When it comes to hair removal, every esthetician’s goal is to provide the safest and best waxing/threading experience possible.
Every waxing service starts with a consultation during which the esthetician makes sure that waxing will be safe for the skin. Some people are more sensitive than others, however there are contraindications that apply to any skin type. Most commonly, these are prescription medications, acne medications and certain medical conditions.
1. Retin-A (acne medication)
Retin-A is an effective acne prescription medication. However some people experience irritation, dryness and flaking. It is best for waxing to be performed about 2-3 weeks after the last Retin-A application.
2. Accutane (acne medication)
Accutane is another powerful acne medication. It is a form of Vitamin A that reduces oil production and thus it effectively treats acne. Due to the medicine’s side effects, it is advised that you are off Accutane for one year before having your skin waxed.
3. Azelex (acne medication)
Azelex is a medication that is used to treat rosacea and acne. Although most people do not experience serious side effects, some feel irritation, itching and tingling. Waxing is not recommended if there are side effects.
4. Tazorac (acne medication)
Although side effects are not likely, if they are present, they may consist of skin itching, burning sensation, stinging and peeling.
5. Adapalene (acne medication)
Similarly to other acne medications, Adapalene may cause redness, scaling, dryness and burning sensation.
6. Hydroquinone
Hydroquinone is used as a skin whitener. Its side effects include skin irritation, stinging, itching.
What else is important to mention to your esthetician?
- recent usage of products that contain salicylic acid, AHA or BHA
- usage of steroid creams or steroid medications in the last 3 months
- if you have sunburn, heat allergies, irritation or hyper-sensitivity
- any skin disorders and conditions such as psoriasis, ringworm, eczema etc.
- previous reactions to waxing
- anything else that you think may affect your skin during the service
Redness and irritation are common for some people after waxing and disappear after a day or two. Others experience no skin changes at all. That is why it is important to mention any of the conditions listed above. All information we collect is confidential and in the event that waxing is not suitable, we may offer threading.
If you have any questions about waxing contraindications, feel free to comment or send us an e-mail at: contactus@avedageorgetown.com
Waxing is a quick and efficient way to remove facial hair and leave your eyebrows beautifully shaped. For some people however, waxing feels harsh and painful. What are the alternatives?
One of them is to consult with your esthetician about using stripless wax. It is significantly more gentle as no strip is applied and pulled off the skin. After the wax application, the esthetician pulls off the hardened wax itself, gently removing the hair in the process.
At Georgetown Aveda we use a combination of high quality waxes and different techniques to accommodate all skin types. We often use stripless wax for bikini and Brazilian waxing.
If your skin cannot tolerate any kind wax or waxing technique, there is completely different method of hair removal and it is called threading.
What is threading?
Threading is an ancient facial hair removal method. During the service, the esthetician twists two cotton threads around each other and rolls them along the surface of the skin. This pulls out the hair leaving clean, shaped eyebrow lines. In addition to eyebrows, threading may be used to remove hair from the lip, sideburns, neck and chin.
Who is threading beneficial for?
• people with sensitive skin
• people who suffer from acne
• people who are on certain types of prescription medication
It is important to keep in mind that facial hair removal often leads to some redness and irritation that may occasionally persist for a day or two. If you are attending an event, we recommend having waxing or threading done at least two days in advance.
Author: Abla Shatara- Esthetician at Georgetown Aveda
