Waxing is a popular hair removal method, but it can come with some unwanted side effects.
One of the most common issues people experiences after waxing is hyperpigmentation, which is the darkening of an area of skin due to an excess of melanin. It is also called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. No matter how much efficient Brazilian waxing treatment you get, there is always a chance of getting hyperpigmentation after waxing.
So, will hyperpigmentation from waxing go away? Let's find out in this article.
What Is Hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation is a skin condition that causes patches of skin to become darker than the surrounding areas. It can be caused by sun exposure, hormones, or inflammation.
In the case of waxing, it's usually caused by trauma to the skin from the wax itself or from improper technique during waxing.
What Causes Hyperpigmentation After Waxing?
When you wax your skin, you're essentially pulling out hairs and removing layers of dead skin cells. This process can cause irritation and inflammation in the area being treated, which can lead to hyperpigmentation.
Additionally, if your esthetician isn't using the proper technique when they're waxing you, they could be causing trauma to your skin that could result in hyperpigmentation.
5 Methods for Treating Hyperpigmentation After Waxing
We all know that waxing can be a great way to remove unwanted body hair, but what about the aftermath?
Post-waxing care is important because waxing removes dead skin cells, leaving fresh new skin cells to emerge.
If you’ve ever experienced hyperpigmentation after waxing, then you know how frustrating it can be. Here are the top 5 methods to treat hyperpigmentation:
Moisturize
A good moisturizer is essential for treating hyperpigmentation after hair removal treatments. Look for products that contain hyaluronic acid, which helps plump and hydrate skin cells.
Additionally, opt for creams or lotions that are specifically designed for sensitive skin, as this will help reduce any irritation or inflammation in the area.
You can try this moisturizer to treat hyperpigmentation after waxing:
InstaNatural Vitamin C Moisturizer
InstaNatural's Vitamin C Moisturizer is a great choice to reduce the common signs of aging in your skin. Formulated with natural Aloe Vera, Niacinamide, and powerful antioxidant Vitamin C, this moisturizer actively works to brighten, tone, skin discoloration, and tighten your skin while ensuring that it looks its best. You'll be glad to know that 93% of users who have tried this product reported an extra hydration boost for their skin.
Exfoliate
Regular exfoliation is key to removing dead skin cells and promoting the growth of healthy new ones. For best results, use a gentle scrub twice a week to keep the skin looking bright and smooth.
Be sure to avoid any scrubs that are too abrasive or contain harsh chemicals, as these can further irritate already sensitive skin.
You can try this exfoliator to treat the hyperpigmentation after waxing:
Toyo - Cure Aqua Gel Gentle Exfoliator
This Japanese facial exfoliator is gentle yet effective, working to remove dead surface skin without harsh chemicals or stress. Instead of using strong acids like other conventional exfoliators, the activated hydrogen water formula helps remove the dead skin cells leaving you with a more even tone and complexion. You can also treat acne scarring using it.
Protect Your Skin From Sun Damage
Sun damage can make hyperpigmentation worse, so always make sure to apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 before heading out into the sun each day.
Additionally, try wearing clothing that covers your entire body to prevent sunburns and other forms of sun damage from occurring in the areas you've recently waxed.
We have picked the following sunscreen for you to treat hyperpigmentation:
Neutrogena Clear Face Sunscreen
This 3-fluid-ounce bottle holds advanced protection with Helioplex technology and hypoallergenic formula. Plus, its water-light texture won’t clog your pores or leave you feeling greasy - just good old weightless sun protection. All of this comes with the stamp of approval from the No.1 dermatologist-recommended sun care brand, so you know that your face is in safe hands.
Use Natural Remedies
Natural remedies such as lemon juice and apple cider vinegar have been proven to be effective treatments for hyperpigmentation caused by waxing.
Simply mix equal parts water and either lemon juice or ACV together in a bowl and apply it directly onto the affected area using a cotton ball or pad twice a day until desired results are achieved.
Such natural remedies actively soothe skin.
Use Dark Spot Corrector
If you're looking for something a little more potent, then dark spot corrector products might be the way to go.
They typically contain ingredients such as hydroquinone, kojic acid, and vitamin C which can help to even out skin tone and reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation.
You can try this dark spot corrector to treat your hyperpigmentation after waxing:
EnaSkin Professional Dark Spot Remover
Everyone wants flawless, beautiful skin, but dark spots can be hard to get rid of. That’s why EnaSkin created their Professional Dark Spot Remover, so you can easily eliminate those unwanted blemishes. This dark spot remover helps to reduce hyperpigmentation or uneven skin tone and is formulated with Citrifolia extract and 4-Butylresorcinol that encourage maximum removal of dark spots. Not only does this dark spot remover help give you the skin you’ve always dreamed of, but it also has a delightful light fragrance and a quick-absorbing texture without leaving behind any sticky residue.
