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). At Kelowna Esthetics Studio, we recommend this form of waxing  for people with sensitive skin over strip waxing. 

​Waxing Contraindications
Contraindications are things we look for before performing a wax that might cause damage to your skin. If you are currently using any of the following prescription medications, we will not perform a waxing service until you have stopped taking the medications for at least 3 months.
  • 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)

If you are using any of the following products, your skin may be thinner and more prone to sensitivity and/or lifting during waxing.
  • Other acne medications 
  • Oral Antibiotics
  • Topical Antibiotics
  • Retinol
  • Any acid based products
  • Exfoliants - The use of powerful exfoliators on your skin such as salicylic, alpha-hydroxy acid (Glycolic, Lactic) can cause skin thinning. If the alpha-hydroxy is over 8% then you should wait months before safely waxing.
  • Chemical peels - You must wait a minimum of seven days before waxing after a light chemical peel or microdermabrasion. No waxing if you have had a physician administered peel within the past two years
  • Taking 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. 
  • Taking drugs for autoimmune disease
  • Medications for Lupus
  • Taking prednisone or steroids
  • Psoriasis, eczema, or other chronic skin diseases
  • Recent cosmetic or reconstructive surgery
  • Recent laser skin treatment - no waxing if you have had a laser skin resurfacing within the past year.
  • 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).
  • History of cold sores or fever blisters (waxing can cause a flare-up)
  • Using hydroquinone
  • Recent surgical peel, microdermabrasion or chemical peel using glycolic, alpha hydroxy, or salicylic acid, or other acid-based products

These precautions and considerations should always be followed: ​
  • Women may experience extra sensitivity to waxing up to a week prior to the beginning of their period
  • No waxing on sunburned skin
  • No waxing on irritated areas

When to be cautious: 
  • 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.
Stop using the above products in the area getting waxed for at least three days before, and three to four days after waxing. 

 We will never wax you if:
  • You currently take Accutane or have stopped taking it for less than a year.
  • You’re taking any prescription acne medication.
  • You have Lupus or Aids.
  • You’re in cancer therapy getting chemotherapy or radiation.
  • You have been in direct sunlight for a long period of time.
  • You have used a tanning bed within the last 24 hours.​