What Is a Brazilian Wax?
You finally worked up the courage to bare it all and get a Brazilian wax, which removes nearly all pubic hair. Now the appointment’s over and you’re dealing with red, irritated ingrown hair follicles. Don’t worry – you’re not alone. Many experience itchy woes post-waxing, especially down there!
This comprehensive guide covers all things related to soothing your sensitive skin after Brazilian waxing. Read on for tips to cure everything from painful inflammation to embarrassing bumps. With proper care for your bikini line pre and post-wax, you’ll be beach ready in no time!
## Why Does My Skin Itch After Brazilian Waxing?
Itching and irritation stem from several culprits that damage the skin and hair follicles during waxing:
Ingrown Hairs
When freshly plucked hairs start growing back, they can curve into the skin rather than upward. The sharp tip embedding into the follicle causes painful inflammation and red bumps. It’s the most common cause of post-waxing woes. They frequently form along the bikini line since hairs are coarse and curly in the pubic region.
Folliculitis
This condition involves infection of the hair follicles from bacteria that enters openings created by ripping out hair. Itching results from inflamed pores attempting to fight off infection. Small and red bumps may pus if left untreated. Folliculitis outbreaks after Brazilian waxes primarily occur where skin rubs together – behind knees, underarms, and inner thighs.
Contact Dermatitis
An allergic reaction or irritation from any products used can lead to an itchy rash. The vulva and pubic area feature sensitive thin skin that’s vulnerable to inflammation. Reactions typically arise from chemicals in soaps, waxes, astringents or fragrances. But latex in gloves can also trigger contact dermatitis for those with sensitivities.
How To Prevent Irritation Before Brazilian Waxing
Prevent pesky issues like ingrown hairs and infections by properly caring for skin before waxing:
Let That Hair Grow, Girl!
Wax adheres best to hair that’s at least 1⁄4 inch long. Anything shorter won’t allow the wax to grip individual strands tautly. Stubblier sections lead to haphazard pulling that irritates the skin. Allow your hair to grow out for 2 to 4 weeks beforehand. Shaving between appointments also ups ingrown hair risk.
Gently Exfoliate Skin
Gently scrubbing away dead skin cells before waxing allows hairs to exit cleanly from pores. It also dislodges nascent ingrowns and clears away oil, dirt and product residue. Just don’t overdo it! Harsh buffing can worsen sensitivity. Exfoliate no more than 1 to 2 times weekly.
Remove Excess Oil and Makeup
Residue can mix with wax, causing it to cling too tightly to skin. Ensure your pubic area (and face if waxing your upper lip) are free from dirt, oil and cosmetics. Wash skin with a gentle cleanser before arriving at your appointment.
Cease Retinoids
Products containing retinoids seriously sensitize skin, since the ingredients accelerate cell turnover. Topical retinoids should stop being applied 3 to 4 weeks pre-wax, while oral versions require 6 months to 1 year of halt! Otherwise, the wax will rip off way too many layers of delicate tissue.
Choosing the Best Wax for Sensitive Skin
Selecting suitable wax minimizes adverse skin reactions and lessens pain too:
Soft Wax > Hard Wax
Soft wax sticks to a special strip that’s pulled off to remove hair. Meanwhile, hard wax adheres to the hair itself, so no cloth strips are needed. The former works better for shorter strands on delicate zones like the bikini region. Its pliability allows gentler removal for thinner skin. Those with sensitivity fare better avoiding aggressive hard waxes.
Test Wax Temp Beforehand
Wax that’s too hot can scald and burn tissue. But product that’s too cool won’t spread properly or adhere well. Ensure comfortable warmth by dabbing a little on your wrist first. It should feel quite hot initially but not unbearable. Optimally, wax should reach a toasty 125°F when applied.
Post-Wax Care For Irritated, Itchy Skin
You followed all the rules before your waxing session. But the esthetician still managed to leave your skin inflamed! Now what? Try these soothing steps to calm the body’s chaos:
Cleanse Gently
Opt for mild cleansers without fragrances or harsh chemicals. Lightly pat skin dry after washing instead of rubbing the area. Tugging at freshly waxed, sensitive pores will heighten inflammation.
