"Ultraviolet rays are attracted to wounds, making the freshly waxed skin more susceptible to darkening as melanin (the dark pigment in skin) floods the area to try and protect it." Luckily, there is a simple fix: Wear sunscreen! Better yet, keep that new skin out of the sun completely for at least a few days. She says to think of the skin after waxing like a fresh, pink wound. It's this exfoliation of the uppermost layer of skin that leaves it more susceptible to post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (also referred to as dark spots), says Uchenna Okereke, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Brooklyn, NY. "Hot wax tends to adhere the strongest, so while it may remove hairs more efficiently, it can also stick to skin more and pull off those top layers of the skin as it's also pulling out your hair,” says Dr. If you have dark skin, hyperpigmentation could be an issue. Always make sure you're following the heating directions closely and that you hold your hand over the wax after it's been heated to gauge the temperature before applying it to your skin. “Hot wax can burn the skin-and it is a particularly dangerous type of burn because the hot product adheres to the skin,” Dr. The key word here and what can make at home waxing dangerous is that it's hot. With traditional waxing, hot wax is applied to skin and the hair is pulled off in the opposite direction of the way it's growing. Waxing removes hair by lifting it out at the root. Waxing can cause major skin damage-if you're not careful. “Usually, waxing or sugaring will last at least three to four weeks and often longer (six to eight weeks).” But before getting started, keep reading to learn some basic skills and risks involved with waxing at home. “The hair growth cycle varies among individuals and even on different parts of the body,” Dr. “Doing a small test spot and waiting at least a week before using the product on a large area is always a good idea.”Īnother point for waxing: It lasts much longer than shaving. “Of course, avoid any ingredients you have a known allergy or sensitivity to,” advises Dr. That doesn't mean you shouldn't still take a closer look at the ingredients list, though. The stinky strips from back in the day are also now a thing of the past, with formulas that are much more advanced and gentle and include skin-loving ingredients. Scary as it sounds, at-home waxing has its perks, the most obvious being that it saves you major $$ when it’s a DIY job instead of seeing a pro. “The most important thing to be aware of is that at-home waxing is not without risk and that you can damage your skin with home waxing kits.” “It's important to use the safest and gentlest wax kits available to avoid irritating, burning and potentially scarring your skin.” says Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, FAAD, dermatologist and clinical assistant professor at New York Presbyterian Hospital-Weill Cornell Medical Center. When getting a wax, it's crucial that you get started on the best foot, especially if you're doing the job on your own and using an at-home wax kit. Of all the hair removal methods out there-and there are many- waxing probably takes the cake as the one that's not only the most intimidating, but also the most painful.