If you do this one thing before a waxing or threading appointment, you might end up with harmful side effects, according to this beauty expert
Beauty professionals are all about making sure that your beauty appointments go smoothly. As new beauty products emerge each year, it’s important to be conscious of what you put on your skin and know how it affects your beauty treatments.
Beauty expert Sara Millecam, director of education at Beautiful Brows and Lashes, is sounding the alarm about a common yet overlooked skincare mistake that many women make before heading to their eyebrow waxing or threading appointments.
“The use of skincare products like retinol, AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids), or BHAs (beta hydroxy acids) in the days leading up to the session could be doing more harm than good, potentially causing unintended damage to the skin,” she says.
Online beauty product retailer and education center, Beautiful Brows and Lashes, focuses on beauty techniques and products that are safe for their clients. Many people apply potent serums and lotions, thinking they’re optimizing their skincare routine. But Millecam wants people to know that these products can drastically increase skin sensitivity before hair removal treatments.
The Key Skincare Mistake: Using Active Ingredients Before Waxing/Threading
It’s no secret that retinol, AHAs, and BHAs are revered for their ability to brighten skin, fight signs of aging, and reduce acne. Yet what many don’t realize is how these ingredients can cause excessive skin sensitivity before waxing or threading.
According to Millecam, “These products are designed to exfoliate and speed up cell turnover. When applied before a waxing or threading session, the skin becomes more prone to irritation, leading to redness, burns, or even peeling.”
To avoid these unpleasant outcomes, the expert stresses the importance of pausing the use of active skincare ingredients at least 48 hours before any eyebrow treatments.
Why Active Ingredients Are a No-Go Before Hair Removal
Retinol and chemical exfoliants like AHAs and BHAs are known to weaken the skin’s barrier, making it more susceptible to damage.
“When the skin is in this vulnerable state, any form of physical irritation, such as waxing or threading, can result in painful reactions,” says Millecam. “I used retinol the night before my threading appointment, and my skin was burning afterward. Now, I always avoid it in the days before.”
The science behind it is simple: These active ingredients thin the outer layer of the skin, increasing its photosensitivity and lowering the threshold for irritation. As a result, hair removal treatments that would normally be tolerated by the skin become unbearable.
How to Properly Prep Your Skin Before Your Appointment
In addition to avoiding active ingredients, there are other steps to protect your skin before your next eyebrow appointment. Millecam advises against exfoliating scrubs, chemical peels, and even excessive sun exposure, as these can heighten the risk of adverse reactions. “It’s all about keeping your skin calm and intact before subjecting it to hair removal treatments,” she says. “Stick to gentle, hydrating products and always wear sunscreen.”
By taking these precautions, you will have a smoother and more comfortable experience, free of the redness and irritation that can otherwise follow a waxing or threading session.
Expert Advice for a Safe Beauty Routine
Beauty routines should always complement, not compromise, other treatments. It’s important to be informed about how various skincare products interact with eyebrow waxing and threading. “Consult your beauty professional before your appointment if you’re unsure about your skincare routine. It’s all about planning ahead to avoid unwanted side effects,” says Millecam.
With the right precautions, women can enjoy their beauty treatments without worrying about irritation or long-term damage to their skin.
