What to Expect from Your First Wax

There are many cosmetic treatments for hair removal, but few that go back as far as body waxing. Along with shaving, some form of waxing has been around since ancient Egypt and both are still quite common today. 

The methods are different today, but they’re safe and can remove your unwanted hair for weeks. If you’re thinking about getting a wax for the first time, a good first step is to talk to a trusted dermatologist.

At Skinworks Dermatology, with three New York City locations, Dr. Javier Zelaya and our team have years of experience offering a variety of safe and effective medspa services for your skin, including body waxing for women and men.

We can wax just about any area of your body, including the:

• Eyebrows
• Face
• Ears
• Nose
• Bikini area
• Legs
• Buttocks
• Arms
• Back
• Abdomen
• Hands and feet 

If you’re considering a body wax, here are some things you can expect:

You must prepare

Prior to your first wax, you need to take care of a couple things. 

Exfoliate your skin

Exfoliating a day or so before the wax helps to open pores and reduce the amount of dead skin. A soft gentle scrub of the skin before the wax can do wonders for the treatment results.

Wear loose clothing

Some soreness is to be expected after a wax, so wearing tight-fitting clothes is only going to irritate your skin or cause a rash. Having sweatpants and other loose-fitting items to wear after treatment is a huge favor for your skin.

Bring pain relievers

Regardless of how little or how much pain you can take, having some over-the-counter pain relievers can help ease the shock of the experience and relieve your pain after treatment. 

Avoid shaving

Since the whole point is to remove hair, shaving beforehand defeats the purpose. Additionally, if hair is growing back after a shave, it could irritate the skin even more. 

There needs to be enough hair for the wax to do the job properly (a quarter of an inch or longer), so don’t shave before the wax.

Limit sun exposure

If you’re thinking about getting a wax, avoid sunbathing or visiting a tanning salon before your appointment.

Your health plays a role

Before we proceed with a wax, plan to discuss the health of your skin as well as your overall health. Certain conditions, like diabetes or circulatory issues, can make your skin more sensitive and that determines if precautions need to be taken.

Skin conditions, like allergies and rosacea, can also affect how treatment is performed. If you’ve been taking medications for a period of time before treatment — acne medicine, for example — you may have to wait.

There will be some pain

As mentioned earlier, regardless of your tolerance for pain, your first wax is a shock to your body. This can result in minor pain or it could be worse, depending on what part of your body is being treated and how much is being done at one time. 

Skin sensitivity related to your menstrual cycle can also play a part in how well you tolerate your first wax. Bringing pain relievers can help, but find out what other options are available to you to alleviate any pain during the wax.

After the wax is done, you can expect some redness and possibly swelling for a day or so. Loose clothing on the treated area helps, as well as avoiding direct sunlight, public pools, and strenuous activity. For bikini waxes, avoiding sex for the first day or so afterward is also advised.

If you’re ready for your first wax or just have some questions about the process, call one of the Skinworks Dermatology offices in Maspeth, Chelsea, or Park Slope or book your appointment online today.