back acne after waxing - #17157
I am really confused and kinda embarrassed about this situation. A few weeks ago, I went to get a full body waxing, which I thought would be a great way to feel smooth and fresh for summer. But now, I’m dealing with this really annoying issue of back acne after waxing! At first, I just thought it was a normal reaction, you know, like maybe my skin was just sensitive or something, but it’s turning into like a full-on breakout! I've never had back acne before, and it’s like these red bumps just appeared outta nowhere. I tried using some over-the-counter creams and thought maybe it was just because I was sweating more in the heat, but even after a couple of weeks, the back acne after waxing hasn’t gone away! What should I do? Are there specific products or treatments that help with back acne after waxing? Plus, can this happen every time I wax? I don’t wanna deal with this constantly, and I was kinda excited about how smooth everything felt after waxing. Ugh, I really need some advice on this frustrating back acne after waxing! If anyone else has experienced the same thing, please share what worked for you.
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Doctors' responses
Experiencing back acne after waxing can be frustrating, but it’s more common than you might think. Waxing removes hair but can also irritate the skin and hair follicles, leading to folliculitis, which might appear as red, inflamed bumps or pimples. First, ensure that aftercare post-waxing is properly done. Avoid tight clothing that increases friction against the skin. Instead, wear loose, breathable fabrics that won’t trap sweat and oil, which can worsen the acne. You should also cleanse the waxed area gently with a mild, non-comedogenic cleanser to remove excess oil and keep the area clean. Over-the-counter treatments containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid can be helpful in treating mild cases by reducing bacterial growth and promoting exfoliation. Apply these products following package instructions, but be cautious as some waxed skin can be particularly sensitive. Since waxing can disrupt the skin barrier, moisturizers may help restore it, but oil-free or non-comedogenic ones are better to avoid clogging pores. If you notice persistent or worsening breakouts despite these measures, or if there’s significant discomfort like itching, a visit to a dermatologist may be necessary. They might prescribe topical or oral antibiotics if they diagnose a bacterial infection. Furthermore, the issue repetitive waxing may cause similar reactions, perhaps try alternative hair removal methods like laser treatment for a more permanent resolution if waxing continues to be problematic. Finally, if you plan to wax again, discuss this breakout with your aesthetician, so they may adjust their techniques or recommend pre-and post-wax products.
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