Published: May 22, 2008
By Renew

This month, our waxing expert Shala Dveirin talks about ways to avoid the bumps after waxing–this pesky after-wax problem may not be what you think it is. Have a hair removal question of your own? E-mail renewprofessional@vancepublishing.com and you may find your answer in the next Renew Reports: Skin Care!

Q. Can you tell me how to prevent breakouts on the upper lip caused from waxing? I have clients who get 10-12 tiny whiteheads on their upper lip even when we cleanse before and use azulene after. Any advice would be helpful.
Ivy Robertson
Radiance Skin Care Salon
Helena, Montana

A: There are a couple different thoughts on that. One theory is that it is a histamine reaction–it’s not really pimples. What happens is the client gets red and kind of welty and they get the bumps. To avoid that, people should take something to help with histamine reactions before they get waxed, like an Advil before they come in for the service, or a Benadryl. For some people, it’s been known to work really, really well.

The other problem is that people touch their lip. Even if their hands are clean, they’re still carrying bacteria. So people want to touch their freshly waxed skin, but now they have an open area, and then they introduce bacteria into that area. Remind them not to touch and tell them why. Then use something on the upper lip after the treatment – like a bump preventer or any other product out there for ingrown hair – and have them continue afterwards. I’ve been told that a little bit of Neosporin, after waxing, is also very effective.

Shala Dveirin is the president and founder of A-List Skin where she has used her experience as a physician’s consultant and licensed esthetician to launch her own product line, REHAB – a complete post-hair removal skin care solution. As a top trainer and educator for Adriel International, Dveirin teaches classes on Brazilian waxing and Brazilian 3D (dyes diamonds and designs), brow design, and basic waxing skills. For more information please contact her via e-mail at shala@alistskin.com.