Waxing is common in both men and women. It is a quick, easy and relatively pain-free, if done correctly. It is an effective way of temporarily removing stubborn hairs.

Just like any skin treatments, there are minor risks such as irritation and sensitive to the skin. So, I have compiled a simple guide for you to How to prepare your skin before waxing.

1. Check your skin for signs of irritation such as recent sunburn, abrasions, injuries or acne breakouts. It is best to wait until the skin has healed completely before waxing.

2. Preparation:

a. Cleanse.

b. Exfoliate gently in circular motion about 3 days before your waxing appointment.

c. Moisturize with water-base moisturizer. Oil based products might interfere with waxing products.

3. On the day of your appointment:

Avoid waxing when the skin is at highest risk of abrasion:

a. For ladies: during their cycle.

b. Recent sunburn.

c. Recent shaving or exfoliated on the same day.

d. Tight underwear.

e. Excessive sweating.

f. Recent use of acidic peel, IPL, radio-frequency or laser treatments.

4. Attend a reputable beauty salon with good hygiene practices. Make sure they prep your skin by using pre-waxing skincare. Ensure they do not "double-dip" their spatulas in the wax pots.

5. Before leaving the salon, have a look in the mirror to ensure you are happy with the result. Your beauty therapist is here to help and guide you.

6. After-care

Ask for aloe-vera gel based lotion immediately after waxing to soothe the area.

Avoid too much sun exposure and use SPF 30+.

Use light moisturizer to hydrate and soothe the area.

Avoid swimming, saunas or contact with contaminated water for at least 48 hours.

Avoid the use of acid peels or vitamin A around the area for 24 hours.

Avoid spraytan for 24 hours (as recently waxed areas will affect the results of the spray tan).

Cosmetic injections can be done after waxing. Please inform your cosmetic nurse or doctor. Your medical or nursing cosmetic practitioners should avoid using alcohol wipes on waxed areas. Other antiseptic solutions can be used in place of alcohol wipes to reduce skin irritation.

Photo by rawpixel on Unsplash