Can you use retinol after hair removal?
If you wax or use an epilator regularly, you may not realize that waxing while using a retinol product might be a bad idea. Retinol works on the outer surface of the skin and offers a variety of skin benefits, from reducing signs of aging to reversing hyperpigmentation to boosting collagen production. The problem with applying this powerful vitamin A to freshly waxed or hair-removed skin is that it can cause irritation, redness, or an allergic reaction. This is because hair removal not only removes hair follicles, but also dead skin cells. In a way, hair removal is like another form of exfoliation, and applying retinol on top can increase skin sensitivity and can be pretty painful, too.
Now that you know a little more about using retinol after hair removal, let’s take a deeper look at the dos and don’ts of hair removal and retinol so that you can get the best results without causing a hair-raising (get it?) skin disaster.
If you’re still a little confused about what retinol actually does for your skin and how to incorporate it into your skincare routine, check out our dedicated blog post.
Can you use retinol after waxing?
This is not the case, it’s just that the increased sensitivity of the skin after waxing can cause severe irritation when combined with retinol. As I mentioned before, applying retinol after hair removal can be too much for the skin, as the exfoliation caused by hair removal removes hair and skin cells, exposing fresh, delicate skin cells for brighter, more radiant skin, but it’s too sensitive for skin to use retinol, even if it’s already an integral part of your daily routine.
The best way to use retinol during hair removal is to avoid it seven nights before your scheduled hair removal. After hair removal, switch to a serum that’s rich in moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid for the next 72 hours. This gives the skin enough time to rebalance and strengthen itself in preparation for another application of retinol.
What to do after waxing with retinol?
Any form of waxing will leave some sores on the skin, but in rare cases, this can actually be a mild burning sensation. It’s important to maintain hygiene and cleanliness, and you should avoid using any harsh skincare formulas in your daily routine. If you experience pain or burning, here are some tips to speed up the healing process.
Stop using retinol products 7 days before your scheduled hair removal.
Make sure your hands, skin and equipment are clean before use.
Apply antibiotic or antibacterial cream after waxing to prevent infection.
Use a serum rich in hyaluronic acid for the next 3 days after hair removal.
Don’t use strong formulas even if your skin can tolerate it.
Wear sunscreen with SPF over 30 every day, even if it rains.
These are some basic tips for waxing. However, every skin is different and reacts differently. So if you have concerns, consult a doctor or dermatologist to clear your doubts.
How long before waxing must you avoid using retinol?
For safety reasons, it is recommended to stop using retinol about 7 days before waxing to avoid the risk of redness or irritation.
One misconception about retinol is that people often think it exfoliates the skin, when in fact it speeds up the skin cell turnover cycle and pushes new skin cells to the surface. This is where the problem with using retinol before waxing comes in. When waxing, you need a thin layer of dead skin cells to form a protective layer over the fresh, new cells to prevent minor skin burns. When this layer is not present, it can cause various irritations, redness, rashes, and small superficial sores on the skin.
Can I use retinol before laser hair removal?
No, it is best to avoid using retinol before laser hair removal as it can cause similar problems as using retinol before waxing.
When fresh, new skin cells arrive at the surface of the skin, you can assume that the protective barrier is fully functional. However, these new cells are fragile and need help to become stronger. This ensures that the barrier on the surface of the skin is able to protect against the effects of free radicals such as UV rays, pollution, and other environmental influences. When the skin barrier lacks the necessary amount of water and oil, skin damage occurs, such as signs of aging such as increased fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and sagging skin.
What should I not do before facial hair removal?
Here are some things to avoid before facial hair removal.
Avoid going out in the sun 24 to 48 hours before your scheduled hair removal. Avoid sun exposure and tanning beds to prevent your skin from becoming more sensitive. You should also avoid sunbathing for 48 hours after waxing, as this increases your risk of sunburn.
Do not exfoliate within 48 hours before waxing to avoid irritating your skin.
Do not wear makeup or skincare products while waxing, otherwise the wax will not adhere to your skin.
Do not go to saunas or steam rooms, and avoid hot showers.
Do not scratch your skin after waxing, even though it may be tempting, as this increases the potential risk of infection.
These are some of the most important “don’ts” when waxing. However, remember that if you have any questions, big or small, it is best to consult a trained professional or medical professional.
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