Waxing your skin can lead to numerous problems ranging from skin irritation and dryness, to ingrown hairs and pimples. But treating your skin after you wax it doesn’t have to be an expensive or complicated process.
If you have the funds, there are numerous products available to help treat your skin which can help reduce skin irritation and infection. Shea butter, tea tree oil, witch hazel, olive oil, and cod liver oil are all popular after wax care at home tips, but if you’re on a strict budget, that are various natural remedies known to help treat skin irritation and dryness that can be found in the back of your cupboards or even your refrigerator.
Here are ten natural after wax care products that are known to help reduce skin irritation and ingrown hairs after waxing:
- Tea bags
Scientific studies have proven that tea, (specifically green or chamomile tea), can be used to treat various inflammatory conditions and even skin disorders. Because tea acts as an antioxidant, it can help protect your skin and reduce bacteria, and leave your skin feeling soft and refreshed.
Brew a tea bag in a kettle and then either put it in the freezer or let it sit and cool down for a few minutes. Once the bag has cooled down, place it on the area of skin that is inflamed or irritated. (This is also a popular method to help get rid of puffiness around the eyes).
- Baking soda
Baking soda is known to be an effective home remedy to treat acne treatments because it not only kills the bacteria known for causing pimples, it also effectively removes dead skin cells by acting as an exfoliator.
Try pouring approximately three to four tablespoons of baking soda in your palm, and then mix it together with a teaspoon of water, (make sure the mixture isn’t too thick). Apply the mixture to dampened skin in a circular motion for about one minute, and then rinse the skin with water. Be extra careful not to leave it on your skin for too long as it may leave your face feeling dry and itchy.
- Epsom salts
Research has proven that Epsom salts can help absorb magnesium and sulphate into the bloodstream, which are responsible for regulating the body’s enzymes. This can help reduce inflammation and even reduce pain. (Interestingly enough magnesium is also known to increase serotonin levels in the body, so bathing in Epsom salts can also produce “mood-elevating” chemicals in your rain which can help you feel more calm and relaxed).
Epsom salts are also commonly used to treat nail fungus because it helps reduce the risk of infection in your skin and help “speed up” the healing process and increase circulation.
- Potatoes
It may seem like an odd natural remedy, but because a potato acts as a cooling agent its juices can provide a soothing feeling to your skin.
Grate one potato and then apply the juices to your irritated skin. Experts recommend applying the potato juice up to two or five times per one sitting. Afterwards be sure to wash your skin with cold water.
- Milk
Because milk acts as an exfoliator, applying it to your skin can leave it feeling soft and hydrated.
Pour one cup of milk into a bowl, and then rub it over your skin using cotton balls. (If you have oily skin use skim milk, but if you have dry skin try using whole milk).
- Honey
Using honey on irritated skin can both draw and retain your skin’s moisture. Honey also has anti-microbial properties as well s antioxidants which can give your skin a healthier, shiny glow. Also, because honey is sticky, once removing it from your skin it can actually help pull away dead skin cells from the pores, and the antimicrobial properties can help reduce the risk of infection.
Simply apply a layer of honey over your irritated skin, allow it to dry for approximately 10 to 15 minutes, and then wash it off with lukewarm water.
- Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a great natural remedy for itchy skin, and has been used by the Egyptians and Arabs from as far back as 2000 BC. However, it is important to point out that it is colloidal oatmeal, not the oatmeal usually eaten for breakfast, that is used to treat irritated skin. (Colloidal oatmeal contains oats that are grinned almost to a point of pulverization).
Because colloidal oatmeal contains natural ingredients like cellulose and fiber, it can help provide more elasticity to your skin and will not only leave it feeling soft and refreshed, it can also help protect your skin as well.
If using regular oatmeal, use a coffee grinder or blender to grind approximately seven cups of oats. Pour it into a tub filled with lukewarm water and soak in the water for about 10 minutes. After getting out of the tub, be extra careful to gently pat your skin dry rather than rub it, because rubbing the skin will actually cause more irritation.
- Mayonnaise
Mayonnaise is an effective natural remedy which can help remove any dead or dry skin, and leave your skin feeling moisturized and refreshed.
Spoon out two tablespoons of mayonnaise in a small bowl, and then spread it over your face and neck. Let it sit for approximately ten minutes, and then rinse your face with cool water. (You can also try adding two tablespoons of honey and one tablespoon of lemon juice for extra effect).
- Aloe Vera gel
If you like to spend your days out in the sun, or if you sunburn easily, then you probably have a bottle of Aloe Vera (or two) lying around the house. But Aloe Vera-based gels aren’t just for sunburns, they can be used to moisturize the skin and also act as a natural anti-inflammatory.
Be sure to use an Aloe Vera gel that doesn’t have any added dyes or fragrances, and refrigerate it beforehand for an extra cooling effect. Also, choose a clear Aloe Vera gel over a green or blue gel, as the clear gel contains over 75 nutritional compounds like minerals, vitamins, amino acids, enzymes, and much more.
- Ice
And last (but certainly not least), ice cubes, ice packs, or even cold water can be one of the most effective ways to treat your skin after waxing. Because waxing forces your pores open, rubbing ice over your skin can help close your pores and reduce the risk of skin irritation and infection.