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Medication & Health Considerations for Waxing
what to consider before your appointment

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Medications That Contraindicate Waxing

 

If you are currently using any of the following prescription medications, waxing is not recommended. You must discontinue use for 1 week to 3 months before waxing.  Accutane is exceptional, requiring at least 1 year off the medication before waxing.

 

  • Accutane (Isotretinoin – Acne medication) 1 year

  • Adapalene (Acne medication)

  • Alustra (Retin-A)

  • Avage (Acne medication)

  • Avita (Retin-A)

  • Azelex (Peeling agent)

  • Clindamycin

  • Differin (Acne medication)

  • Doxycycline

  • Erythromycin

  • Isotretinoin (Similar to Accutane)

  • Madifloxicine

  • Metronidazole

  • Prednisone

  • Renova (Retin-A)

  • Retin-A (Acne & anti-aging medication)

  • Tazarac / Tazarotene (Tazorac) (Acne medication)

  • Tetracycline

  • Tretinoin (Retin-A)​ 1 week

 

Caution For Products, OTC's & Medications

These products, over-the-counter supplements, and medications can increase skin sensitivity, making it more vulnerable to irritation or skin lifting during waxing

 

  • other acne medications not listed above

  • Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) (Glycolic, Lactic)

  • oral & topical antibiotics

  • retinol

  • salicylic acid

  • any acid-based skincare products

  • exfoliants (physical or chemical)

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To ensure safe and effective waxing, please follow these guidelines

  • wait at least 7 days after a light chemical peel or microdermabrasion before waxing

  • no waxing if you have had a laser skin resurfacing treatment in the last 12 months

  • no waxing if you have had a physician-administered chemical peel within the last 24 months

  • avoid waxing on sunburned, irritated, or broken skin

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Factors That Increase the Risk of Skin Lifting

Certain conditions and medications can make your skin more prone to lifting  (when the top layer of skin is unintentionally removed during waxing). Schedule an esthetics consultation prior to making an appointment and fully disclose any of the below on your history submission

 

  • you take blood-thinning medications

  • you take medications for autoimmune disease(s)

  • you are on prednisone or steroids

  • you have psoriasis, eczema, or other chronic skin conditions

  • you recently had cosmetic or reconstructive surgery

  • you had a recent laser skin treatment

  • you have severe varicose veins

  • you have rosacea or very sensitive skin

  • you have a history of cold sores or fever blisters (waxing can trigger outbreaks)

  • you are using hydroquinone

  • you have had a recent surgical peel, microdermabrasion, or chemical peel using glycolic, alpha hydroxy, or salicylic acids

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When to Be Cautious

Certain factors can make your skin more sensitive to waxing, leading to increased redness, irritation, or discomfort

 

  • pregnancy, birth control, hormone therapy, or antibiotics 

  • tobacco users and those with rosacea

    •  waxing can irritate dilated capillaries

  • blood thinners, diabetes, phlebitis, or post-cancer hair growth removal 

    • please provide physician approval before waxing; subject to Hive Medical Director approval 

  • using strong exfoliants (e.g., salicylic acid, AHAs, white willow bark extract) 

  • stop use of exfoliants & acid-based products at least 3 days before and after waxing​

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Waxing Appointments at Hive Cannot Be Performed If

 

  • you are currently taking Accutane or have stopped taking it within the last year.

  • you are on prescription acne medication

  • you have an autoimmune disease

  • you are undergoing chemotherapy or radiation

  • you have been in direct sunlight for an extended period

  • you have used a tanning bed within the last 24 hours

  • the area being waxed is being treated with alpha hydroxy acids over 8%

  • you have a new body piercing in the waxing area

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