How to Avoid Breakouts After a Wax According to an Esthetician

Not only does proper exfoliation improve dullness and restore a glowing complexion, but it also is necessary for removing a buildup of dead skin cells, dirt, debris, and bacteria that clog your pores. And what can happen when your pores are clogged? You guessed it: uncomfortable ingrown hairs and acne breakouts. The night before a wax appointment, gently exfoliate the area that's about to be waxed (try Fur Silk Scrub, $48) if you're predisposed to getting the pesky bumps. For upkeep in between waxing appointments, use a gentle chemical exfoliator like Shaveworks The Cool Fix ($12). Though this cooling gel works instantly to soothe the skin following a waxing treatment or a close shave (thanks to the boerhavia root extract), it's the combination of glycolic acid (which removes the dead skin on top) and salicylic acid (which cleans deep inside the pores) that makes this exfoliating formula a must have for keeping pores clean and free of ingrown hairs, pimples, and other bumps.

As tempting as it might be to see for yourself just how soft and smooth your hair-free skin might feel after a waxing treatment, resist the temptation and admire the area from afar—at least until it heals. Poking, prodding, and feeling the area immediately following a wax will only transfer the bacteria that are on your hands onto your skin, clog your pores, and cause breakouts. If smooth, breakout-free skin is what you're after, hands off.

Because moisture can prevent the wax from gripping the hair, a sprinkle of baby powder will absorb excess moisture in the area and ensure that the wax is able to stick to the stubble and remove the hair fully and properly. Not only that, but the powder will also help reduce contact irritation. For a talc-, fragrance-, and gluten-free option try Ora's Amazing Herbal Baby Powder Vanilla Amber ($13).

Okay, "quit" is a strong word, but Galvan says it's a good idea to plan your workouts accordingly and schedule them well before or after your waxing appointment. Reminder: sweating excessively can make the skin susceptible to breakouts, so go ahead plan that SoulCycle class in advance of a wax treatment. Though you might feel fine after a wax and might be itching to get back to the gym, the last thing you want after a fresh wax is to clog your opened pores with sweat from a heavy workout and create irritation from friction mixed with your sweat.

While tight clothing might not be an issue for a wax treatment on your face, brows, or upper lip, when getting a body wax, give your skin time to heal before covering it up in tight clothing or non-breathable fabrics. Scratchy textiles or tight elastics will only rub the sensitive area, collect sweat and bacteria, and cause ingrown hairs, so stick with light, loose clothing until your tender skin heals. Nothing is worse than an ingrown hair along the bikini line, so for a bikini wax, be sure to bring or wear breathable cotton underwear, like Everlane The High-Rise Bikini ($12).

If you haven't experienced a wax treatment before, heads up: you might leave your appointment with raw, tender skin or feeling like you've just got a really bad sunburn in a really uncomfortable place. If that's the case, you don't have to suffer through it. So far we've told you a bunch of things you shouldn't do after a wax appointment, but one thing you absolutely should do? Apply a skin-soothing ointment like hydrocortisone, aloe, or witch hazel to the area to calm inflammation and reduce irritation that can lead to breakouts post-wax. Try this Seven Minerals Aloe Vera Gel ($19) with 100% pure aloe vera next time you're feeling the burn and need a little relief.

It's important to keep the area clean and free of sweat, bacteria, dirt, and debris, but stick to showers when bathing. A nice, relaxing, warm bath might sound like the perfect way to unwind after a stressful wax treatment, but do your best to avoid baths, hot tubs, pools, and other kinds of public water that can harbor all kinds of bacteria until after the area has healed. Another reason to stay away from the pool? Sun exposure to your freshly waxed skin is never a good idea because it will be more vulnerable to sun damage during this time. It's also a good idea to stay away from saunas and steam rooms while you're at it to avoid sweat and extreme heat, which can exacerbate redness and inflammation of the skin in addition to harboring breakout-causing bacteria.

Thought you might have heard differently, Galvan argues that you want to avoid using products that have oil in them after a wax to steer clear of breakouts. “It’s best to moisturize with oil-free products that are all natural and don’t contain synthetic oils,” she says, which can clog pores and cause breakouts on the compromised skin. And as tempting as it is to slather on the lotion and moisturizers, wait to apply any occlusive products until the skin has healed. If you feel the need to apply something to the affected area, stick with one of your skin-soothing ointments from before to help heal the area.

Once you're in the clear to start moisturizing again, use a light, soothing, natural formula, like this Fur Stubble Cream ($38) to soften your hair as it grows back. With ingredients like olive extracts (to soften stubble) and tapioca starch (to moisturize), this hydrating body lotion, which is even safe enough to use on your bikini line and your face, targets the worst kinds of breakouts, like ingrown hairs, itchy razor burn, and painful bumps.

Last but not least, Galvan says consistency is key, as breakouts post-wax can also occur simply from your skin’s reaction to the wax, especially if your skin is sensitive. “Receiving a wax every four to six weeks to help the area adjust to it can help prevent a reactionary breakout," Galvan says. "Any time longer than six weeks and you’re starting the process all over again." In other words, you might have to train your skin by receiving regular wax treatments.

Nine tips and steps sound daunting, but in short, if you take care of the skin prior to a wax by exfoliating the area and leave your skin alone afterward, you can look forward to hair- and breakout-free skin for the entire two weeks following a wax treatment.