Face swollen after brow wax wtf?

[dontletthemugglesgetyoudownn]

Is this normal? I used to get them threaded but thought I'd try a wax instead. Good god I look horrendous! My brows look brilliant but I've got 2 really sore red patches underneath my brows and the whole under brow area is swollen. It feels like sunburn, it hurts now and I had it done at 3.

I've never been one for brow thingies as I've got really pale skin but I thought because im about to start nights in a new area with new people I'd make an effort. Fucking stupid idea because now im going to be the one with the red scabby underbrow area.

I've taken brufen and an antihistamine incase it's a reaction but is this normal?

Ive actually just taken a photo and I'm now really worried that the swelling might actually get worse. I've got no eyelid crease!

I looks like they’ve taken some layers of skin off when they’ve waxed

Clean the area and apply an antibacterial cream

You need to let them know, it's either a burn or a graze its probably a graze this can be caused by thin skin due to retinol etc therapist not pulling the skin tight enough, bad technique when pulling off the wax. Did they use strip wax or hotvwax if strop this is more likely to happen. All ofvthe reasons should have been discovered/covered in consultation.
Aloe vera gel is good and be aware that skin even when healed will be more likey to react to waxing and sun etc for evermore so ypu wint be able to be waxed.
Tbh we overwax brows in this country tweezing threading etc us much less likely to damage skin.

Sorry about the typos 😔

Last thing did the therapist test the wax on her own arm first? Did it feel hot? Thinking if its a burn.

Have you been using retinol? This can happen after that

It looks like it's burned, like the wax has been too hot. The swelling could be from the lotion they've used to soothe it, it stings and inflames mine too. I ask them not to use the lotion now and I've had no problems since.

It was hot wax, I've just had a look at my night cream I've been slapping on for weeks and it's got retinol in it, explains a lot!

I didn't even realise Charlotte Tilbury night cream has retinol in it!

That explains why my face has been so red for ages

Yeah that’s a burn... it’s normal for some people to swell up after waxing, but it’s the whole area going slightly red and puffy - not that, I have been burned like that once though.

A cold washcloth might help. It should reduce the redness and swelling a bit.

It could also be an allergic reaction to the wax. I once had my brows waxed - my whole forehead puffed up and I looked like Worf from Star Trek. It was all crinkly and itched like mad. Took about 3 days to calm down.

@TheHomeEdit ouch!!! That sounds sore!

I get the same. I have very pale sensitive skin. It usually is gone by the next day.

It's the retinol. Have to stop any retinol a good week or two before having waxing.

Get them threaded instead.

Are you using spf in the day? Essential when using retinol.

@RavingAnnie I do use spf but only because I'm so pale I can burn on a cloudy day so that's lucky!! I think I'll stop using this cream tbh. I'm actually really embarrassed! I know you're only meant to use a pea sized amount of retinol but I've been slapping that shit on every night because my face has been really dry . I didn't even know it had it in it!

Some creams and medical treatments shouldn't be used with waxing it kat not be their fault.
I have a slight scar from waxing when I used an acne treatment prior to waxing.

:(

[quote dontletthemugglesgetyoudownn]@RavingAnnie I do use spf but only because I'm so pale I can burn on a cloudy day so that's lucky!! I think I'll stop using this cream tbh. I'm actually really embarrassed! I know you're only meant to use a pea sized amount of retinol but I've been slapping that shit on every night because my face has been really dry . I didn't even know it had it in it! [/quote]
Oops! Retinol can cause dryness and flaking so that may have been contributing.

Hi @dontletthemugglesgetyoudownn ! I know it's been a bit since your post, but I seem to be experiencing your exact same symptoms and was hoping you could let me know how your story played out!~ SOOOOO appreciated if you see this and can reply. (Thank You <3)