Pre- and post-wax skin care is essential for healthy, happy skin, and exfoliation is no exception. But what does exfoliating do for your skin, and why is it so important? We’re glad you asked! Join us for a guide to exfoliating before and after waxing.
What exactly does exfoliation do for the skin?
Exfoliation isn’t just about achieving smooth, soft, touchable skin. It’s also a critical component of safe and effective waxing. Here are the benefits:
Removes dead skin cells
Your skin is constantly generating new skin cells and disposing of dry, dead ones, but they may not always detach from your skin’s surface right away. In fact, they can build up over time and interfere with hair removal. Exfoliating helps remove this outer layer, so waxing services can be more effective.
Unclogs the pores
Dead skin cells, oily sebum, and debris can clog pores throughout your face and body, leading to breakouts and bumps after waxing. So what does exfoliating do? It eliminates these impurities to smooth the skin and prevent future blemishes.
Improves skin texture
Bumps, rough patches, and a dull tone are often caused by an accumulation of dead skin cells. When you exfoliate regularly as part of your skincare routine, you help your skin shed these old cells and reveal silky skin and a glowing complexion.
Helps free ingrown hairs
Before and after waxing, regular exfoliation will remove debris that may trap new hairs within the follicle. As hair roots regenerate, new strands will have a clear path out of the skin’s surface, preventing painful bumps and potential infections.
Enhances product absorption
Those dead skin cells don’t just clog pores and hair follicles. They can also interfere with topical skincare products and decrease their effectiveness. By removing this barrier, topical products can reach deeper layers of skin and deliver more transformative results.
Related: Histamine Reaction After Waxing: How To Spot and Treat It
What does exfoliating before waxing do?
So, what exactly does exfoliating do before a wax? Let’s explore how this simple process can help ensure a more comfortable, effective hair removal treatment:
Removes dead skin cells
Whether you prefer chemical exfoliants, such as lactic, glycolic, and salicylic acid, or a gentle physical scrub, exfoliating about 24 hours before a wax will set you up for success. This timing removes pesky dead skin cells that can lead to patchy results and future complications while allowing time for your pores to close before your appointment.
Encourages wax to adhere better
Proper exfoliation before waxing removes skin cells and other debris that may stick to wax before it can grasp your hair. When you arrive for your session with smooth, clean skin free of flaky patches, wax can better adhere to the strands.
This ensures a strong bond that facilitates a clean pull. This means that a single pass over the skin can eliminate more unwanted hair with less pulling and tugging, an important component for clients with sensitive, reactive skin.
Helps prevent ingrown hairs
Preventing ingrown hairs is one of the most beneficial effects of exfoliating before waxing. This process loosens existing trapped strands and clears clogged follicles before hair removal, setting the stage for fewer ingrown hairs as new shafts begin to emerge.
Read more: Does Waxing Prevent Ingrown Hairs?
What does exfoliating after waxing do?
What about exfoliating after waxing? It turns out that this can be even more important than pre-wax exfoliation. Here’s why:
Reduces ingrown hairs
Any redness, swelling, or sensitivity should subside after two to three days post-wax. This is the time to reintroduce gentle exfoliation. Every couple of days between waxing sessions, use a mild scrub, textured cloth, or chemical exfoliant to eliminate dead skin cells and ensure new strands emerge easily.
This is especially important around the bikini line or pubic area because coarse hairs are more likely to become trapped within the follicle.
Promotes smoother skin
On its own, waxing can serve as an effective exfoliation method, leaving you with silky-smooth skin as you stroll out of the salon. But those results won’t last without a little help.
Consistent exfoliation between waxes will help you maintain these results indefinitely. Be sure to moisturize daily to support your soft, supple skin.
Prolongs waxing results
Because exfoliation gently opens the follicles and prevents ingrown hairs, it encourages even regrowth, which allows the next waxing session to remove as many hairs as possible. When exfoliation is paired with consistent waxing treatments every four to six weeks, your growth cycles will align and lead to longer-lasting results between sessions.
Related: How Long Does Waxing Last?
Get expert waxing advice for pre- and post-care from the pros at Enso!
Are you looking for professional-grade waxing products to help your business stand out? Seeking guidance from industry insiders? Curious about the next big thing in the world of waxing? You’re in the right place! At Enso Wax, we’re passionate about creating high-quality waxes and building a community for hair removal experts. Browse our collections or reach out today to learn more!
