Experiencing Waxing for the Second Time at 35
35 years old Non-smoker Residing in Canada Not on any medication Female Hello everyone! I recently decided to give waxing a go, and I’m now on my second session for underarm hair removal. My initial experience was quite painful, likely due to the deep hair roots. I anticipated an improvement during my second session, but unfortunately, I woke up to significant redness and swelling the following day. Interestingly, the beautician applied baby powder beforehand to help with the process. I noticed that the areas that turned red had less regrowth compared to the center of my armpit, which is quite puffy. On a positive note, I’ve had my legs, Brazilian area, and facial waxing done without any adverse reactions. However, both of my underarms are quite sore, with the one visible in the photo being particularly bad—it's extremely sensitive and uncomfortable. I appreciate any tips or suggestions from the reddit community! Thank you!
Answers (1)
8/14/2025, 9:20:48 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's normal to experience some discomfort and skin reactions during and after waxing, especially in sensitive areas like the underarms. Your experience of redness and swelling could be due to several factors, including skin sensitivity, the technique used during waxing, or the condition of your hair follicles.
Explanation
Waxing removes hair from the root, which can lead to inflammation and sensitivity, especially if it's your second session or if the hair is coarse. It’s positive that you had good experiences with other areas, but sensitivity can vary greatly between different body parts. The redness and swelling you describe usually indicate irritation, which is common, but let’s focus on addressing and soothing these symptoms.
Next Steps
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Soothe the Skin:
- Apply a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer or aloe vera gel to the affected area. This can help calm irritation and provide some relief.
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Cold Compress:
- Use a clean, cold compress on the sore areas for about 10-15 minutes several times a day. This can help reduce swelling and discomfort.
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Avoid Triggers:
- Stay away from tight clothing that may rub against the area, and avoid activities that can cause excessive sweating until the irritation subsides.
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Pain Relief:
- If the soreness is significant, over-the-counter pain relief like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be taken according to the package instructions for temporary relief.
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Monitor Symptoms:
- Keep an eye on the area for any signs of infection, such as increased redness, warmth, pus, or worsening pain. If any of these occur, or if the sensitivity does not improve in a few days, it may be advisable to consult a healthcare professional.
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Communicate with Your Beautician:
- For future sessions, consider discussing your experiences with the beautician. They may adjust their technique or recommend pre-wax care tailored to your skin's sensitivity.
Your skin might need a little more time to adjust to waxing in that area, and it's essential to listen to your body. Take care and give your skin some time to heal. If you have any further concerns or need specific advice, feel free to ask!
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