Waxing

Contraindications that PREVENT wax services
Contraindications are conditions or symptoms that restrict a treatment. Please note that while this list covers many contraindications, there may be others not listed below that would also prevent you from receiving services, and we reserve the right to determine what constitutes a contraindication. Speak with your esthetician and your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.

• Accutane (must be off minimum of one (1) year prior waxing service)
• Recent peels and hydro/microdermabrasion treatments (minimum of seven (7) days prior waxing service)
• Use of tanning bed within 24 hours
• Antibiotic
• Use of skin peeling/thinning products or medications
• Undiagnosed lumps, bumps or swelling
• Infectious skin disorders
• Recent scar tissue
• Infected, irritated, inflamed, scabbing, cut, sunburn skin
• Been in direct sunlight for a long period of time
• Severe and inflamed acne
• High blood pressure
• Cancer, Cancer treatments, Chemotherapy, Radiation
• Lupus, AIDS, other autoimmune disease

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Acne Medication Contraindications
Topical creams & gels can affect facial waxing.
You must discontinue any prescription and over the counter Retin-A (Retinols, Retinoids, Vitamin A derivative) at least 5-7 days prior to being waxed.

 

Skincare Products Contraindications
The following products can make your skin more sensitive. Thin, sensitive skin is more vulnerable to lifting and sensitivity during waxing. Discontinue use of these products for a minimum of three to five (3-5) days prior to waxing. Wait 3-5 days after wax to use again.

• Alpha Hydroxy Acids (Glycolic, Lactic)
• Salicylic Acids
• Any acid-based products
• Exfoliants

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Prone to Skin Lifting (proceed with caution)
Skin lifting happens when both dead and live skin are pulled off with the wax. Usually, skin lifting only goes as deep as the top layer of the skin but can leave a client open to bacteria, scarring, and pigmentation.

• Taking blood-thinning medications
• Taking drugs for autoimmune disease
• Medications for Lupus
• Taking prednisone or steroids, aspirin, blood pressure medications
• Psoriasis, eczema, or other chronic skin diseases
• Recent cosmetic or reconstructive surgery
• Recent laser skin treatment
• Severe varicose leg veins
• Rosacea or very sensitive skin
• History of cold sores or fever blisters (waxing can cause a flare-up)
• Using hydroquinone
• Recent surgical peel, microdermabrasion or chemical peel

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Other Precautions and Considerations
• Pregnant, taking birth control, hormone replacement, or antibiotics: your skin may be more sensitive to waxing.
• Smokers or those with Rosacea: waxing can irritate dilated capillaries (weak or broken blood vessels) which are common with smokers or those with Rosacea. If the capillaries are very red, stay away from waxing that area.
• Take blood thinners, have diabetes, phlebitis: these all relate to medical conditions, get a doctor’s approval before waxing.
• The use of powerful exfoliators on your skin. Salicylic, alpha-hydroxy acid, and any product with white willow bark: white willow bark extract and enzymes all strip cells from the skin. Cause too much exfoliation combined with waxing and could make the skin red, bleed or even lift and turn scabby.
• Recently consumed a lot of caffeine: this stimulant in your system can cause skin to be extra sensitive to waxing, meaning you could get redder or inflamed than usual.
• Drinking alcohol the day of or the night before waxing: alcohol causes the blood to rise to the surface of the skin and can cause the skin to bruise easily.

 

Before your appointment
• If area to be treated have been shaved, allow a minimum of 2-3 weeks growth before waxing. Please ensure that hair is long enough in order for it to be removed from the follicle. Hair that is too short may simply break off, preventing a successful waxing session.

• Can take an anti-inflammatory with pain reliever 20-30 minutes prior to treatment to reduce pain and inflammation.

• Do not apply self-tanning lotions, body sprays, deodorants, and other topical creams before treatment.

• Avoid tanning beds, hot tubs, and saunas before your session.