Waxing is a popular hair removal method, but it often comes with an unwelcome side effect: skin irritation. For most of us, redness, bumps, itchiness, and a stinging feeling are usual complaints immediately after waxing. Most people intuitively reach for cold water to calm their skin, but does a cold shower relieve it? But can a cold shower help in soothing skin irritation after waxing? We reached out to our expert, Dr Sanjeev Gulati, Department of Dermatology, Sharda Hospital, - Noida, and here is what he shared with us.
Why Skin Irritation Occurs After Waxing
Waxing removes hair from the root, which kind of opens the hair follicles temporarily and makes the skin more sensitive. It can cause the skin a little bit of trauma, which results in redness, inflammation, and sometimes even small bumps or ingrown hairs.
Dr Gulati explained that skin irritation after waxing is a natural reaction and that it tends to pass within a couple of hours to a few days. But some steps in the way of aftercare can make a difference in speeding up the healing process of the skin.
Also Read: Can Upper Lip Waxing Cause Pigmentation? Expert Explains
Can A Cold Shower Help?
Dr Gulati confirmed that yes, a cold shower can actually help ease skin irritation after waxing. Here's why:
- Decreases Inflammation: Cold water is able to constrict blood vessels, which helps decrease redness and swelling on the waxed surface.
- Eases Burning Feeling: The coldness of a cold shower is able to ease that burning or stinging feeling that usually comes after waxing.
- Averts Further Irritation: Cold showers softly cleanse the skin without applying hot water or harsh soap that may compound irritation.
- Closes Open Pores: Following waxing, the pores are open and susceptible to bacterial penetration. Cold water can serve to tighten the pores, providing a gentle protective layer.
Key Do's and Don'ts Post-Waxing
Though generally a cold shower is good for you, here are some expert-approved important aftercare instructions to heed:
Do: Shower with cold or lukewarm water (not hot) to calm down the skin.
Do: Employ mild, fragrance-free body washes to prevent chemical irritation.
Do: Pat your skin dry gently, don't rub.
Do: Use a calming gel, such as aloe vera, to soothe the skin a little more.
Don't: Avoid exposing the waxed skin to direct sunlight, saunas, or hot tubs for a minimum of 24 hours.
Don't: Avoid wearing tight clothing after waxing because it creates friction and makes the irritation worse.
Don't: Don't scratch or pick at your skin to prevent infection or scarring.
When To See A Doctor
If the irritation gets worse, has signs of infection (such as pus, swelling, or redness), or lasts for more than a few days, it's better to seek the opinion of a dermatologist for proper assessment and management.
Bottomline
A cold shower following waxing is an easy, effective method for calming irritated skin and accelerating healing. It minimises redness, soothes inflammation, and offers much-sought comfort to skin that has just been waxed. Coupled with proper aftercare, it can keep you with smooth, healthy-looking skin without undue discomfort.
If you’re new to waxing or have highly sensitive skin, always consult a skincare expert to understand what aftercare routine would work best for you.