Skin Lifting from Waxing: Prevention, Treatment, and More
The DIY era is dead.
Gone are the days of poorly aerated sourdough and at-home eyelash extensions. We gave it our best shot, and it turns out that we have experts all around the globe who can help us complete any task with an incredible outcome. So we’re yielding to them. The experts.
There’s nothing better than a fresh wax and a deep, hydrating moisturizer to calm your skin, and leave it silky smooth. And even though you may have given waxing DIY a shot over the last couple of years, it’s time to hit the reset button. If you haven’t gotten injured yet, consider yourself extremely lucky, coupled with a gentle reminder that that luck will eventually run out.
What causes skin lifting from waxing?
When we talk about the worst-case scenario, we’re rarely thinking that it can play out in real-time. But skin lifting is another story. Skin lifting from waxing is hair removal gone wrong. When sensitive skin and hot wax combine, it can leave behind what looks like a nasty wax “burn”, leaving you with ripped skin and other serious complications. Keep in mind, however, that skin lifting is not the same as actually burning your skin.
Skin lifting is a result of your wax grabbing a little more than you anticipated— your skin, along with your body hair. There are a few key things to look out for to prevent skin lifting when waxing.
The wax is too hot for the skin
Something that gets lost in a lot of DIY waxing situations is the regulation of wax temperature. Licensed estheticians undergo 600 hours of training (in the state of California) to learn about every detail that needs to be taken into consideration when treating their client's skin.
Hot wax heated up at home can lead to true wax burns that can change your skin forever. Scarring, hyperpigmentation, and keloids can be left after the skin heals from a burn. So keep in mind that without a licensed esthetician by your side, you run the risk of permanent skin damage. Something that is simply an unnecessary risk.
Low-quality wax and sensitive skin
Estheticians work hard to choose high-quality wax that prioritizes the well-being of your skin, and the ingredients that set your skin type up for success.
Getting waxed when you shouldn’t be
Following the rules doesn’t have to be a boring testament to your character. In many cases, guidelines are set up to protect you, to offer you safety and peace of mind. If you’ve been using retinol, have open cuts or sores, have an awful bout of sunburn, or haven’t paused your use of Accutane or botox, you’re setting your skin up for a not-so-great time.
How can you avoid skin lifting from waxing?
As an esthetician, there are several things that come to mind when we talk about the way you can avoid skin lifting during waxing. But avoiding skin lifting when waxing at home is the trickier subject.
Always go to a reputable, licensed esthetician
There’s something extra satisfying about accomplishing something yourself that experts are always doing in their own craft. With endless data and instruction available to us in just a few clicks, it’s easy to become the master of your own destiny.
If you’re thinking about getting waxed, no matter how many YouTube videos you’ve watched, always going to a reputable, licensed esthetician is the best way to ensure your personal safety.
Tell your esthetician of any medications or products you’re using
During your consultation with your esthetician, give them all the tea. Everything from the medications to products that you’re currently using perfectly. The way to perfect skin is by being forthright and asking for what you need. Follow-up questions and deep dives are encouraged!
Don’t over-wax a single surface area
A good esthetician will not do things that could compromise the integrity of your skin. Waxing is a delicate process that requires precision;waxing the same area multiple times can damage your skin, and can make the experience more painful than it needs to be. If there are some hairs left behind after 1-2 applications of wax (every wax is different and some can go over the skin more often than others), your esthetician should use tweezers to finish cleaning the stray hairs up.
How to treat and heal skin lifting
Skin lifting can be a worrisome occurrence and if you’re at home by yourself, it can be scary to find yourself dealing with skin lifting with no one near you to help.
Steps to take immediately after noticing skin lifting
Knowing how to treat skin lifting prior to an emergency situation, helps both in your ability to take care of yourself, and also builds trust with your esthetician.
To begin treating the skin lifting, you can run cold water over the affected area for around 20 minutes and then apply pressure with a cool compress, offering a soothing sensation to the burned skin. Apply an antibacterial, soothing ointment, like bacitracin.
Refrain from using ice on the impacted area, and after cooling and submerging the skin with water, you can cleanse the affected area with a gentle, cold foamy cleanser. You can use 100% aloe vera gel to help aid the wax burn.
How long does it take for a wax burn to heal?
After you experience skin lifting, you need to give your skin the opportunity to heal. As you go through the motions of applying antibacterial creams, and taking care of your burn, note that it will take around one to two weeks for the wax burn to heal.
And since everyone’s skin is completely different, yours could take a little less or a little more time than others.
Leave DIY waxing behind – book your appointment with WAX x VIBE!
The DIY scene is incredible for so many things, from art to music, and more. But when it comes to waxing, leaving it in the hands of licensed professionals is the safest, most effective route to keeping yourself safe, and having a wax session that leaves you ready to take on the world. If you’re curious about setting up a waxing appointment, you can check out our website to set up your first consultation and wax!
