Waxing is revered as one of the most effective hair removal methods, able to banish unwanted fuzz for several weeks at a time. However, this convenience comes with some risks, particularly for sensitive skin.
It’s no secret that waxing can sometimes lead to painful skin rips, tears, or burns that leave us self-conscious and sore. While these mishaps heal eventually, recovering from the initial damage isn’t always easy.
Unfortunately, most over-the-counter creams designed to “heal” such injuries contain questionable ingredients like dyes, preservatives, and synthetic fragrances that could prolong healing time or cause further irritation. But why go for manufactured products when nature has provided us with the most potent remedies to recover from minor wounds and abrasions?
What Causes Skin Ripping During Waxing?
Skin ripping occurs when the wax adheres too strongly to the top layer of skin and pulls it off along with the hair follicles during removal. This is more common in sensitive areas like underarms or bikini lines where the skin is thinner.
Pulling the strip too quickly or applying too-hot wax also increases the risk. Those with very dry or irritated skin before waxing are also prone.
Immediate First Aid
If you experience ripped skin post-waxing, it’s important to cleanse the area immediately to prevent infection and allow healing to begin. Gently wash with a fragrance-free cleanser and lukewarm water. Then, apply a cool compress from a damp cloth to soothe redness and reduce swelling. The cold temperature helps constrict blood vessels and reduces inflammation. Leave it on for 10-15 minutes, reapplying as needed.
Aloe Vera to The Rescue
Aloe Vera gel is considered an all-star remedy for treating ripped skin. Its anti-inflammatory properties accelerate the healing of small tears in the skin barrier. Look for an organic aloe vera gel with no added ingredients that could further irritate skin. Break off an aloe leaf from the plant and scoop out the gel inside, or use a store-bought gel. Gently apply a thick layer directly to the ripped area using your clean fingertips. Repeat application 3-4 times per day, leaving it on in between.
Tea Tree Oil’s Skin-Soothing Powers
Add a few drops of 100% pure therapeutic-grade tea tree essential oil to your aloe vera gel treatments for even more robust wound healing and antibacterial protection. Tea trees contain anti-inflammatory terpenes that help reduce soreness and speed up ripped skin repair. Its natural antimicrobial compounds also prevent potentially harmful bacteria from infecting tiny tears in the skin barrier. To use, mix 3-5 drops of tea tree oil into one tablespoon of aloe gel and apply to ripped areas after waxing.
Calendula For Anti-Inflammatory Relief
The calendula flower has centuries of tradition behind its uses as a gentle healer. Extracts from its brightly-colored petals possess anti-inflammatory properties that can help minimize irritation and redness surrounding ripped skin post-waxing.
Look for a calendula-infused skin salve, balm, or cream containing antioxidants like vitamin E for added nourishment. Gently massage a small amount onto affected areas after cleansing. You can layer it over aloe vera gel applications as well. Reapply every 4-6 hours as needed until the skin is completely healed.
Soothing Oats for Soft, Supple Skin
Colloidal oatmeal is another excellent natural remedy for soothing ripped skin from waxing. When applied topically, it relieves itching and inflammation, and its emollient properties help restore the skin’s moisture barrier. Mix 1-2 tablespoons of colloidal oatmeal into your aloe vera gel or calendula salve and smooth generously onto damaged areas. The beta-glucan fibers in oats hydrate and protect the skin, while avenanthramides reduce irritation. Leave it on for at least 20 minutes before rinsing off for fast relief.
Golden Honey for Its Antimicrobial Gold
Raw honey makes an incredible treatment for minor cuts, scrapes, and irritated skin. Its high viscosity forms a protective seal over wounded areas to keep out external contaminants that could induce infection. More importantly, honey’s high sugar content draws moisture away from the skin surface, depriving harmful bacteria of the fluids they need to thrive. Take a small amount of creamed or liquid honey and smear it gently yet generously onto any ripped sections of skin post-waxing. Allow it to sit for 20-30 minutes before rinsing well with lukewarm water.
Coconut Oil for Overall Nourishment
Rich in skin-healing fatty acids and nutrients, coconut oil is a therapeutic remedy for ripped skin. Its medium-chain triglycerides are readily absorbed to nourish tissues from within as lauric acid fends off potential infections on the surface. After cleansing ripped skin areas, apply a thin layer of virgin coconut oil and allow it to soak in completely before getting dressed. It soothes, hydrates, and hastens the repair of tiny epidermal tears without scarring or prolonged soreness.
Additional Tips for Complete Healing
While plant-based remedies are most effective for soothing ripped skin, make sure to:
- Avoid direct sun exposure as the sun’s UV rays can further irritate damaged skin areas, prolonging the healing process.
- Get adequate rest to devote maximum resources to cellular repair functions.
- Drink plenty of water to nourish collagen production underneath ripped layers of skin.
- Gently wash treated areas with a fragrance-free cleanser 1-2 times daily to rid any debris or bacteria accumulating in microscopic tears.
- Moisturize daily to guard the skin’s moisture barrier as epidermal regeneration occurs.
Conclusion
While waxing mishaps are never fun, taking good care of your skin with these natural remedies will make it smooth and supple again in no time. Be patient, and don’t hesitate to contact a physician if signs of infection, like increasing soreness or discharge, arise. Using plant-based medicine, you’ll prevent scarring and get silky results once more. Always listen to your body and opt for gentler hair removal methods if waxing consistently damages the skin.
