Do I need to pause retinol before facial waxing?

Why does retinol matter?

Retinol makes the skin barrier more delicate and vulnerable. Waxing that skin can cause abrasions, infection and scarring, not just the brief redness you might expect from hair removal. Waxing removes hair from the root, which is rather more commitment than a razor makes. It also removes some surface skin cells, so the condition of the skin matters as much as the unwanted hair.2

What if I use a prescription retinoid?

Retinol belongs to the retinoid family of vitamin A products. Prescription creams such as tretinoin need a separate plan: suggested pauses before waxing range from two to five days to three to four weeks. Confirm the interval with your prescriber before booking rather than assuming the shorter retinol pause applies to your medication. Tell the person doing your wax exactly which product you use.1234

Oral retinoids are a different situation. Do not wax while taking isotretinoin or acitretin. After treatment, the waiting period is at least six months and can extend to a year; get clearance from your prescriber. Waxing during these treatments can tear skin and cause scarring. A short break from tablets is not the same as pausing a retinol cream.4

How to prepare for facial waxing

1. 1Arrange your retinol pause before the appointment. If you use a prescription retinoid, settle the timing with your prescriber first.
2. 2Check the skin before proceeding. Do not wax irritated, broken, sunburned or very sensitive skin, even if you have completed the pause. Skip areas with inflamed acne.
3. 3Tell your aesthetician about your retinol or retinoid use. If you are new to waxing, start with a trained professional or have an experienced person teach you.
4. 4For home waxing, gently wash the area and dry it thoroughly. Follow the wax package directions and test a small amount on the inside of your wrist before applying it to your face.

What should I do afterward?

Some redness and sensitivity can last a few hours. Use cold packs for discomfort, avoid hot baths and showers, and apply a moisturizer labeled noncomedogenic, meaning it will not clog pores. Avoid touching the treated area, swimming pools, hot tubs and sun exposure; leave makeup off for a few days if possible. See a dermatologist if redness or swelling lasts more than two days.145

Do not treat the end of your waxing appointment as an automatic cue to restart retinol. General retinoid guidance is to avoid use on skin with substantial redness or inflammation. Agree on restart timing with your prescriber if you use a prescription product. When using retinoids, apply them at night and use daytime sun protection. Retinoids should not be used during pregnancy.3

Is threading or shaving an easier alternative?

Threading uses cotton thread to pull out facial hair and can be less irritating than waxing. Threading is more precise than waxing, useful when the assignment is an eyebrow rather than a broad clearing operation. It still calls for a pause from retinol and retinoid products five to seven days beforehand. Choose an experienced, licensed practitioner who uses clean thread. Redness, irritation, swelling and a small infection risk remain.5

Shaving cuts hair at the surface instead of pulling it out by the root. Electric razors are sometimes a gentler option, but shaving can still cause irritation, razor burn and cuts. Take extra care with facial hair and avoid irritated or sunburned areas.2