Waxing is a part of your monthly beauty to-do list. No, let me rephrase it. Waxing is torture that you have to endure every month. Hot wax, excruciating pain and redness—is there anything good about this so-called 'beauty' treatment? Yes, it gives you smooth and hair-free skin. But before you can flaunt your smooth skin, it's covered in tiny red bumps that are anything but pretty. And, oh, they itch. Enough cribbing; now, let's talk about the solution! After-wax bumps are the most common skin problem, especially for those with sensitive skin. These tiny red bumps develop due to inflammation and may last up to a week. But there are ways you can get rid of them sooner and show off your smooth skin. Here are 3 quick ways to get rid of this bumpy, after-wax rash.
01Try cold compress
Since the rash is a result of inflammation, you can counter it by treating it with a cold compress. Apply an ice pack directly or dip a washcloth in ice-cold water and press it against your waxed skin. It will help get rid of bumps and swelling, calm the irritation and reduce the redness. Do it for at least 10 minutes, twice a day, to heal the skin completely.
02Apply aloe vera gel
Aloe vera gel has cooling as well as healing properties, and that's why it's considered a godsent ingredient for sensitive skin. If you experience post-wax bumps after every hair removal, keep aloe vera gel in your beauty shelf. Right after the wax, rub aloe vera gel on your skin and let it get absorbed. It will also relieve you from itching and irritation.
03Exfoliate and moisturise
Do away with the irritants by cleansing and exfoliating your skin. It helps soothe lingering sensations and inflammation. Use warm water and a mild scrub to gently exfoliate your skin and follow up with a lightweight, nourishing moisturiser. Keep your skin moisturised and avoid tight-fitting clothes to keep further irritation at bay.
04What are the causes of after-wax bumps?
What are the triggers that cause these pesky bumps on your recently shaved smoothness? There are three main things that can trigger after-wax bumps on the skin.
1. Contact dermatitis
This condition often occurs when you prone to some kind of allergic reaction. This may happen due to fragranced soaps and shaving foams, or even the wax used to remove hair. The bumps that grow afterwards are extremely irritating and itchy, with a stinging sensation, and also causing swelling and peeling in certain cases.
2. Folliculitis
Another very common condition that leads to after-wax bumps is folliculitis. In this case, the bumps have an itchy red ring around them, quite like acne. This happens when the hair follicles get damaged, thus inviting bacteria.
3. In-growth
This is perhaps the most common condition which leads to after-wax bumps. In-growth usually starts to occur a week after hair removal and happens when the growing hair curls into the follicle creating an itchy and painful bump. It also resembles a pimple. Also, if not paid attention to, it can get infected and cause further problems.
05What are some effective home remedies for after-wax bumps?
There are certain things that you can do if you wish to get rid of after-wax bumps, or best, soothe the skin enough to prevent those in the first place. Here are a few tricks to try at home as soon as you are done with the waxing.
- Wear loose clothes for a few days. This will ensure no fibres rub against the skin to irritate it
- Clean the skin with mild soap and water after waxing
- In case you experience any irritation, use a cold compress on the area
- Alternatively, you can also use warm compresses that are known to soothe in-growth
- Apply cortisone cream to soothe any kind of inflammation
- Use fragrance-free lotions In case the irritation and other symptoms persist or increase, the best solution would be to consult a doctor.
06FAQ on how to get rid of after-wax bumps on skin
Q. How long do bumps last after waxing?
A. Mostly, after-wax bumps do not last beyond 24 hours. The usual redness and bumps persist because the skin is irritated after the constant pulling out of hair from roots. It should soothe after the said time. If not, you can test the aforementioned tips. However, if it is unbearable or bleeding or swelling alarmingly, consult a dermatologist, stat.
Q. How to get rid of wax marks?
A. The best way to do it is a cool compress. Take some ice, wrap it in a cotton cloth and gently compress on the affected area. It should go away in a while.
Q. What to do if I get pimples after waxing?
A. Pimples after waxing or after-wax bumps are quite common and usually go away after 24 hours. However, certain tricks can help ensure that you do not face further irritation. Wear loose clothes, cold compress the affected area, and apply fragrance-free lotions. If the irritation persists or is more than the usual bearability, consult your doctor.
