Bikini waxes are most sought out after by many women these days. Although it may be quite painful at first, subsequent waxes will be less painful. However, there are chances for skin irritation which you can minimize with these essential skin care tips before and after a bikini wax.
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Skip hot water showers
Following a wax, make sure you stay away from hot showers, steam rooms and sauna for at least 24 hours. Waxing opens up the pores on the skin, thus increasing your chances of bacterial infections which can be further aggravated by showering in hot water.
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Use Tea Tree Oil to soothe the skin
It is considered wise to apply some tea tree oil on the waxed area before showering. This will help soothe the skin and prevent infections. Avoid moisturizers that clog up pores. Experts advice using natural products like Aloe Vera to soothe the skin after a bikini wax as well. Strictly stay away from regular soaps, shower gels and regular body lotions that can be harsh on the skin and cause more irritation.
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Avoid tight clothes
After a bikini wax, refrain from wearing tight clothing as it may irritate the skin which becomes more sensitive after waxing. Loose, breathable clothing in fibers like cotton are best as they allow the skin in the area to breathe and heal properly after waxing.
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Keep the place hairy
In case you did not know, waxing is most efficient when there is at least a quarter of an inch-long hair on the skin. So refrain from shaving the area before opting for a bikini wax. If you have shaved recently, wait for the hair to grow back to the specific length before the waxing procedure. This will make the waxing less painful and reduce the growth of stubble and ingrown hairs.
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Wait for your periods
It is advisable to opt for a bikini wax a few days before your menstrual cycles start. Your skin will be softer during this period, making it easier to pull out the hairs in the area. Your immune system will also be low at this point of time, making the procedure less painful.
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Exfoliate the skin
Wait for about 48 hours after a bikini wax for the skin in the area to heal. Afterwards, gently start exfoliating the skin once in two days to remove dead skin cells and prevent ingrown hairs. Using an exfoliating cloth instead of a regular washcloth on a daily basis can also help you in this matter.
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Take pain relievers to forgo the pain
If this is the first time you are getting a bikini wax, consider opting for a pain killer to relieve you of the pain that you experience during and after the procedure. An OTC pain reliever like Aleve or Tylenol can work well in curbing the pain caused when you pull out hairs in the area.
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Stay away from Sex
Many medical experts say that it may be wiser to abstain from sex for at least 48 hours after a bikini wax. Your immune system is compromised during this period, meaning any kind of sexual activity can increase your chances of being exposed to bacterial infections.
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Don’t be shy to ask for what you want
Unless you are doing the bikini wax yourself, you need to be clear on how much of the area you want to wax and how much of hair you want left. Being open about your needs and specifications to your technician will prevent unwanted hassles later on.
Opting for a bikini wax for the first time? Then take note of a few pointers that will keep your skin healthy and safe from bacterial infections during and after the waxing procedure.