How To Exfoliate Legs Pre- and Post-Wax
One of the biggest perks of waxing is its low maintenance requirements, but exfoliating between sessions is a non-negotiable task you’ll need to prioritize. In this guide, we’ll explore how to exfoliate your legs before and after waxing to achieve optimal results and maintain that silky skin between sessions.
Importance of exfoliating before and after waxing
Before we jump into how to properly exfoliate your legs, let’s explore why it’s so crucial before and after waxing. Here are the benefits you should know about:
Importance of exfoliating legs before waxing
When you exfoliate your legs before waxing, you’ll enjoy better results and avoid excessively itchy, irritated skin. This practice helps ensure the wax adheres to hair rather than to layers of dirt, oils, and flaky skin.
This improved adhesion leads to a cleaner pull, less breakage, and fewer missed strands. It also gently releases ingrown hairs that are beginning to curl beneath the skin for a more effective waxing session.
Importance of exfoliating legs after waxing
Of course, it’s just as important to buff your skin after waxing to prevent ingrown hairs and maintain your silky-smooth skin between sessions. When you exfoliate regularly between waxes, you improve your skin’s health and set yourself up for a successful wax next time.
What happens if you don’t exfoliate before and after waxing?
Failing to exfoliate your legs before and after waxing can cause a number of adverse side effects, including:
Poor wax grip
More discomfort
Short-lived results
Ingrown hairs
Dull, rough skin texture
Flaky, ashy skin
Increased post-wax inflammation
Strawberry legs
Related: Is Waxing Better Than Shaving?
How to exfoliate your legs the right way
Ready to learn exactly how to exfoliate your legs before and after waxing for smooth, touchable skin that lasts? We’ve got you covered! Here’s the scoop:
Be gentle!
It’s important to remember that waxing also exfoliates skin, so you don’t want to overdo it. Avoid harsh body scrubs containing jagged particles, and never exfoliate on broken, sunburned, or freshly waxed skin.
Consider frequency
Timing is everything, so you must plan accordingly to support your skin. As you prepare for your upcoming appointment, gently exfoliate once or twice a week, stopping 24 to 48 hours before your next session.
After waxing, wait at least 72 hours for your skin to fully recover before exfoliating again. Then, remove dead skin cells two to three times each week.
Use the right tools and products
Waxing temporarily compromises your skin barrier and creates a certain degree of inflammation, so it’s vital to work with your skin, not against it. Never exfoliate with an old loofah or dirty washcloth that could harbor dangerous bacteria. Avoid overexfoliating with harsh scrubs and even using the right products too much.
Stay hydrated
In addition to drinking plenty of water, you should also apply a hydrating cream or lotion after each exfoliation session. Look for a nourishing solution containing hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and other skin-friendly ingredients.
Related: How To Prevent Ingrown Hairs After Waxing
What to use for exfoliating your legs
You know how to exfoliate your legs, so let’s explore the best tools for the job:
Body scrubs
Harsh scrubs containing salt and crushed apricot shells are off-limits before and after waxing, but it’s easy to make a natural, DIY exfoliant. Here are a few of our favorites:
Coconut oil, granulated sugar, and a few drops of tea tree oil.
Olive oil, fine coffee grounds, and brown sugar.
Ground oats, honey, and a little bit of yogurt.
Use these on your legs as part of your pre- and post-wax protocol, and also on your feet to eliminate dry skin.
Chemical exfoliants
If you’re a skincare enthusiast, you probably already have at least one chemical exfoliant lying around from your regular routine or an at-home facial treatment. AHAs like glycolic and lactic acids are ideal for smoothing out rough, dry skin, while BHAs like salicylic acid can help prevent ingrown hairs. These products are ideal for post-wax care but can also be used before waxing.
Exfoliation tools
A dry brush or exfoliating mitt can help slough off dead skin, but it’s essential to choose the right one. Those with stiff bristles and rough textures may damage your sensitive skin and carry harmful bacteria. Wash your tools regularly and replace them when they show signs of wear.
Cleansers for pre-wax care
The day before your wax, you can use an exfoliating cleanser to remove dirt and oils from the skin along with dead, flaky cells. These can be a great way to minimize the risk of infection while you prep your skin for treatment.
Dedicated post-wax products
You’ll find plenty of targeted exfoliants designed to prevent and eliminate ingrown hairs. These tend to be leave-on chemical exfoliants sold as serums, wipes, and lotions, and may be more gentle than standalone acids. That said, you should still wait 48 to 72 hours after waxing before you apply them.
Related: Waxing Aftercare Tips for Long-Lasting Results
Experience your most comfortable wax yet at The Wax Studio!
Even though exfoliation is necessary before and after waxing, the workload is still substantially smaller than the burden of a daily shaving ritual. The Wax Studio is here to help you maximize your results and make each hair removal session a breeze. Book an appointment today to get started!
