Laser and Skin Care Center of Gainesville, Florida >> Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of waxing?

• Long lasting. Hair in areas waxed will not grow back from three to eight weeks. When hair does grow back, it is soft and not coarse like shaved hair.
• When the hair is shaved or removed by depilatory cream, the hair is removed at the surface. Within a few days, the hair can be seen at the surface and the stubble can be felt.

Are there any drawbacks?

• Pain. The removal of the strip is painful and sharp, though it is short-lasting.
  Expense. Waxing is usually performed by a licensed cosmetologist and can be expensive. Home waxing supplies are available but are difficult to use on self for some areas of the body.
• Hair removal is not permanent.
• As the waxed strip is removed against the direction of hair growth, hair follicles may be disturbed so that hairs start to grow in different directions. This may make hair growth more noticeable and make other methods of hair removal (such as electrolysis) more difficult.

Who is not a good candidate for waxing?

• Some physicians do not recommend waxing for persons suffering from diabetes or who have varicose veins or poor circulation as they are more susceptible to infection.
• Users of Retin-A, Renova, Differin or Isotretinoin are advised not to have waxing performed as these medications tend to weaken the skin and tearing of the skin may occur when the wax is removed.
• Waxing should not be done on areas of skin affected by warts, pimples, moles or rashes or on skin that is irritated, chapped or suffering from sunburn. Never apply wax to peeling, broken skin or varicose veins.