Whether you wax at home or at the beautician, the depilated area can become red or inflamed due to the simultaneous forced removal of hair. Although it is a natural consequence of waxing, the end result can be unsightly and annoying. Thankfully, it's possible to make home remedies using ingredients you probably already have on hand or natural products like essential oils. They will help soothe your skin and reduce irritation.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Using Home Remedies
Step 1. Make a cold compress with milk, water and ice
Mix equal parts of milk, water, and ice in a bowl. Soak a clean cloth and leave it on the affected area for 5 minutes. Repeat the application 3 times.
- The skin inflammation that occurs after waxing is similar to a sunburn, so a cold compress will constrict blood vessels, reduce swelling and consequently redness.
- Milk proteins promote skin healing and also protect it.
Step 2. Apply a cotton ball dipped in witch hazel water
Pour about 3 tablespoons of witch hazel water into a small bowl and soak a clean cloth or cotton ball. Gently dab it on the red area according to your needs. The tannins and oils of the witch hazel water reduce inflammation, thereby reducing redness and discomfort.
Step 3. Make a refreshing cucumber mask
Known for its analgesic (or pain relieving) and antioxidant properties, cucumber promotes skin healing when it is red and inflamed. Slice a cold cucumber and apply it to the red areas. Once the slices have warmed up in contact with the skin, turn them so that the cold part acts directly on the skin.
- To make a cucumber mask, which will have a longer lasting effect, use a food processor or grater. You will get a thick compound to apply on the affected area.
- If you want a thicker mixture, add cornstarch or aloe vera gel.
Step 4. Make a soothing colloidal oatmeal mask
Colloidal oats, made from finely chopped oats, soothe inflammation and moisturize the skin. Mix a few teaspoons of 100% pure colloidal oats with enough water to create a thick mixture. Apply it on the reddened area and, before rinsing, let it dry for 10 minutes.
- Do this treatment up to 4 times a week.
- If the redness affects the body rather than the face, prepare an oatmeal bath. Just pour a handful of 100% pure colloidal oats into the tub.
- Make colloidal oats at home by pulverizing stone-ground or shelled and mashed, but not instant, oats in a food processor or food processor.
Step 5. Apply apple cider vinegar
Vinegar has beneficial properties for light burns, of which skin redness is symptomatic. Pour a glass of apple cider vinegar into a spray bottle and spray it on red areas after a lukewarm shower. Let it dry.
You can also wet a cotton ball in vinegar and dab it gently on the affected areas
Step 6. Apply a soothing solution of mint and green tea
Mint has cooling properties, while green tea contains tannic acid and theobromine, which help soothe pain and heal damaged skin. Pour one liter of boiling water into a pot containing 5 green tea bags and 3 glasses of fresh mint leaves. Cover the bowl, then steep the liquid and let it cool for at least an hour. Soak a cotton ball and apply it to the red areas.
- Black tea also contains tannins, which promote healing, so you can use it instead of green tea if needed.
- Once the liquid has cooled, you can also pour it directly on the affected area.
Step 7. Apply manuka honey, which is anti-inflammatory
Originating from New Zealand, this honey is produced by bees that feed on the flowers of the manuka tree and has been shown to have excellent anti-inflammatory properties. Apply a small amount to the affected area, let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse with warm water.
- Make sure you buy manuka honey that has a UMF / AMA rating above 15. This system was developed by New Zealand scientists to measure honey's antibacterial potency.
- The antibacterial properties of this honey also make it an excellent daily cleanser.
Step 8. Apply a thin layer of 1% hydrocortisone
It can be used without a prescription to temporarily soothe mild skin irritations. Being an anti-inflammatory agent, hydrocortisone also constricts blood vessels, thereby reducing redness. Wash the affected area, then gently massage the product creating a thin film. Repeat up to 4 times a day.
- Before using hydrocortisone, try applying a moisturizer containing ceramides, or an extract of feverfew or licorice (which have antioxidant properties), to protect and soothe the skin.
- To apply hydrocortisone in the form of a spray, shake the bottle well and spray it from a distance of 8-15 centimeters. Do not inhale, and if you spray it close to your face, cover your eyes.
Method 2 of 3: Using Essential Oils
Step 1. Consider using an essential oil to reduce redness and protect the skin
Being plant extracts obtained with steam distillation, essential oils are quite powerful, so they should be used paying attention to all the warnings regarding potential side effects and allergic reactions. Before being applied to the skin, any type of essential oil must be diluted with a carrier oil, such as olive oil, calculating a percentage of about 1-3%.
- Some essential oils can be harmful in the presence of certain health conditions, such as pregnancy, high blood pressure, or epilepsy. Before using herbal remedies, ask your doctor.
