Sugar wax is a safer and more natural form of hair removal compared to regular wax. Containing only three ingredients which are all organic: sugar, lemon and water, sugar is an amazing solution for even extremely sensitive skin types. However, every procedure and form of hair removal carries with it the possibility of a negative reaction, one of them being a histamine reaction.
What is a histamine reaction?
A histamine reaction can occur on perfectly healthy skin and is the body’s natural response to superficial trauma caused by ripping the hair out from the root. The immune system is basically like WHAT THE HECK IS HAPPENING and sends bloods cells and histamines to the sight to fight as if it was an allergic reaction. The skin will start to feel itchy and hives and red bumps may appear. Although a histamine and an allergic reaction appear similar, the red itchy bumps do not necessarily mean that the client is actually allergic to the sugar wax.
The nerves in the face make it more prone to a histamine reaction. It is most common in clients who are just beginning sugaring. I have noticed that clients who have experienced a prior histamine reaction tend to react less and less the more that area is sugared. In other words, the skin and the body seem to “get used to” the process and acclimate to the mild trauma from sugaring.
How do you treat it?
A histamine reaction usually occurs right away and can last anywhere between a few hours and a few days. Applying a cold compress right away and taking some type of antihistamine (topical or oral like benadryl) will help to lessen the symptoms. Of course, always check with your doctor. It is important that above all, refrain from itching at the skin because that can lead to scabbing and scarring. Take a deep breath and have faith that the uncomfortable symptoms will subside on their own.
If the reaction lasts longer than 72 hours, then it’s time to see a doctor or dermatologist so that they may be able to prescribe a stronger medication to lessen symptoms. If it persists, it may be some other type of other negative reaction like an allergic or bacterial reaction.
Can you prevent a histamine reaction?
There is no real way to prevent a histamine reaction because it can occur in perfectly healthy skin. This is why we strongly recommend (especially if you are doing it for the first time), to not book any waxing or sugar waxing procedures right before a big event or important day…especially on the face. Give yourself at least a few days in between in case your skin has a negative reaction. You can also patch test the skin to see how it will react.
Inform your esthie about everyday products you are using on your skin before you begin the appointment. During your consultation, your esthetician is looking for things that contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, AHA and BHA’s, and various forms of acids including salicylic acid…anything that exfoliates the skin or makes it thinner. These are all contraindications for sugar wax and will increase the likelihood of a negative reaction.