Waxing has almost become a norm for most ladies. In the salons, we go through the pain of getting our face, hands, legs or pubic areas waxed regardless of the pain. Waxing is painful but also practical, which makes it worth the pain. Unlike shaving with a stick or a hair removal cream, waxing removes the hair from the roots of the skin. It leaves the skin smooth. No matter how often you wax, it is best to know that this hair removal process has side effects. Before we get into the damages and treatment of wax’s impact on the skin, let us understand waxing.
What is waxing?
Waxing is the removal of hair from the roots of the skin. It allows ladies (and men who wax) to walk around with hairless skin. When you shave your hair, it reduces to skin level. Most people prefer waxing because of how it focuses on the roots. After waxing, the hair takes a long time to grow. There are different types of waxing. Brazilian waxing takes less than 15 minutes to leave your skin smooth and hairless. It claims to be less irritating on the skin as opposed to using a shaving stick.
Before we get into the side effects of waxing, here are some of the benefits.
1. Waxing offers gentle exfoliation to the skin. It is best to know that waxing is different from exfoliation. Waxing strips the hairs off the outer layer of the skin. It makes the skin surface brighter and smoother. It is advisable to avoid exfoliating the skin on the same day of your waxing appointment, and exfoliating the skin some days before your waxing appointment leaves you with few side effects.
2. It reduces skin irritation and inflammation. The constant use of razor-sharp sticks for shaving causes inflammation on the skin. The friction while shaving leaves you with a darker underarm. It is most common in people of darker skin colour due to hyperpigmentation. By waxing, you reduce friction and discolouration on the skin.
3. The proper waxing technique reduces the chances of getting ingrown hairs. Shaving can cause ingrown hairs, and the same applies to different types of hair removals. However, moisturising is always advisable to avoid the bumps from ingrown hair.
4. Waxing lessens hair growth. It is also faster and saves time. It also makes it reach complex parts of the body. There are different types of waxing, leaving people with many options.
These benefits of waxing do not take away its side effects. The hair on our skin serves as a protective layer for different reasons. The tugging and pulling during waxing have an impact on the skin. Here are the ways waxing damages the skin.
Damages of waxing the skin
1. Waxing may darken the skin: Most ladies believe that waxing brightens their skin. However, it does not stop the numerous complaints about how it darkens the skin. After waxing, you will experience post-inflammatory pigmentation. It can make the skin look darker, especially after a hot wax session. This skin darkening mostly happens in the underarm and not other body parts. After the waxing session, the skin can have a reaction that causes excessive production of dark spots.
2. Waxing the skin can lead to infection. While tugging and pulling hair from the root of the skin may cause skin infection. Waxing makes the skin open and exposes it to all forms of bacteria. Using a professional if you are a newbie to waxing is advisable. Apply the right moisturisers or lotions after waxing, as this will help reduce the chances of an infection. There is particular post-wax care to help avoid infections.
3. Waxing causes pain: With waxing, pain is almost inevitable. This pain sometimes comes from wounds caused on the skin. People with sensitive skin experience more injury and pain after waxing. If you have alow pain tolerance, it is best to let them know at the waxing parlour,
4. Waxing leaves temporary bumps: Like every other hair removal method, waxing leaves the skin with temporary bumps. It is a result of the pores where hair gets pulled out. It shouldn’t be a cause for alarm, as a soothing balm can help calm the discomfort.
5. The bikini wax can leave you with wart-like growths. It mainly occurs around the anus. It takes time to treat and clear up. If you notice these bumps after waxing, it is best to seek a dermatologist.
6. Waxing damages the hair bulb. The constant pulling from the roots can create an uneven hair growth pattern on the skin. Waxing leaves the skin tender and prone to heat damage. Hot wax can burn the skin. It occurs more in people who use harsh skin care products.
Does waxing cause damage to the skin? Yes, it does. However, choosing a hair removal method that works best for your skin is best. Remember to moisturise after each hair removal method.