Waxing and Sun Exposure: How Waxing Affects Your Skin’s Sensitivity to the Sun and How to Protect Your Skin Afterwards at Nailsalon in Edgmont

Hair removal by waxing is common these days, considering its effectiveness and enduring results. In addition to this, wax removes hair from the root, which makes the skin smooth and free of hair for a few weeks. On the other hand, most clients do not know that waxing makes the skin highly sensitive to sun exposure. Most clients don’t know that after waxing, their skin tends to be highly sensitive and may cause discomfort, irritation and even permanent skin damage if exposed to the sun without proper protection.



Our utmost goal at Nailsalon in Edgmont is to allow clients to enjoy the perks of a perfect waxing session while educating them on the necessary precautions needed to be taken for the skin after waxing. In this article, we will detail how waxing impacts the skin’s sensitivity to the sun, the causes behind it, and what can be done to reduce skin irritation after waxing. Additionally, we will give you tips that will help you pamper your skin and let you enjoy the results of waxing while ensuring that your skin’s health is not in danger.

The Skin's Reaction to Waxing: An Overview

Steps In Waxing Coordination

As waxing techniques suggest, soft or hard waxes are employed to remove hair from the root. The technique employs the use of ‘soft’ and ‘hard’ waxes to pull out hair from the legs and bikini lines. In this procedure, the wax sticks on to the hair, and the hair is rapidly yanked off from the body. This technique can be applied to several body parts ranging from the face, bikini line, arms, to legs and upper back.

The application of wax can lead to parts of the skin being ‘singed’, resulting in slight skin irritation or even inflammation. The application of wax loses its restorative power when it is pulled away from the skin; this can irritate the surface of the skin’s epidermis. The skin is left with inflammation as well as bumping, while in extreme cases, waxing can lead to abrasions. The treated areas of the skin, particularly, can be more sensitive after the method is completed.

The pulling of hair from its follicle comes with the removal of dead skin cells, which is achieved via waxing. There is a downside to waxing which is that it leaves the skin very fragile and susceptible to sensitivity in the area that was waxed a few hours or days later.

Skin Sensitivity After Waxing

After waxing, your skin becomes more sensitive due to the following factors:

• Exfoliation: Waxing removes the outermost dead skin cells, so it can be seen as a type of exfoliation. As a result, the skin is left feeling smooth, but the overall risk of harm from environmental factors, such as the sun, is increased.

• Temporary Damage to the Skin: Pulling hair out at its roots damages the skin ever so slightly. While it does not outwardly appear to be of any harm, the skin does sustain micro-tears. While this damage to the skin does result in weakened skin barriers, it can make the skin far more susceptible to damage from outside threats, including UV rays.

• Inflammation: Skin irritation is especially common after waxing, and is often accompanied by inflammation. Redness of the skin is also common, which is an ordinary reaction, but can make the skin more sensitive towards herbs and spices, as well as the sun.

Even though the sensitivity may vary depending on multiple factors, like the condition of the specific area of skin being treated and the individual’s skin sensitivity – the heightened sensitivity for most people, waxed or not, commonly lasts 24 to 48 hours.



The Risks of Sun Exposure After Waxing: 

Along with the suntan, waxing can result in skin diseases or ailments, especially because soles of the feet, eyebrows, and bikini areas are extremely soft and delicate. Your skin is literally burnt after waxing since there is no dead skin cells present which further engangs excessive sensitivity. After waxing, some of the issues that may arise are: 

• Boosted chances of a Sunburn: The skin after waxing is relatively new and the older layers are missing which increases the chances of a sunburn greatly. In addition to this, sunburns on freshly waxed skin would yield severe long term damage to the skin, unbearably blistering itchiness, peeling of skin, and painful redness. 

• Lowered resistance and fake skin diseases: Another major problem is low resistance or hyperpigmentation wherein a person without resistance bears the harmful effects of the sun resulting in fake skin diseases portraying as dark spots. More over, waxing also acts once as a bone-setter and further worsens the condition resulting in excess sun curvature, overexposure, or irritation.

• Skin Irritation and Rash: For individuals with sensitive skin, especially those waxing their bikini line or underarms, direct sun exposure after waxing can lead to sunburn and an itchy rash. This is because the waxed skin is very sensitive and is easily prone to inflammation. The UV rays may worsen the inflammation, redness, and discomfort on the skin. 

