Waxing Burn or Raw Skin after Waxing: Skin Abrasion

I have had clients say sometimes when they have their eyebrows waxed, they get a sore strip of skin that feels like a burn. It's raw, shiny and weepy.

Why does this happen sometimes? Was the wax too hot?

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What causes a raw, burn like skin abrasion from waxing?

It may feel like a burn but what actually happening is too many skin cells are being lifted during the waxing process causing a skin abrasion.

It is unlikely that the wax was too hot because the wax pot is controlled by a thermostat and shouldn't get too hot. Experienced waxing technicians keep their wax pots set at a comfortable temperature.

The skin abrasion is usually due to a topical skin treatment you are using on your skin or from a medication you are taking and commonly occurs on the eyebrows or upper lip. Acne treatment products and anti-aging skin care products are examples of topical skin treatment products that may cause a skin abrasion during waxing.

It's normal for some dead skin cells to be exfoliated during waxing. The problem only occurs when too many cells are removed leaving a wound.

Soft wax will remove more skin cells than hard wax.

Consult with your waxing technician about all skin care products you are using on your skin and any medication that you are taking before you have any waxing service.

Those using Accutane, Tetracycline, Retin A, Glycolic
acid, steroids, immune suppressive therapies, over the counter acne treatments, anti aging products containing salicylic acid or retinol or other skin sensitizing medications may experience skin abrasions.

These medications and skin care product ingredients thin and sensitize the skin, and as a result, can cause an excessive amount of skin removal during waxing.

Waxing should be done cautiously or not at all if you are
using any of those medications and treatment products.

I have had clients with sensitive skin get a slight abrasion just because they use eye cream with some retinol in it.

Stop using your anti-aging skin care products at least 3 days before your waxing. Be sure to mention that you have been using them to your waxing technician.

Occasionally, an inexperienced waxing technician will apply a layer of soft wax that is too thick. This can possibly cause a skin abrasion on sensitive skin as well.

Sometimes it's a better choice to have your brows professionally tweezed or threaded instead of being waxed for sensitive skin to avoid skin abrasion issue all together.

You can also have your waxing technician use hard wax instead of soft wax if your sensitive skin is prone to skin abrasions. Hard wax does not adhere to the skin as much as soft wax so it is less likely to cause an abrasion.

How to Treat a Skin Abrasion from Waxing

If you have gotten a skin abrasion from waxing, apply an antibiotic ointment several times a day and use cold compresses. It will get a scab that's not very pretty. It will heal quickly but that area of skin will remain sensitive for a while.

Once the scab is gone, apply aloe, Vitamin E and lavender products to help the sensitive skin continue to heal.

My favorite remedy to heal sensitive skin is YonKa Lotion followed by aloe vera gel or Vitamin E oil. Yonka Lotion is a botanical skin toner containing lavender, geranium, cypress, rosemary and thyme. There are two formulas. One is for normal to oily skin (it's white) and the other is for dry or sensitive skin (it's pink). It's an amazing product and smells divine!

YonKA Lotion PS for Dry or Sensitive Skin

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Avoid waxing that area for a couple months. It is okay to tweeze that sensitive area; just be careful not to pinch the skin.

See me for gentle waxing or tweezing at Styling Point in Media, Pa.

Have a Beautiful Day!

Jill

Licensed Cosmetologist, Esthetician, Makeup Artist