Waxing thin and sensitive skin in the intimate area is often challenging for customers during menopause, during pregnancy and in the months after childbirth.
Managing Cracked, Dry Skin in the Intimate Area Due to Menopause
Menopausal symptoms are a common concern among our clients. While hot flashes, sleep disturbances, and weight changes are widely discussed, many women also experience issues such as dry skin in the intimate area. This is often due to hormonal changes that cause a decrease in skin thickness and moisture, leading to vaginal atrophy. The inner labia can become especially vulnerable, prone to dryness, cracking, and infection.
When working with clients experiencing these symptoms, it’s crucial to handle hair removal with extreme care. For those with severely dry, itchy intimate areas, a gentle approach is key. A pre-treatment oil can be applied before waxing to create a protective layer on the skin, which reduces the risk of further irritation.
Modern Italwax waxes are designed to adhere only to the hair, not the skin, and are applied at a lower working temperature (around 37°C), which is particularly beneficial for sensitive, atrophic skin. Following the treatment, an after-care oil can help to soothe and hydrate the skin.
If the skin is already cracked in the intimate area, waxing should be avoided on the labia itself, as the skin may no longer be stable enough for hair removal. In such cases, it’s best to focus on areas around the labia, like the bikini line, where hair can be safely removed without causing discomfort.
Waxing During Pregnancy
Pregnant clients often prefer a hair-free intimate area, especially as pregnancy progresses and it becomes more difficult for them to manage personal grooming. Waxing is generally safe up until shortly before birth, particularly for clients who were already receiving regular treatments before pregnancy. Many women opt for waxing to avoid the discomfort of a last-minute shave by hospital staff, preferring the familiar care of their trusted beautician.
However, it’s essential to consult with the client’s obstetrician or midwife before proceeding with waxing during pregnancy. Although there is no evidence suggesting waxing poses a risk, individual circumstances should be assessed, as the risk of infection in the intimate area is higher during pregnancy. The skin should be healthy, and the vaginal flora balanced, as infections like thrush or bacterial infections are common in the final weeks of pregnancy. In such cases, it is advisable to limit waxing to the bikini line only.
When Can Waxing Treatments Resume After Birth?
After a cesarean section, it can be difficult to imagine undergoing intimate waxing again. Initially, the scar is red and tender, but after several months, it typically fades to a subtle line. When is it safe to resume waxing in the intimate area? Expert opinions vary, but generally, a waiting period of 6 to 12 months is recommended.
If a customer has had a cesarean section, the scar must be fully healed before considering waxing. Immediately after the surgery, the area may be red, swollen, and numb, a common side effect due to nerve disruption during the procedure. Although nerves gradually regenerate, the numbness can persist for up to a year. If numbness remains around the scar, it’s best to delay waxing until sensitivity returns.
Perineal tears, on the other hand, usually heal within about 14 days, provided they were sutured correctly. However, third and fourth-degree tears involving the sphincter may require more time to heal. The dissolvable stitches typically resolve on their own, and waxing should only resume once the customer feels no discomfort.
4 Essential Tips for Safe and Comfortable Intimate Waxing
Hygiene The top priority in intimate waxing is maintaining proper hygiene. Always wear gloves and follow strict disinfection guidelines. The cleanser used should be mild and gentle to avoid irritating this sensitive area.
Skin Preparation The intimate area combines sensitive skin with coarse hair, so proper preparation is crucial. Pre-waxing oil is recommended over powder, as it provides more protection to the skin. It also makes the waxing process more comfortable by allowing the wax to adhere primarily to the hair rather than the skin.
Wax Selection Film wax, commonly used in Brazilian waxing, is ideal for the intimate area. High-performance waxes are best, as they can grip hair as short as 1mm and are applied at a low working temperature (around 37°C).
Post-treatment Care After waxing, proper aftercare is essential. Use specialized after-treatment oils to soothe and moisturize the skin immediately following the session. It’s important to advise clients on post-waxing care, including activities to avoid for the first 24 hours, such as sun exposure, tight clothing, and heavy sweating.
Comments