Working hair removal into your skincare routine is mostly a question of timing. Hair removal is a form of exfoliation and, for some methods, a minor injury to the skin. Other steps in your routine, such as acids, retinoids, scrubs and sun exposure, can clash with it. Spacing them out prevents stinging, peeling and dark marks.
The principle
On the day you remove hair, and for a day or two around it, treat the skin gently:
- Before: clean, lightly exfoliated, free of strong products.
- After: cool, moisturized, protected from sun and friction.
- Between sessions: exfoliate regularly and moisturize daily.
What to pause, and when
| Product or habit | Shaving | Waxing or epilating | Hair removal cream | Laser or IPL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scrubs | Fine before; skip for 1 day after | Day before only; skip for 2 to 3 days after | Skip for 1 to 2 days before and after | Follow clinic advice |
| Exfoliating acids (AHA, BHA) | Skip for 1 day after | Stop 2 to 3 days before; restart 2 to 3 days after | Stop a few days before and after | Stop several days before and after |
| Retinoids on the area | Skip that night if skin is sore | Stop several days before; restart after a few days | Stop a few days before and after | Follow clinic advice |
| Fragranced lotion, perfume, deodorant | Wait a few hours | Wait 24 hours | Wait 24 hours | Wait 24 hours |
| Sun exposure, tanning | Protect with sunscreen | Avoid for 48 hours | Avoid for 24 hours | Avoid before and after; strict sunscreen |
| Self-tanner | Apply the day after | Wait 24 to 48 hours | Wait 24 hours | Do not use before sessions |
These are general guides. Product leaflets and clinic instructions take priority. If you take isotretinoin, or have taken it recently, do not wax, and ask your doctor about other methods.
Where each step goes
Shaving day
- Cleanse in a warm shower.
- Exfoliate lightly, if you wish.
- Shave with gel and a sharp blade.
- Rinse cool, pat dry.
- Apply a fragrance-free moisturizer.
- Next morning: sunscreen on exposed skin.
Waxing or epilating day
- The day before: gentle exfoliation.
- On the day: clean, dry skin, with no lotion.
- Afterwards: cool compress, fragrance-free moisturizer, loose clothing.
- For two days: no heat, sun, scrubs or acids. See Waxing Aftercare: What to Do After Hair Removal.
- From day three: exfoliate two or three times a week.
See How to Prepare Your Skin for Hair Removal for preparation.
Facial hair removal and face care
The face needs the most caution, because it is where people use the strongest skincare.
- Retinoids and acids thin the outer layer. Waxing or threading over skin treated with them can lift the skin, leaving a raw patch. Stop them on the area for several days first, or choose another method.
- Dermaplaning or facial shaving: skip exfoliants that night, and apply a gentle moisturizer.
- Afterwards: apply sunscreen every morning. Freshly treated skin marks easily in the sun.
- Makeup: wait several hours after waxing or threading.
See Retinol for Beginners: How to Start and What to Know for more about retinol.
Body skincare between sessions
- Moisturize daily. Supple skin lets hairs grow out normally. Apply after showering.
- Exfoliate two or three times a week, from a few days after hair removal. This is the main defense against ingrown hairs. See How to Exfoliate Your Body: Methods and Precautions.
- Use sunscreen on exposed, hair-free skin.
- Treat bumps early with warm compresses, and a pause in hair removal.
A sample weekly plan for someone who shaves
| Day | Body care |
|---|---|
| Monday | Shave; moisturize |
| Tuesday | Moisturize |
| Wednesday | Gentle exfoliation; moisturize |
| Thursday | Shave; moisturize |
| Friday | Moisturize |
| Saturday | Gentle exfoliation; moisturize |
| Sunday | Rest; moisturize |
A sample monthly plan for someone who waxes
| When | Body care |
|---|---|
| Day before the wax | Gentle exfoliation; no acids or retinoids on the area |
| Wax day | Clean, dry skin; aftercare |
| Days 1 to 2 | Cool, loose, fragrance-free; no sun |
| Day 3 to week 4 | Exfoliate two or three times a week; moisturize daily |
| Week 4 to 6 | Next wax |
The Beauty Routine Calendar lays out a schedule like this for you.
Planning around events and vacations
- Wax or epilate two to three days before, so that redness has cleared.
- Do not try a new method just before an important day.
- Before a beach vacation, finish hair removal at least 48 hours before sun exposure, and pack sunscreen.
Listen to your skin
If an area is red, sore or peeling, give it a break from everything except a plain moisturizer. Repeated irritation is what leads to dark marks, especially in medium and deep skin tones.
Related on ArniSun
- How to Prepare Your Skin for Hair Removal
- Waxing Aftercare: What to Do After Hair Removal
- How to Exfoliate Your Body: Methods and Precautions
- Retinol for Beginners: How to Start and What to Know
- Beauty Routine Calendar: Plan Your Care Schedule
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Can I use retinol and wax in the same week?
Stop using retinol on the area for several days before waxing and for a few days after. Waxing over retinoid-treated skin can lift the top layer.
When should I exfoliate if I shave regularly?
Lightly before shaving, or on the days between shaves. Avoid scrubs and acids straight after shaving.
Do I need sunscreen after hair removal?
Yes, on exposed areas. Skin is more sensitive to the sun after hair removal and can burn or develop dark marks more easily.