Silky smooth, hairless skin is the desire of every modern woman, but in many cases the relation between red bumps and waxing has ladies perplexed.
The Correlation Between Red Bumps and Waxing
For many women, red bumps and waxing appear to go hand in hand. These irritated bumps on waxed skin may show up immediately after a waxing or further on in the hair growth cycle as the result of ingrown hairs. In most cases, the red bumps which occur directly after waxing disappear after a few days, however, lingering redness or redness that appears close to your next waxing cycle may be indicative of a skin condition.
A Mere Irritation
Hair follicles are an integral part of your skin and they do not appreciate interference. Unfortunately, the number of women who enjoy growing hair on their arms, legs, bikini areas, and even their faces is low. Of the major hair removal processes such as shaving, depilatory creams, and waxes, waxing can produce the most long term results, hence it is particularly popular amongst women with thicker hair. These women often experience severe irritation during shaving which makes waxing a more suitable option. However, it is no surprise that following a waxing session your skin will show red bumps where the hair has been pulled. Remember that you have just ripped a hair straight out of the follicle, and it is not uncommon for some mild bleeding to occur (severe bleeding may require medical attention). The area where the hair has been removed may be sore and irritated for a few days. Red bumps that last any longer than the first few days post-waxing may signal an infection.
Prevention and Treatment
How can you diminish these red bumps or prevent them in the first place? Try exfoliating before you wax so that the follicles are free from dead skin and debris. This exfoliation can be done by going over the area with a loofah sponge or applying a salt scrub product. Bliss Spas makes an excellent heating exfoliating scrub that employs salt and essential oils to prep your skin for an upcoming wax. It's called the Hot Salt Scrub and it can be purchased at nationwide Sephora stores.
Following your wax, be sure to cleanse the area for the next few days with a mild astringent. Try Ole Henrikson's Pick Me Up Face Tonic, also available at Sephora.
Folliculitis
Some individuals are unfortunate enough to suffer from a skin condition known as folliculitis. Folliculitis is an inflammation of the hair follicles frequently caused and aggravated by bacteria. This condition is sometimes onset by hair removal procedures such as shaving or waxing. It may look like small acne pimples that can even grow into large inflamed cysts. Anywhere a hair follicle exists this condition can occur. Many people are forced to seek antibiotic treatments, but a few sufferers do not respond to antibiotics.
Chronic folliculitis which typically appears due to hair removal or friction with clothing. If you have a mild case of folliculitis, you may respond well to certain topical acne medications that contain salicylic acid which can exfoliate the skin as well as aid in the elimination of harmful acne-causing bacteria. One such product that has been highly acclaimed by chronic folliculitis sufferers is Tend Skin. Apply a product like Tend Skin routinely before and after waxing in order to achieve a maximum affect.
Permanent hair removal techniques such as laser hair removal may be the only viable options for some people with folliculitis. Although these hair removal methods can be an initially large expense, the long term results pay off.
Product Purchasing Information
The products mentioned in this article which mitigate the effect of red bumps and waxing can be purchased from nationwide Sephora stores or online at Sephora.com. Other acne products containing salicylic acid can be obtained at your local drugstore.
