The pain of wax strips often leaves us in shambles. At moments, it may feel like our body has shed a part of its skin, stripping away a part of it. Most people resort to taking a shower, but many are unaware whether they should go for the hot shower or the cold one. Both of them affect differently on the skin and after getting waxed. However, it is advised that a cold shower helps to soothe the skin. To know the optimal time that one should wait to get a cold shower, we reached out to an expert, Dr Sanjeev Gulati, Department of Dermatology, Sharda Hospital, Noida, who shared his expert insights on the topic. Read ahead to know what works for the skin and how you can nurture it after waxing.
Why the Wait? Understanding Your Skin Post-Wax
Dr Gulati shared."It is ideal to wait at least 24 to 48 hours before exposing yourself to a cold shower following waxing." Now, the reasons behind the wait period and the things you should keep in mind, according to him, are as follows:
When hair is removed from the follicle during waxing, it creates tiny, temporary openings in your skin. These open pores are susceptible to irritation and infection from bacteria. Here are a few skin issues that may flare up if you don't wait:
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1. Open Pores and Bacteria
Although a cold shower may appear to "close" pores, the cold water shock can in some instances, be too harsh for recently waxed, sensitive skin. More significantly, even clean tap water carries bacteria, and exposing these to open follicles may result in many skin related problems.
2. Folliculitis
Folliculitis refers to the hair follicle inflammation, which usually looks like small, red pimples or pustules.
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3. Ingrown Hairs
While the cold shower in and of itself is not a direct cause, irritation can lead to hair growing back into the skin.
4. Rashes and Irritation
Your skin is already somewhat traumatised. Sudden temperature changes will make your redness and discomfort worse.
5. Skin Sensitivity
Waxing eliminates not only hair, but also a small layer of dead skin cells. This exposes the fresh, underlying skin to be more sensitive and fragile. Sudden temperatures, either hot or cold, may shock this fragile layer.
Benefits Of Waiting Before Taking A Shower After Waxing
Giving your skin sufficient time to heal after waxing comes with multiple advantages. A few of them include:
1. Pore Closing
With time, your pores will automatically start closing and heal independently, forming a natural barrier against outside irritants.
2. Lowered Infection Risk
With more closed pores, the risk of bacteria getting into the follicles and causing problems reduces dramatically.
3. Decreased Irritation
Your skin gets the opportunity to settle and subside any redness or sensitivity before being subjected to extreme temperatures.
4. Optimal Healing
The natural process of healing may continue uninterrupted, resulting in healthier, smoother skin in the future.
Other Post-Wax Tips To Keep Handy
Waiting for your cold shower is paramount, but here are some other important tips for ideal post-wax care:
- Skip hot showers, baths, and saunas
- Wear loose fabrics
- Stay away from fragrant products
- Avoid exfoliating for two to three days
- Protect the skin from the sun
- Moisturise (gently)
Bottomline
Patience is a virtue when it comes to post-wax maintenance. As much as the temptation of a cool shower may be overwhelming, keeping your skin's healing and health in mind by waiting for 24 to 48 hours will spare you from possible discomfort and irritation. By adhering to these easy-to-follow tips, you can keep your skin smooth, healthy, and happy after each waxing procedure.