So long to traumatizing experiences with soft wax and razors! Sugar wax promises soft and smooth skin with minimal redness and side effects. It is known for being a safe and effective alternative form of hair removal that’s safe for all skin types, particularly for clients with sensitive skin. And while sugaring is amazing for most people, there are some contraindications that can prevent someone from getting it as well as general guidelines for pre and post care. Here are some answers to frequently asked questions that will help you to get the most out of your next appointment!

What are things that could prevent me from getting a sugar wax?

Contraindications are considered anything that will prevent someone from receiving a service. Sugaring is by definition exfoliating. The top layer of dead skin is removed when we remove the hair, and although this process is more gentle than some alternatives, there are some chemicals and prescriptions that will leave the skin raw and in danger of being harmed.

This is a list of well-known prescriptions that increase irritation and should be patch tested before a sugar wax. If you use any of these in the areas that you wish to get sugared, discuss it with your doctor and your esthetician before the service. As a general rule, it is recommended you stop the topical prescriptions in areas to be sugared at least 3 days before your appointment. However, this is a loose guideline and should still be discussed during your consultation.

Accutane/Isotretinoin (Acne medication) – You must be off this medication treatment course a minimum of 6 months prior to sugaring.
Any form of Retin-A, retinol, or retinal; which include but are not limited to: Adapalene, Alustra, Tazorac, Avita, Differin, Renova, Tretinoin, Tazarotene
Other Acne medications not listed above
Bleaching agents for hair (used mostly for upper lip)
Bleaching agents for pigmentation of the skin (Hydroquinone, Trilumena)
Previous chemical depilatories such as Nair
Benzoyl Peroxide (ProActive)
Alpha Hydroxy Acids (Glycolic, Lactic, Salicylic)
Oral Antibiotics, topical antibiotics
Other exfoliants

What can I do/not do before my appointment so I can prepare?

Come in to your appointment with clean skin.
Get your sugar wax before any tanning service. The sugar will take the tan right off your body.
If you get regular facials, discuss this with your esthetician. Wait at least 3 days after sugaring (the face) to get a facial. I typically will just schedule them a few weeks apart from each other.
Know that any sunburnt area cannot be sugared.
Any open lesions or otherwise irritated skin cannot be sugared.
Exfoliate 3 days before your wax for maximum smoothness and best results, avoiding any exfoliation closer to your appointment because the sugar needs to adhere to that top layer of dead skin cells to remove all the hair properly.
No microdermabrasion/chemical peels for at least 7 days before the appointment.
Do not apply deodorant/lotion/oils to the area before showing up to your appointment - anything slippery will keep the sugar from adhering to the skin.
For the best result, it is recommended to have at least two weeks of hair growth, or until the hair is the length of a grain of rice…but it’s true…the more hair the better! Leave the trimming to your esthie.

What is the recommended aftercare for sugaring services?

Now that you are happy with your soft smooth baby skin, aftercare is my FAVORITE topic because it is incredibly important and will make a massive difference in the quality of your skin. Remember, the goal is healthy, clean-looking glowy skin. And it is very simple.

I recommend exfoliating with a sugar scrub starting 3 days after your appointment and then every 3 days after that. Click here to read more about exfoliation.

If you are still experiencing ingrown hairs and you are consistently exfoliating, it may be time to try a chemical exfoliant or switch up your exfoliation routine.

Avoid sweating, saunas, sex & hot baths for 24-48 hours after your sugar wax. Although the sugar is very gentle on the skin, your follicles are still open for a short time after your appointment.
You can apply a light moisturizer to the brazilian area to help the skin heal. Apply regular moisturizer to larger areas like legs and arms daily.

And there you have it, folks! Now you have the knowledge you need to be confident in booking all your sugar wax appointments and fitting them around other areas of your life.

Comment below your favorite way to care for your freshly sugared skin!