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October 1, 2017 3:26 PM

I had my cheeks waxed for the first time Monday and OMG not doing it again because they broke out and it's been nearly a week. Help?

Been to this place before for upper lip, eyebrow and chin waxing. This time I was like, let's just do my whole face. It didn't feel that differently but here we are. I don't think it's an bacterial infection (I thought those usually make your face feel hot?). Sometimes my face hurts like how a bad zit hurts, sometimes it feels a little itchy (very little itchiness). The aesthetician suggested using cortisone when I got home which of course I didn't do argh.

I've been keeping up the same skincare routine since this happened (morning - face wash and scrub in the shower, anti acne neutrogena thing under lotion with SPF, then makeup; at night I use a face wipe and micellar water to take off eye makeup, then an anti-acne thing before bed). Makeup-wise, I've been trying to hide this under coverup which minimizes the redness.

Advice? I think it's getting better but I wouldn't mind if it got better faster. I called my dermatologist Friday but no answer. Thanks for any help you can offer!

posted by kat518 to Health & Fitness (11 answers total)

My friend in high school had her peach fuzzy cheeks waxed and broke out horribly. It calmed down eventually. Nothing to add except sympathy, and the reassurance that a breakout seems to be one normal response.
posted by pseudostrabismus at 3:50 PM on October 1, 2017

It’s not too late for the cortisone! Even over-the-counter stuff will help.
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 3:51 PM on October 1, 2017

Stop using that scrub and anti-acne stuff until it calms down! You're keeping it irritated. Think mild and healing, like aloe and uh, other anti-redness things. Good luck.
posted by 2soxy4mypuppet at 3:54 PM on October 1, 2017

Cortisone, and get rid the irritating parts of your routine until this blows over. Use a non-acne face wash and a mild moisturizer, morning and night.
posted by punchtothehead at 3:56 PM on October 1, 2017

May want to reconsider the face wipes as well. They don't do a stellar job removing make up at the best of times and the material is quite scatrchy and thus likely to irritate your skin further. Assuming the micellar water is one suitable for sensitive skin use that all over the face with minimal rubbing, followed by a gentle face wash and light non comedogenic moisturiser, perhaps one for sensitive skin with minimal scent and what not.
posted by koahiatamadl at 4:44 PM on October 1, 2017

Oat water is really soothing to irritated skin. Soak 1/4 cup plain oatmeal (rolled, quick cook or instant) in 1/2 cup warm (not hot) water for 5 minutes. Stir gently then strain out the oats. Gently pat the water on your skin and let it dry. Probably best done before bed as it leaves a very slight powdery film that might not work with your makeup.

I would also skip the scrub and anti-acne meds til things calm down. Use the micellar water and a cotton wipe to clean your face instead.
posted by Serene Empress Dork at 4:48 PM on October 1, 2017

Not aloe, which can spur hair growth in some people and undo your efforts. Seconding eliminating the irritating portions of your routine, and soothing with oatmeal.
posted by Iris Gambol at 5:47 PM on October 1, 2017

This doesn't answer your question, but for the future, I highly recommend threading over waxing. Much gentler, in my experience.
posted by pinochiette at 6:19 PM on October 1, 2017

I wouldn't put anything on your face but cortisone. If you can go without makeup, do it. If you can wear a hat instead of sunscreen, do it.

Definitely do not put any anti acne stuff on it. Definitely do not scrub. Keep the water you use cool and the products minimal. If you must wear makeup, be extremely gentle when you apply the micellar water. Don't use fibrous wipes -- find something else -- cotton balls maybe.
posted by fingersandtoes at 6:50 PM on October 1, 2017

I had a breakout on my lip when I had it sugared one time. It was horrible. (Like every other hair follicle turned into a mini zit?) I agree that treating it very gently (as if it were sunburned) would be the way to go. Cortisone, wash with cetaphil or the moisturizing Cerave face wash, smear with a neutral moisturizer at night. Mine cleared up in a week or two.
posted by purple_bird at 9:04 AM on October 2, 2017

Call your dermatologist again, demand a prescription for prescription-strength cortisone (it's at least 2x stronger than OTC).
posted by radioamy at 10:53 AM on October 2, 2017