Skin care before & after waxing

Waxing is one of the most effective methods of hair removal, offering long-lasting results and a beautifully smooth finish. But to keep your skin healthy and irritation-free, it’s essential to take proper care of your skin before and after each waxing session.

Whether you’re using a professional-grade home kit like the WUWU or going to a salon, a solid skincare routine can make all the difference.

Here’s what you need to know to prep your skin every time you wax:

♡ Exfoliate gently 24–48 hours before

Removing dead skin cells through gentle exfoliation helps prevent clogged pores and ingrown hairs.

Use a mild scrub or exfoliating mitt on the area you plan to wax. Avoid harsh acids or aggressive scrubs - this step should polish the skin, not irritate it.

♡ Cleanse and dry the skin

Right before waxing, your skin should be clean and free of oils, lotions, or sweat. Residual oils can prevent wax from adhering properly, leading to ineffective results and unnecessary discomfort. 

Dry the area completely, use a gentle cleanser, if possible.

♡ Avoid sun exposure and tanning beds

Tanned or sunburned skin is more sensitive and prone to damage. Avoid sun exposure for at least 24 hours before waxing, especially on areas like the face, bikini line, or underarms.

♡ Check for irritated or broken skin

Don’t wax over open cuts, abrasions, or active breakouts. If your skin is compromised in any way, wait until it has healed before applying wax.

♡ Trim excess hair if needed

If the hair is longer than about 1.25cm (½ inches), trim it slightly to make the waxing process more comfortable and effective. Hair that’s too long can cause more tugging and irritation.

After waxing, it’s essential to calm and protect your skin to prevent irritation and support proper healing. Here’s how to care for it:

♡ Apply a cooling, soothing lotion

Immediately after waxing, apply a gentle, fragrance-free lotion or aloe vera gel to calm the skin. Products like our WUWU post-wax lotion and masks soothe and moisturize the skin, reducing redness and irritation. They can also help remove any residual wax. 

♡ Avoid heat, sweating, and friction for 24 hours

Your skin is more vulnerable after waxing. Avoid hot showers, saunas, steam rooms, intense exercise, or tight clothing that can cause rubbing. These activities can increase irritation and the risk of ingrown hairs or infection.

♡ No touching or scratching

It’s tempting to touch freshly waxed skin, especially if it feels warm or sensitive, but this can transfer bacteria and lead to breakouts or folliculitis. Keep your hands off the area and resist the urge to scratch.

♡ Avoid perfumed products and harsh ingredients

Skip any products with alcohol, artificial fragrance, retinoids, or exfoliating acids (like glycolic or salicylic acid) for at least 24–48 hours post-waxing. These can cause burning or irritation on freshly waxed skin. 

♡ Exfoliate 2–3 days after waxing

Once the skin has calmed down, begin gently exfoliating every few days. This helps prevent ingrown hairs and keeps the skin looking smooth. Use a soft brush, sugar scrub or a mitt. You can also use acids like glycolic acid to exfoliate and brighten the skin.

♡ Moisturize daily

Hydrated skin recovers faster and stays softer. Use a nourishing, non-clogging body moisturizer daily to support skin barrier repair and maintain a smooth feel between waxing sessions.