Waxing is a method of hair removal that has been around for centuries. Although there are a number of different methods of hair removal available today, waxing is still one of the most popular.
It’s a fast, effective way to get rid of unwanted hair, whether on the legs, arms, back, or face. But if you’re planning to have a waxing session, you need to be careful about what you do the night before. Specifically, you need to be aware of the dangers of drinking alcohol.
What Happens to Your Skin When You Drink Alcohol?
When you drink alcohol, it has a number of effects on your body, including your skin. One of the biggest ways alcohol affects your skin is by dehydrating it. Alcohol is a diuretic, which means that it causes you to urinate more frequently.
This, in turn, causes your body to lose water. The result is that your skin can become dry, flaky, and even itchy.
Another way that alcohol affects your skin is by increasing inflammation. Inflammation is your body’s response to injury, infection, or irritation. It’s a natural process that helps your body heal.
But when inflammation is prolonged or excessive, it can damage your skin. This is what happens when you drink alcohol. Alcohol triggers the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which can lead to increased inflammation in your skin. This can cause redness, puffiness, and even acne.
Why You Shouldn’t Drink Alcohol Before Waxing
Given the effects that alcohol can have on your skin, it’s easy to see why it’s not a good idea to drink it the night before waxing. When you wax, you’re essentially pulling hair out by the roots.
This can be traumatic for your skin, especially if it’s already dehydrated or inflamed. When you add alcohol to the mix, you’re simply asking for trouble. Here are some of the reasons why you should avoid drinking alcohol before waxing:.
Alcohol Can Increase Sensitivity
When you drink alcohol, it can increase your skin’s sensitivity. This can make waxing more painful than it already is. When your skin is more sensitive, you’re more likely to feel each hair being pulled out.
This can be uncomfortable at best and painful at worst.
Alcohol Can Cause Skin Damage
As we’ve already mentioned, alcohol can damage your skin. When you wax, you’re essentially removing the top layer of dead skin cells. This can leave your skin vulnerable to damage.
If you’ve been drinking alcohol, your skin is more likely to be dehydrated and inflamed. This means that it’s more likely to be damaged during the waxing process.
Alcohol Can Increase the Risk of Infection
Finally, drinking alcohol before waxing can increase the risk of infection. When you wax, you’re essentially creating tiny openings in your skin. This leaves your skin vulnerable to bacteria and other pathogens.
If you’ve been drinking alcohol, your immune system may be compromised. This means that you’re more susceptible to infection.
What You Should Do Instead
If you’re planning to have a waxing session, it’s best to avoid alcohol the night before. Instead, make sure you’re well-hydrated. Drink plenty of water to help keep your skin hydrated.
You should also avoid taking hot showers or baths, as this can dry out your skin. Instead, take a cool shower or bath. This will help soothe your skin and reduce inflammation.
It’s also a good idea to exfoliate your skin a few days before your waxing appointment. This will help remove any dead skin cells and reduce the risk of skin damage during the waxing process.
Just make sure you’re not exfoliating the day of your appointment, as this can make your skin more sensitive.
Conclusion
Waxing is a great way to get rid of unwanted hair, but it’s important to be careful about what you do the night before. Drinking alcohol can dehydrate your skin, increase inflammation, and increase the risk of skin damage and infection.
If you’re planning to have a waxing session, it’s best to avoid alcohol the night before. Instead, make sure you’re well-hydrated and take steps to soothe and protect your skin.