At Kelowna Esthetics Studio, we offer both strip waxing (where a thin layer of wax is applied to the skin, and a strip of cloth is pressed onto the wax, and ripped quickly off) and hard waxing (where the wax is applied in a thicker layer, being allowed to cool and harden before being removed). We will never wax you if: 1. You are currently using any of the following prescription medications. You must have stopped taking the medications for at least 3 months before a wax will be performed.
Accutane (Acne medication) - You must be off this medication for at least one year prior to waxing.
Adapalene (Acne medication)
Alustra (Retin A)
Avage (Acne medication)
Avita (Retin A)
Azelex (Peeling agent)
Clindamycin
Differin (Acne medication)
Doxycycline
Erythromycin
Isotretinoin (like Accutane)
Madifloxicine
Metronidazole
Prednisone
Renova (Retin A)
Retin A (Acne and Anti-aging medication)
Tazarac (Acne medication)
Tazarotene (Tazorac)
Tetracycline
Tretinoin (Retin A)
2. You have Lupus or Aids. 3. You’re in cancer therapy getting chemotherapy or radiation. 4. You have been in direct sunlight for a long period of time. 5. You have used a tanning bed within the last 24 hours. 6. You have sunburned skin or irritated areas you wish to be waxed 7. You have had laser skin resurfacing within the past year. 8. You have had recent cosmetic or reconstructive surgery
We will be cautious when waxing if: You are using any of the following products as your skin may be thinner and more prone to sensitivity and/or lifting during waxing. It is highly recommended you stop using any of these products at least 5-7 days before you wax.
Other acne medications
Oral Antibiotics
Topical Antibiotics
Retinol
Exfoliants - The use of powerful exfoliators on your skin such as salicylic, alpha-hydroxy acid (Glycolic, Lactic) can cause skin thinning.
Chemical peels - You must wait a minimum of seven days before waxing after a light chemical peel using glycolic, alpha hydroxy, or salicylic acid, or other acid-based products, or microdermabrasion. No waxing if you have had a physician administered peel within the past two years
Blood-thinning medications - if you take blood thinners, have diabetes, phlebitis or want post-cancer hair growth in the side-burn area removed, first get a doctors approval before waxing.
Drugs for autoimmune disease
Prednisone or steroids
Hydroquinone
If you suffer from any of the following, waxing is not recommended:
Psoriasis, eczema, or other chronic skin diseases
Severe varicose leg veins
Rosacea or very sensitive skin - For smokers or those with Rosacea, waxing can irritate dilated capillaries (weak or broken blood vessels).
Cold sores or fever blisters (waxing can cause a flare-up)
Women may experience extra sensitivity to waxing up to a week prior to the beginning of their period
Things to be aware of:
If you’re pregnant, taking birth control, hormone replacement, or antibiotics, your skin may be more sensitive to waxing. If you would like to have a patch test 24 hours before getting waxed, let us know.
Products with white willow bark extract and enzymes all strip cells from the skin. It’s too much exfoliation combined with waxing and could make the skin red, bleed or even lift and turn scabby.
Caffeine is a stimulant in your system that can cause skin to be extra sensitive to waxing, meaning you could get more red or inflamed than usual.
Drinking alcohol the day of or the night before waxing can cause the blood to rise to the surface of the skin and can cause the skin to bruise easily.