- Many essential oils can be mixed, but try not to use too many at once, as side effects and interactions can cause skin irritation or health problems.
Step 2. Apply geranium essential oil to reduce swelling
Research has confirmed that it greatly attenuates the cutaneous inflammatory response. Measure 6-15 drops of geranium essential oil for every 30ml of carrier oil and apply it to the affected area creating a thin layer. Repeat when necessary.
Step 3. Use chamomile essential oil to soothe inflammation
It is absorbed into the deeper skin layers, a significant property when used for anti-inflammatory purposes. There is still no reliable scientific evidence, but according to several anecdotal testimonies it is useful to use chamomile to treat a burn or mild irritation.
- Pour a few drops of chamomile essential oil into 30ml of jojoba oil and apply a small amount to the red area.
- Make a thick mixture by grinding dried chamomile flowers in a clean coffee grinder or with a pestle and mortar. Add some water and whole grain oats until you get a thick consistency. Apply it on red areas and let it sit for 15 minutes. Gently rinse with cold water. Repeat as often as necessary.
Step 4. Add lavender essential oil to your cream
It has antiseptic and antifungal properties, so it promotes the healing of burns and mild sunburns by promoting healing.
- A lavender and chamomile essential oil solution is often used to treat eczema, another skin disorder that has symptoms such as inflammation and redness.
- Never ingest lavender essential oil, as it can cause serious health problems.
Step 5. Apply calendula essential oil, which is soothing
Calendula has antioxidant properties, so it is often used to reduce pain and swelling, but also to improve the appearance of the skin. Dilute it with a carrier oil, or mix it with a few drops of a cream or ointment without added fragrances and apply it on the affected area.
Don't confuse marigold with the ornamental marigold flowers, which are often planted in gardens and vegetable gardens
Step 6. Apply pure aloe vera gel
Extracted from the plant of the same name, aloe vera has been used for thousands of years as a topical pain reliever. Studies show that applying pure aloe vera can reduce the inflammation and pain associated with minor burns and abrasions. Apply a small amount of gel to the red area and let it absorb.
Many after-sun lotions contain aloe vera, but make sure you choose one that is as pure and alcohol-free as possible
Method 3 of 3: Preventing Irritation
Step 1. Contact a qualified beautician to wax
Make sure the salon is clean and complies with all safety regulations. Lack of hygiene or high-quality skin products could make the irritation worse, but also increase the chances of infection.
Step 2. Buy everything you need to wax at home
If you think you can apply and remove the product without problems, try DIY. In the supermarket and perfumery, you can find a wide variety of hair removal products that feature different methods and tools. Be sure to read the label before use, so you know about possible side effects or irritating ingredients.
Step 3. Prepare your home wax
If you don't have the time or money to go to the beautician, then try a simple recipe using water, lemon juice, and sugar to make the wax. Sugar is entirely natural and contains no artificial chemicals that could cause irritation.
Step 4. Open the pores with warm water
If you wax at home, you first need to open your pores to make hair removal easier. You can dab a warm, damp cloth on the area to be shaved or take a hot shower.
Step 5. Wash your skin with a mild cleanser
Bacteria and dirt can cause redness if not removed before waxing. In fact, the procedure can temporarily open the pores and give free access to irritants.
Step 6. After waxing, apply witch hazel water
Since it has antiseptic properties, it will keep the skin clean after the procedure. Plus, it's anti-inflammatory, so it can soothe irritation and redness before they get worse.
Advice
- Avoid using products containing alcohol, fragrances, or too many chemicals - they may make irritation and redness worse.
- Do not use hot water to wash the affected area as the heat may exacerbate the redness.
- After waxing, wear cool, smooth and soft clothing to prevent further irritation. Also, when it's hot, wear light clothing to dampen sweat, which can make your skin red.
- If you are a woman, do not book waxing when you are on your period, as your skin is most sensitive at that time of the month.
Warnings
- Always read product labels (prescription, over-the-counter, or natural) to learn about potential side effects, drug interactions, and contraindications.
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, do not take any medicines or herbal products that have not been prescribed for you, unless specifically directed by your doctor.
- Before giving a product to a child under the age of 12, talk to his pediatrician.
- If the redness persists or gets worse, see your doctor, as you may have an infection.
- If you use hydrocortisone you bought without a prescription and the redness does not subside within 7 days or gets worse (or an irritation develops, the area swells or has pus), discontinue use and call your doctor.
- Never ingest lavender essential oil as it could cause serious health problems, such as difficulty breathing, blurred vision, burning eyes, diarrhea and vomiting.
