Waxing the bikini line is a popular cosmetic procedure. With summer fast approaching, many people wish to have a smooth and hair-free bikini area to flaunt.
Waxing is a great option, as it leaves your skin smoother and softer than shaving, and the results can last for up to 4-6 weeks.
One question that many individuals ask before or after waxing their bikini line is when it would be safe to have sex.
Like most hair removal methods, waxing comes with specific guidelines that should be followed for optimum results and to prevent any complications. This article will provide insight into the safety of sex after bikini waxing.
What is Bikini Waxing?
Bikini waxing is a technique of hair removal that involves the deliberate application of hot wax, allowing it to harden before removing the wax strip, along with the hair from the skin.
The process can be done at home or by a professional esthetician in a salon. The type of bikini wax depends on how much hair removal is desired.
When is it Safe to Have Sex After Bikini Waxing?
The general rule of thumb is that you should wait at least 24-48 hours after waxing to have sex. This waiting period helps to prevent any skin irritation, inflammation, or infection that could be caused by the wax removal process.
During this period, the skin is extra-sensitive because the top layer of skin cells has been removed along with the hair.
Having sex immediately after waxing the bikini area can cause skin irritation and even lead to folliculitis, which is an infection of the hair follicles. This infection can cause red bumps, itching, and even pus-filled blisters.
It’s essential to exercise precaution and give your bikini area enough time to heal before engaging in sexual activity.
How to Prepare for Waxing to Have Safe Sex
You can take certain precautions to ensure that you can have safe sex after bikini waxing. Here are some best practices to follow:.
- Plan Ahead: Knowing when you plan to have sexual activity will allow you to schedule a waxing session at an appropriate time that allows for the requisite 24-48 hours of recovery time.
- Clean the area: Make sure you clean your bikini area before and after waxing. Use a gentle cleanser that does not contain alcohol or sulfates. Cleaning the area after waxing helps to prevent any infection.
- Avoid tight clothing: Wearing tight clothing after waxing can cause skin irritation due to friction between the skin and the material. Ensure you wear loose-fitting clothing that allows the bikini area to breathe.
- Avoid salicylic acid and retinoids: Products containing these ingredients can cause skin sensitivity and redness, which can irritate the treated area.
What are the Risks of Having Sex Too Soon After Waxing?
The bikini area is an extremely sensitive part of the body, and having sex immediately after waxing can expose the skin to several risks. Here are some of the potential risks:.
- Friction burns: During sex, there is often skin to skin contact, which can cause friction burns on the freshly waxed, sensitive skin.
- Infection: Engaging in sexual activity too soon after waxing can introduce bacteria and germs to the open hair follicles. This can lead to an infection known as folliculitis, which leads to red and itchy bumps on the skin.
- Skin irritation and inflammation: The chemicals used in waxing can cause skin inflammation, redness, and itchiness. Genital sex can further irritate the sensitive skin in the area.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, getting a bikini line waxing done is a standard routine for many people, but it is essential to be mindful of the potential complications that can come with it.
Waiting at least 24-48 hours post-waxing before having sex ensures that your skin has adequate time to heal properly, and any potential risk of infection is avoided. If you notice any redness, itching, or bumps after waxing, seek medical attention from a dermatologist to treat the symptoms and prevent any further damage.