How Can You Prevent Hyperpigmentation After Waxing?
The best way to prevent hyperpigmentation after waxing is to make sure you're taking care of your skin before and after your appointment. There are a lot of factors that can determine skin health, and melanin is also one of those factors; hyperpigmentation occurs when excess melanin forms deposits.
Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to minimize your chances of developing hyperpigmentation. Let’s take a closer look at how you can avoid this common waxing side effect.
Prep Your Skin Before Waxing
Before you get started with any kind of waxing treatment, make sure that you prep your skin's surface properly beforehand. Although waxing removes hair, it is still important to avoid hyperpigmentation.
This means exfoliating your skin thoroughly to remove any dead skin cells that could cause irritation or further damage during the waxing process.
You should also use a moisturizing lotion or cream before waxing to help protect your skin redness and make it easier to remove the ingrown hair.
Moreover, avoid using any products containing retinol or alpha hydroxy acids for at least 48 hours before waxing, as these can cause additional inflammation and further increase your risk of hyperpigmentation.
Use the Right Type of Wax
You want to make sure that you are using a gentle, low-temperature wax for all areas where you may be prone to hyperpigmentation (such as underarms or bikini area).
Hotter waxes are more likely to cause trauma and irritation, which can lead to hyperpigmentation, so steer clear whenever possible.
You should also try to use hypoallergenic products if possible, as these will help reduce any risk of an allergic reaction which could also contribute towards hyperpigmentation after waxing.
Keep Skin Clean After Waxing
After your wax appointment, it is important that you keep your dark skin clean in order to minimize the risk of infection and inflammation, which can both contribute to hyperpigmentation after waxing treatments.
Make sure that you wash the area gently with warm water every day and apply an alcohol-free toner afterward in order to keep bacteria levels low around the follicles and prevent any sort of infection from taking hold after waxing sessions.
Wear Sunscreen Regularly
Sun exposure is one of the biggest causes of hyperpigmentation in general, so if you want to avoid this problem after your next wax session, then make sure that you wear sunscreen every day.
Choose a broad-spectrum formula with SPF 30 or higher and reapply every two hours while outdoors for best results - this will help protect against UV rays that could otherwise cause discoloration in sensitive areas like underarms or bikini lines after a recent wax treatment session.
See Your Dermatologist If Necessary
In some cases, even if you follow all these tips for preventing hyperpigmentation after a wax session, there may still be some discoloration present in certain areas due to increased sensitivity in those regions or other factors like a hormone imbalance or genetics leading up toward discoloration development over time anyway.
If this is something that concerns you, then don't hesitate to reach out for professional medical advice from an experienced dermatologist who will be able to assess what's going on and provide guidance on how best to tackle this issue specifically for each individual case scenario accordingly.
Will Hyperpigmentation From Waxing Go Away?
In most cases, yes. Hyperpigmentation resulting from waxing should fade over time as long as you take proper care of your skin both before and after getting waxed.
However, if you have severe hyperpigmentation or if it doesn't seem to be fading on its own within a few weeks or months, then it may be worth consulting a dermatologist for more advice on how best to treat it.
Frequently Asked Questions
In this FAQs section, we will address questions about hyperpigmentation from waxing, including how it occurs, how long it takes to go away, and what treatments are available.
We will also discuss ways to prevent hyperpigmentation from occurring in the first place. By understanding all aspects of this condition, you can take steps towards achieving a more evenly toned complexion.
What is hyperpigmentation caused by waxing?
Hyperpigmentation from waxing is a condition in which darker patches of skin appear after removing hair from the body with wax.
When the wax is used to remove hair, it can cause the skin to become irritated, resulting in an inflammatory response that triggers increased melanin production. This causes dark spots or patches on the skin.
What areas of the body are prone to hyperpigmentation from waxing?
The most common areas of the body where hyperpigmentation from waxing occurs are the legs, arms, bikini line, and face.
Areas with thicker or longer ingrown hairs that require more vigorous removal or friction can be more susceptible to developing hyperpigmentation due to increased irritation and inflammation.
How long does hyperpigmentation last after waxing?
The length of time it takes for hyperpigmentation to fade depends on each individual’s complexion and healing ability, as well as environmental factors such as UV exposure and stress levels.
In general, mild cases of post-wax hyperpigmentations may take around 3 weeks to resolve, while more severe cases may take up to several months before fading away completely.
Conclusion
Hyperpigmentation resulting from waxing is a common issue but one that can usually be prevented with proper skincare before and after getting waxed.
If you do develop hyperpigmentation, then don't worry - in most cases, it should fade away on its own within a few weeks or months as long as you take good care of your skin.
