I'm a beauty expert, why you should NEVER wax before holidays – it can leave your skin looking worse & you'll be in pain

The Sun

5 days ago

A HAIR removal specialist has warned travelers not to get a wax immediately before boarding a flight, as it could lead to painful skin problems that might spoil the start of a holiday.
Timca Pruijt, hair removal expert from Laser Hair Removalo, says the conditions inside aircraft cabins can worsen post-wax skin irritation, causing redness, increased sensitivity and potential infection risks.
1
She noted that many people book last-minute beauty treatments just before flying abroad, without considering how the aircraft environment might affect freshly waxed skin.
Cabin air is extra dry
'To avoid condensation, cabin humidity is reduced dramatically to anywhere between 10% and 20%, according to the Federal Aviation Administration's latest Aviation Weather Handbook.
"This is much lower than what your skin is used to, which is ideally between 30% and 50%, based on guidance from the US Environmental Protection Agency,' Pruijt explains.
'We can easily feel our lips chapping, our nose drying and our eyes getting itchy, but we rarely remember our skin is suffering too.'
She explains that newly waxed skin will have its protective hair layer removed, and tiny pores are left open and exposed.
'After waxing, your skin needs time to recover and close those open pores. The ultra-dry cabin air draws moisture from your skin at the worst possible time – right when it needs hydration to heal properly,' she adds.
'People often forget that waxing is not just hair removal; it is quite traumatic for the skin. You are pulling hair from the root and removing a thin layer of skin cells in the process,' she says.
Pruijt also points out that the stress of travelling, along with changes in temperature between air-conditioned airports, hot tarmacs and cool cabins, puts additional strain on your skin's ability to recover.
Your Skin Needs At Least 48 Hours to Heal
According to Pruijt, sitting in a confined space for hours with compromised skin creates ideal conditions for bacteria to multiply, potentially leading to spots, rashes, or even infections.
For holidaymakers who still want to be hair-free on arrival, she recommends planning beauty treatments carefully.
I'm a bikini waxer - stop being embarrassed about being hairy & no, I don't care if you've got lumps or bumps down there
'Preparation is the only way you can avoid complications from waxing. This means booking your appointments well ahead and applying moisturizers before leaving the house for the airport.'
'Get your waxing done at least 48 hours before your flight. This gives your skin adequate time to recover and those open pores to close,' she advises.
She also suggests applying a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer before the flight to create a protective barrier.
Airports can be bacteria breeding ground for freshly waxed skin
'Our hands contact multiple surfaces in airports, planes, taxis, buses, and cafes. We then inevitably touch our skin with those hands, breeding with bacteria.
"You can use hand sanitizer generously and often, but bacteria are on surfaces you might sit on or accidentally touch.
'While you cannot exactly cover a waxed upper lip or brow, you could swap shorts for loose trousers and tank tops for airy, long-sleeved shirts to give your fragile skin an extra layer of protection from unsanitary surfaces and your own contaminated hands.'
The expert noted that wearing loose, comfortable clothing on the flight is essential if you have recently had a wax, particularly for sensitive areas.
'Tight clothing creates friction and traps heat and moisture, which can lead to irritation or folliculitis, when your hair follicles become inflamed,' she explains. 'Opt for cotton for avoid sweating and maximize your skin's ability to breathe.'
Last-minute waxing can cause rashes
If you are used to waxing as your preferred hair removal method, you may be reluctant to consider alternatives or combinations thereof.
'Many travelers now opt for a waxing appointment a few days before their flight and pack a small razor for touch-ups if needed during their holiday,' she says.
'If you travel often or want longer-lasting results, treatments like laser hair removal might be worth considering. Unlike waxing, once a course of laser treatments is complete, there is no need to worry about last-minute hair removal before flights.
How to prepare for a bikini wax
IF you're thinking of booking a bikini wax, here's how you can prepare.
Choose the Right Time: Schedule your appointment at least a week after your menstrual cycle when your pain threshold is higher.
Exfoliate: Gently exfoliate the bikini area a day or two before your wax to remove dead skin cells and prevent ingrown hairs.
Trim Hair: Ensure hair is about 1/4 inch long; if it's longer, trim it down for a smoother waxing process.
Avoid Caffeine and Alcohol: Steer clear of caffeine and alcohol on the day of your appointment as they can tighten pores and increase sensitivity.
Take a Pain Reliever: Consider taking an over-the-counter pain reliever about 30 minutes before your appointment to help minimise discomfort.
Wear Loose Clothing: Opt for loose-fitting clothes on the day of your waxing to avoid irritation post-treatment.
Communicate with Your Aesthetician: Don't hesitate to discuss any concerns or questions with your aesthetician before the session begins.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water leading up to your appointment to keep your skin hydrated and more supple.
'Ultimately, if it is too late to plan more permanent hair removal options, your best bet is packing a good old set of fresh razors and, importantly, a new loofah or gentle brush to exfoliate your sensitive, sun-bathed skin before shaving,' Pruijt notes.
'You are better off putting in the extra effort of shaving daily than walking around with a waxed, sore rash you cannot control your entire vacation.'
Sun exposure can damage sensitive skin
Pruijt also advises taking extra care with sun exposure after both waxing and flying.
'Newly waxed or dehydrated skin makes you more susceptible to sun damage.
'You should avoid applying sunscreen on freshly irritated skin, which is why, if you do need to step out the following 24 hours, cover your skin with clothing rather than sunscreen, depending on the area. Wear trousers, long-sleeved tops, a wide-brimmed hat and trainers.
'Make sure you are extra vigilant with sunscreen once you reach your destination,' she warns.'