Why do I get red bumps after waxing?

Dear Readers,
Many of my patients are concerned about little red bumps that develop after their waxing procedures.


Do not worry, these red bumps that develop are very common and due to inflammed hair follicles after the waxing.

In most cases, the red bumps are only temporary and calm down after a day or so. The bumps typically do not signify that you are allergic to the wax or that the aesthetician has burned you/ caused permanent harm.

Tips to minimize the red bumps include:

--apply 1% hydrocortisone cream (this is over the counter) to the waxed areas IMMEDIATELY after the procedure (this will decrease the amount of inflammation cells that come to the area)
--cool compresses will help to minimize redness and swelling

If you are on prescription acne medicine (such as retin-a, retinol, or glycolic acid products) your skin may be more sensitive to waxing - leading to red bumps that last a longer period of time -- or potentially even burns. Be careful and let your aesthetician know exactly what you are using.