Ice, Ice Baby
Icing zones immediately after hair removal constricts blood vessels to alleviate swelling. The cold also numbs nerve endings that relay itchiness. Wrap some cubes or a gel pack in a towel and press onto skin for 5-10 minutes several times a day.
Heat Things Up
On the other hand, warmth calms existing irritation and redness. After the first 24 hours post-wax, apply a warm towel or soak the area in lukewarm water. The heat accelerates healing by boosting blood circulation to damaged tissue.
Let Things Breathe
Avoid restrictive clothing and materials that chafe against distressed skin. Seek out loose, breathable fabrics like cotton that won’t cling. This allows your pores some air to heal while preventing abrasion. Ditch rough denim and synthetics!
Soothe With Aloe Vera
The mucilaginous gel from aloe vera leaves forms a protective barrier against infection. It also delivers cooling relief from razor bumps or inflammation. Seek out pure formulas without added fragrance or dye, which may further irritate.
Hydrate With Lotions
Waxing strips skin of protective oils that retain moisture. Replenish with gentle, hydrating creams free from alcohol or perfumes. Shea butter, coconut oil and omega-rich preparations work wonders for improving texture.
Bust Out Anti-Itch Creams
Over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream or antihistamine gel like diphenhydramine can calm hives and inflammation. But avoid steroid creams on the face or delicate tissue, which may experience thinning. Spot treat regions away from vulva if needed.
When To Seek Medical Care
Most post-Brazilian waxing woes resolve within days or weeks with conservative care. But if symptoms don’t improve – or appear infected – it’s time to seek medical expertise:
Signs of Infection
Excessive pain, swelling with pus, red streaks from the infection site and skin that feels hot to the touch all indicate intricacies. Skin can become infected from unsanitary waxing equipment or irritant chemicals. Bacterial invaders enter compromised pores and hair follicles too.
Topical Antibiotics
Doctors often provide antibiotic ointment containing bacitracin, mupirocin or Neosporin to clear mild skin infection. Apply a thin layer thrice daily until swelling and pus fully subside. Seek an oral alternative if symptoms spread or fail to improve within a few days.
Oral Antibiotics
For widespread pubic folliculitis or vulvar cellulitis, doctors prescribe antibiotics like Keflex or Bactrim to annihilate infection internally. Take the full course as directed to prevent antibiotic resistance or recurrent infection. Some itching and irritation should abate within the first few days of treatment.
Preventing Future Discomfort After Brazilian Waxing
You won’t have to suffer through skin travails or awkwardly explain irritation to your partners with a few preemptive actions:
Exfoliate 2-3 Times Weekly
Gently sloughing away dead cells not only clears current ingrowns pre-wax, but keeps additional ones from developing between sessions. Just don’t over-scrub to the point of rawness! Those with sensitive skin may tolerate chemical exfoliant toners better.
Apply Pre-Epilation Powder
These specialized formulas fill uneven texture while absorbing excess oil. This allows the wax to adhere evenly across slick skin. Prevent painful tugs and torn skin by powdering up first! Try cornstarch, arrowroot or other natural options. Talc-based dusting powders harbor trace asbestos in some cases.
Patch Test Wax First
Dab a pea-sized amount of wax onto your inner arm before a full-on Brazilian application. Make sure no allergic reaction flares up after 24-48 hours before letting them slather the hot goop all over your bits! This simple test can save loads of hurt.
Choose Aftercare Products Wisely
Continue gently cleansing while hydrating with aloe gel and gentle lotions after waxing. Steer clear of products containing alcohol, soy or retinoids. Seek out antioxidants like vitamin C and E to accelerate skin renewal after trauma. And lather on the SPF 30+ too for prevention against hyperpigmentation!
Rest Skin Between Sessions
Wax every 3-4 weeks only to enable proper hair regrowth. Frequent removals irritate existing inflammation and thin the skin over time. Plus, strands need to reach that 1⁄4 inch sweet spot again to avoid breakage! Let your pores fully heal before attacking them again.
In Conclusion
Post-Brazilian waxing woes often throw crotch confidence for a loop. But carefully caring for your sensitive nether regions can stave off most ill effects. With this comprehensive skin care guide, you’ll be red carpet ready rather than red and ruddy! Rock those tiny bikinis with peace of mind after following these pre and post-waxing skin tips.