If you regularly use waxing or epilators, you may not have considered how using retinol immediately after hair removal could impact your skin. Retinol, a potent form of Vitamin A, is known for its ability to enhance skin texture, reduce wrinkles, lighten dark spots, and promote collagen production. However, applying retinol to freshly waxed or depilated skin can lead to irritation, redness, or an allergic reaction.
This happens because hair removal, in addition to removing hair follicles, also strips away dead skin cells. In a way, waxing and epilation function as a form of exfoliation, which can make your skin more sensitive. When combined with the potent effects of retinol, this can lead to discomfort, increased sensitivity, and even pain.
Let’s dive deeper into the potential risks and benefits of using retinol post-hair removal, so you can navigate your skincare routine without any unpleasant surprises.
If you’re still not sure about how retinol works and how to incorporate it effectively into your regimen, check out our dedicated blog post for more information.
Can I Use Retinol After Waxing?
It’s generally not recommended to use retinol immediately after waxing. The reason? The skin becomes more sensitive following hair removal, and when combined with retinol, it can cause severe irritation.
As previously mentioned, waxing or epilation involves exfoliating the skin—removing both hair and dead skin cells. This exposes new, fresh skin underneath, which is more vulnerable and sensitive. Even if you’ve been using retinol regularly, this newly exposed skin may be more reactive to it, potentially leading to irritation.
For the best results, it’s advisable to stop using retinol for at least seven days prior to waxing. After hair removal, switch to a soothing serum with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid for the next 72 hours. This will give your skin time to heal and recover, making it more resilient and ready to handle retinol once again.
What Should I Do After Waxing If I Use Retinol?
After waxing, your skin will likely feel slightly rough, and in some cases, it might even experience a mild burn. Proper care is crucial to help your skin recover quickly.
Here are some steps to take after waxing:
Avoid retinol for the next 7 days to prevent further irritation.
Cleanliness is key – ensure your hands, skin, and any equipment used are thoroughly clean before applying any products.
Apply an antibiotic or antibacterial cream to help prevent any potential infection.
Hydrate your skin by using a serum rich in hyaluronic acid for the next three days to support your skin’s natural healing process.
Even if your skin seems to tolerate it well, avoid using strong or harsh skincare formulas.
Wear sunscreen daily with an SPF of 30 or higher, even on cloudy days, to protect the sensitive skin.
Remember, everyone’s skin is different, and some people may react differently to post-waxing care. If you have concerns, it’s always best to consult with a dermatologist or skincare professional.
How Long Should I Wait Before Using Retinol After Hair Removal?
For optimal skin health, it’s recommended to stop using retinol at least 7 days before waxing or other forms of hair removal.
One common misconception about retinol is that it exfoliates the skin, but it actually accelerates skin cell turnover, bringing fresh skin cells to the surface. The problem with using retinol before waxing is that waxing removes a layer of dead skin cells, which typically forms a protective barrier over the fresh skin. Without this layer, your skin becomes more vulnerable to irritation, redness, and potential abrasions.
To avoid these issues, it’s important to give your skin some time to adjust and strengthen its natural barrier before you wax.
Can I Use Retinol Before Laser Hair Removal?
No, it’s best to avoid using retinol before laser hair removal as well. The issues are similar to waxing—retinol speeds up skin cell turnover, and when combined with the laser’s effects, your skin may become too sensitive and fragile.
Laser hair removal works by targeting hair follicles, but the process also impacts the skin’s surface. Fresh skin cells may emerge, but they’re delicate and need time to strengthen before they can resist external aggressors like UV rays and pollution. Retinol can make this process more challenging by compromising the skin’s ability to recover, leading to potential damage such as irritation, pigmentation changes, or signs of premature aging.
To keep your skin safe and support its recovery, avoid using retinol for at least a week before laser treatments.
What Should I Avoid Doing Before Waxing?
If you plan on waxing, there are a few key things to avoid to prevent irritation and ensure a smooth experience:
Avoid tanning 24 to 48 hours before waxing. Whether from sun exposure or tanning beds, tanning increases your skin’s sensitivity, making it more prone to irritation.
Don’t exfoliate for 48 hours prior to waxing. Exfoliating can leave your skin more sensitive and may lead to discomfort during waxing.
Refrain from using makeup or skincare products that could interfere with the wax’s ability to adhere to your skin. These can create a barrier, making waxing less effective.
Stay away from saunas or steam rooms and avoid hot baths, as the heat can irritate the skin.
Do not scratch or rub your skin after waxing, as tempting as it may be. This can increase the risk of infection or irritation.
It’s always a good idea to check with a professional or consult a dermatologist if you have any concerns or if you’re unsure how your skin will react.
Final Thoughts
While retinol offers numerous skin benefits, it’s important to be cautious when using it in conjunction with hair removal methods like waxing or laser treatments. By following the proper precautions, such as stopping retinol use several days before hair removal and allowing your skin to heal afterward, you can ensure the best results without compromising your skin’s health.
If you’re unsure about your specific needs or have any concerns, don’t hesitate to seek advice from a skincare professional or dermatologist.
DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek.
“Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more.
Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals.
Sunscreen
“We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.”
Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen
An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup.
Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand.
Vitamin C Serum
“A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging.
Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum
The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation.
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum
This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants.
Peptides
Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.”
Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses.
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream
This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively.
This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek.
At-Home Peel Pads
Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate.
“The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.”
According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says.
Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad
A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection.
KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads
These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids.
Emollient Night Cream
“In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.”
“Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products.
Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream
One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme
“The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.
