Hydrocortisone is your BFF
You don't have to go through the aftermath alone. To help your skin heal from irritation caused by waxing, apply some hydrocortisone cream — it will reduce redness, itchiness, and inflammation. Also, it's sooo soothing and cool to apply!
Try: Cortizone 10 Anti-itch Creme, $7.99
Skip the gym
Congrats! You've got an actual, valid excuse to skip the gym. Actually, you may want to skip any sweaty activity for the next 24 hours or so: After the wax, the pores of your skin are open and the sweat could lead to breakouts — yikes!
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Postpone your beach trip
If you're doing this for your most-awaited beach trip, do it at least three days ahead, since you have to give your skin some time to heal. The seawater and sand may cause irritation to the skin (ouch). And you don't want to ruin your beach day, right?
Image via Sven Hansche/EyeEm/Getty
Prevent ingrown hair
To prevent ingrown hair and bumps, use a mild scrub to exfoliate the bikini area. If you're already noticing them, you can opt to use ointments that are meant to banish ingrown hairs. Just be sure focus on the external region when applying — and don't pluck it out by yourself, as it may only infect the area. You can also go back to the salon to have them check it.
Try: PFB Vanish, $23.95
When should you go back?
If you don't 100 percent hate your first bikini wax, you'll probably want to make a return trip. Ideally, four weeks is the best time frame in between waxes. (However, this also depends on how fast your hair grows.)
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