• Premature Aging: If overexposed to the UV rays, skin will start showing signs of aging very quickly. Waxing usually leaves the skin looking very smooth because it removes dead skin; however, it makes the skin more predisposed towards sun damage resulting in fine lines, wrinkles, or age spots. Hence, unprotected exposure to the sun for prolonged periods makes the skin more susceptible to aging. 

• Post-inflammatory Hypopigmentation: This is a condition where the skin complexion is uneven, where greatly irritated skin appears lighter than the surrounding skin. This often occurs if one spends too long outdoors, especially in the sun without any sort of protection after waxing.
  

Here’s How to Take Care of Your Skin After Waxing

1. Do Not Spend Time Under the Sun for 1-2 Days

For the best possible care after waxing, try not to spend a lot of time under the sun for a minimum of 24 to 48 hours. This helps your skin heal and minimizes tough sunburns or irritation. In case you have to be outdoors, try to remain under the shade, wear sun protective clothes, and steer clear of places with direct sunlight.

2. Use Sunblock with High SPF Rating

A critical part of your post-wax care routine is applying the right sort of sunblock with SPF 30 or above (SPF 50 is best). It is best to apply sunblock daily to protect against sun rays and UVA and UVB radiation which worsen hyperpigmentation, causes infractions and burns on the skin, as well as age acceleration.

For starters, make sure to put enough sunblock in the waxed areas, and for optimum results, it is good practice to reapply the sun protection cream every two hours. Remember that even on cloudy days, the sun can harm your skin using its UV rays and penetrate through clouds. Sun protection should be put on every exposed skin area as well, especially vaginal and face areas that are incredibly sensitive after waxing.

3. Wear Protective Clothing

Put on extra garments such as long-sleeved shirts, pants, or wide brim hats before heading out after a waxing session for added protection. Loose clothing that allows air circulation will help your skin heal without aggravating it. A wide brim hat is essential for shielding the face and neck.

Those who wish for a more sophisticated take on style can receive guidance at Nailsalon in Edgmont on how to achieve a layered style while still keeping the protective garment in style.

4. Stay Hydrated and Moisturize

Drinking water is another important aspect of skin care after waxing as it helps to stay hydrated. Replenishing water intake is effective as it helps to reduce dehydration symptoms such as skin irritation and redness. Skin can feel dry and tight after waxing which can be resolved through moisturizing.

Keep an eye out for a neutral scented moisturizer that is designed for sensitive skin. After waxing, put a liberal amount of moisturizer to the area that was waxed to help with the inflammation and natural healing process of the skin.

5. Employ Aftercare Products Specifically Crafted for Delicate Skin

After waxing, it's very important to apply aftercare products, especially ones that are made for delicate skin. A variety of products available in the market these days have aloe vera, chamomile, and tea tree oil. Such soothing ingredients calm the skin and lessen irritation, and these products also help in preserving the skin’s moisture and reducing skin redness. 

At Nailsalon in Edgmont, we sell and after care skin products which are useful for post waxing skin care and focusing on my best reusability. Remember to follow the instructions and be sure to ask your technician for suggestions specific your skin area, and the type of wax that was removed with it. 

6. Stay Away From Extremely Hot Showers or Baths

Avoid taking hot showers and warm baths immediately after waxing as hot water can irritate waxed skin more. Your skin is still sensitive, so it is better to wait 24 hours after waxing to shower with hot water. Soaking in hot water will make it more difficult as well therefore does not use hot water for too long. The pores will open and allow can make your skin more sensitive towards sunlight and external irritants. Instead, use warm water when showering and wash sensitive regions and pat them dry with a towel.



7. Prevent Rubbing and Tight Clothes

Following a waxing session, skip areas of the body that are delicate like the bikini line and underarms. Skin that is sensitive to irritation can be made worse by engaging in activities that involve tight clothing as these also have the potential to contribute to ingrown hairs. Instead, wear relaxed and easy fitting clothes that do not rub against the skin.

Conclusion



Waxing serves as a reliable hair extraction technique, although it has some risks concerning sun exposure. The skin is relatively delicate after waxing and can get sunburnt, irritated, hyperpigmented, or even damaged during tanning. The best way to reduce these worries is through taking precautions such as avoiding direct sun exposure, applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and remorselessly moisturizing your skin.

At Nailsalon in Edgmont, we make sure that our clients not only get the best waxing services but also provide them with everything they need to take care of their skin. With the right aftercare and protection, one can achieve skin free of hair while worrying little about the sun. Remember to take note of all these along the way and my courteous staff at Nailsalon in Edgmont is more than willing to assist you with your waxing and skincare needs.