Check The Label - Skincare To Avoid Before a Wax

Retinol/retinoids, Skin peels, AHAs, and BHAs - ingredients that used to be reserved for professionals are increasingly working their way into our everyday skincare products. Now don't get me wrong, we are truly blessed to be able to indulge our skin with the most advanced, effective formulas at super affordable prices, however we have noticed that some clients do not realise that using these products can prevent them from having waxing treatments. Just like we would refuse to wax someone with sunburn, it is not safe to wax newly exposed skin.

Before making your waxing appointment, make sure you know exactly what you are putting on your face - and if it does include any of these ingredients, make sure you stop using the product at least a week before your appointment and declare it on your consultation form. Although Lycon Hot Wax is designed to be super kind to skin, using any of these products before your appointment can lead to increased sensitivity, redness, skin lifting and grazing.

Retinols chemically penetrate deep into the skin's middle layer (the dermis) and help to neutralize free radicals which in turn boosts the production of elastin and collagen, as well as having an exfoliating effect on the skin’s surface. You often find these in over the counter anti-ageing, wrinkle reducing or acne treatments. Retinoids have become wildly popular, so most of the time your products will advertise it's presence as a feature, but there are some alternatives with similar effects that might not be so obvious such as Bakuchiol & Granactive Retinoids.

AHAs are fruit-derived acids that help peel away the surface of your skin so that new, more evenly pigmented skin cells may generate and take their place. They are generally found in drugstore skincare aimed at treating mild hyperpigmentation (age spots, melasma, and scars), enlarged pores, surface wrinkles and uneven skin tone. You may not even realise your face product contains AHAs, but have a look at the ingredients - if you see Glycolic acid, Lactic acid, Tartaric acid, Citric acid, Malic acid, Mandelic acid, Hydroxycaprylic acid, or Hydroxycapric acid, you're dealing with AHAs.

A common BHA which we LOVE is Salicylic Acid, but again - give it a miss in the run up to your next waxing appointment!

Get familiar with your ingredients lists, and if you are unsure, speak with your waxing therapist before your appointment to avoid disappointment.

Stay safe and know what you're putting on your face!