days after your treatment, do the process again to release any ingrown hairs. 

The Glowthetician helps you achieve smooth, healthy skin!

At The Glowthetician, we want you to love your body however it is! Every body is beautiful, and our services can help you achieve your aesthetic goals. We only use hard wax for the most effective hair removal possible. Whatever your skin type, we’re happy to recommend the best treatment for your concerns.

Check out our body-positive salon today and see how we can help you love yourself!