ABOUT FACE with MARY CATURIA​

No matter where you’re waxing, check the skin before you go in for your appointment. Broken skin or inflammation needs to heal before you’re ready to wax. If you have moles or beauty marks, point them out to the esthetician so they can be protected during the waxing process.

Keep hair long enough for the wax to grip it. When the hair is too short, the wax can’t pick it up well enough to remove it; when it’s too long, it prevents wax from adhering and causes more pain. Two to three weeks of growth, at least a quarter of an inch, is ideal for leg, underarm and bikini hair.

Gently exfoliate your skin a day or two before waxing, but skip harsh scrubs the day of your waxing appointment. Exfoliation helps wax grab hair and not skin, but it can also leave skin more sensitive to pain, so lighter is better. A rough washcloth is perfect for gentle exfoliation, but don’t scrub too hard.

Moisturize well on the days leading up to your appointment. Healthy, well-moisturized skin allows the wax to release more easily. Too much moisturizer could coat the hair and interfere with the wax’s grip, so avoid moisturizing on the day of your waxing session.

Certain medications can sensitize skin to waxing. Retin-A creams do amazing things for fine lines, acne and uneven pigmentation, but they also leave skin susceptible to injury during waxing. Discontinue retinol-based products for two weeks before waxing. Accutane users should stop taking their medication for approximately 6 months before waxing. Before making any changes to your prescription medications, talk to your dermatologist.