Medication Contraindications for Hair Removal

It has come to our attention that COVID-19 vaccinations MAY (it will not happen to all) make your skin more sensitive to hair removal. It has been noticed up to 3 months post-injection. This has been reported in people who have been removing hair for years with no other changes in their medications or routines. Sensitives vary.

If you are currently using any of the following prescription medications, your skin may be sensitive when receiving a sugaring service. Discontinue use of these medications for a minimum of 7-days prior to sugaring.

  • Accutane (Acne medication)

  • Adapalene (Acne medication)

  • Alustra (Retin A)

  • Avage (Acne medication)

  • Avita (Retin A)

  • Azelex (Peeling agent)

  • Clindamycin

  • Differin (Acne medication)

  • Doxycycline

  • Erythromycin

  • Isotretinoin (like Accutane)

  • Madifloxicine

  • Metronidazole

  • Prednisone

  • Renova (Retin A)

  • Retin A (Acne and Anti-aging medication)

  • Tazarac (Acne medication)

  • Tazarotene (Tazorac)

  • Tetracycline

  • Tretinoin (Retin A)

Use Extreme Caution

The following products can make your skin more sensitive. Thin, sensitive skin is more vulnerable to lifting and sensitivity during sugaring. If you are using any of the following please contact us before scheduling.

  • Alpha Hydroxy Acids (Glycolic, Lactic)

  • Oral Antibiotics

  • Topical Antibiotics

  • Retinol

  • Salicylic Acids

  • Any acid-based products

  • Chemical exfoliants

  • Other acne medications not listed above

THESE PRECAUTIONS AND CONSIDERATIONS SHOULD ALWAYS BE FOLLOWED

  • You must wait a minimum of seven (7) days before sugaring after a light chemical peel or microdermabrasion

  • No sugaring if you have had a laser skin resurfacing within the past year

  • No sugaring if you have had a physician-administered peel within the past two (2) years

  • Women may experience extra sensitivity to sugaring up to a week prior to the beginning of their period

  • No sugaring on sunburned skin

  • No sugaring on irritated areas

THESE FACTORS ARE KNOWN TO MAKE SUGARING MORE PRONE TO “SKIN LIFTING”

  • Taking blood-thinning medications

  • Taking drugs for autoimmune disease

  • Medications for Lupus

  • Taking prednisone or steroids

  • Psoriasis, eczema, or other chronic skin diseases

  • Recent cosmetic or reconstructive surgery recent laser skin treatment

  • Severe varicose leg veins

  • Rosacea or very sensitive skin

  • History of cold sores or fever blisters (sugaring can cause a flare-up)

  • Using hydroquinone

  • Recent surgical peel, microdermabrasion, or chemical peel using glycolic, alpha hydroxy, or salicylic acid, or other acid-based products

WHEN TO BE CAUTIOUS

  • You’re pregnant, taking birth control, hormone replacement, or antibiotics. Your skin may be more sensitive to sugaring, best to have a patch test 24 hours before getting waxed.

  • Smokers or those with Rosacea. Sugaring can irritate dilated capillaries (weak or broken blood vessels) which are common with smokers or people with Rosacea. If the capillaries are very red, stay away from sugaring that area.

  • You take blood thinners, have diabetes, phlebitis, or want post-cancer hair growth in the side-burn area removed. These all relate to medical conditions so first get a doctor’s approval before sugaring. And bring in said approval on doctor’s letterhead.

  • The use of powerful exfoliators on your skin. Salicylic, alpha-hydroxy acid.

  • You use any product with white willow bark. White willow bark extract and enzymes all strip cells from the skin. It’s too much exfoliation combined with sugaring and could make the skin red, bleed or even lift and turn scabby. 

  • You recently consumed a lot of caffeine. This stimulant in your system can cause the skin to be extra sensitive to sugaring. Meaning you could get more red or inflamed than usual. 

  • Drinking alcohol the day of or the night before sugaring. Alcohol causes the blood to rise to the surface of the skin and can cause the skin to bruise easily.

  • Stop using the above products in the area getting waxed for at least three (3) days before, and three to four days after sugaring. If the alpha-hydroxy is over 8% then you should wait months before safely sugaring.

NEVER SUGAR WHEN

  • You currently take Accutane or have stopped taking it for less than a year.

  • You’re taking any prescription acne medication.

  • You have Lupus or Aids.

  • You’re in cancer therapy getting chemotherapy or radiation.

  • You have been in direct sunlight for a long period of time.

  • You have used a tanning bed within the last 24 hours.

  • Areas you’re using any alpha hydroxy acids over 8%.

  • Over or around body piercings.