Sometimes what you do before and after a wax can be almost as important as the wax itself. Case in point: a good, regular exfoliation can do wonders for your skin! Annet King, the Director of Global Education at the International Dermal Institute and Dermalogica, told me for my BeautyHigh.com feature that “We lose one million skin cells every forty minutes,” so using a great exfoliant on areas that you regularly have waxed can lift off those dead cells in order to prevent clogging of pores which can cause excess oil, breakouts, sideways growing and ingrown hairs, etc. Following up with an efficient ingrown hair serum to troubled areas can also help break down those cells and relieve your skin of the discomfort and redness that the issue causes.
I came across two products that are targeted toward these issues, that work quite well when put under pressure to perform. Courtesy of the company, I tried the European Wax Center service alongside two of the six offerings in their product line, the Post Waxing Exfoliate, $38, and the Ingrown Hair Serum, $25. The Exfoliate, which I initially tested on my hand, began working in a matter of seconds, and I could actually see the dead skin cells coming off! The Ingrown Hair Serum, which I had written about before and features Vitamin E, Lavender Oil, and Tea Tree Oil, is suitable for all skin types and can also be used by guys if they have razor burn and irritation on the face or neck.
In regard to the wax itself, European Wax Center has its four-step Comfort Wax system to cleanse, protect, wax, and rejuvenate the skin. The hard, strip-less wax clings to the hair, not skin, which basically means ouchless removal. The deep purple exclusive wax was truly the most pain-free formula that I’ve ever experienced, and my wax specialist, Helene, was not only a total pro, but also gave me helpful tips in regard to hair maintenance, as well as what ingredients to look for in post and pre-wax products. When she waxed and shaped my eyebrows, I hardly felt any discomfort, which I think speaks volumes for the wax as well as the professionals that work there! You can shop the product line in-store or online, and anyone can experience their services, as they have over 310 locations nationwide.
So the secret to a good wax? Great products to prep and treat your skin post-wax, as well as a knowledgeable professional who uses a high-grade wax formula.
–Julia DiNardo
