Need A Wax? Here’s 4 Things You Should Know Before Your Next Appointment

Some of us remove unwanted hair every day, while some of us remove unwanted hair when we want to show a little more skin or clean up a little bit for an event. If you’re like me, you probably began removing unwanted hair at puberty using a razor and shaving cream, but chances are if this is you and most likely why you’re reading this post is you’re probably tired of wondering, “Did I remember to shave today?”

There are so many options for removing unwanted hair and it can be overwhelming when deciding which is best from you. If you’re like me, you probably started roaming the drug store aisles as a teenager looking for hair removal alternatives to shaving. Most likely, you realized you don’t have the strength to wax yourself and those other products just don’t work.

So, you keep on looking and stumble upon laser hair removal and waxing options. Though, we understand laser hair removal is not in everyone’s budget or will fit everyone’s lifestyle (however, it’s something we highly suggest looking into if your budget or lifestyle ever shifts to allow you to do so if you’re looking for longer lasting results), that’s where the second most cost-effective option comes in, known as waxing.

If you’ve never had a wax and are interested in incorporating it into your wellness routine or simply want to learn more, then stay with me here. I sat down with AgeLess SPA’s nail and skin manager to give you four things you should know before your first or next wax.

First, you have some homework to do
Yes, I said homework, but have no fear – it’s not calculus or anything (unless you’re into that then props to you). Prior to your wax appointment, hair growth on the area you want waxed should be about ¼- ½ “ long. You will typically see this length about two weeks after shaving, so plan accordingly and book a few weeks out in advance so the wax can catch the hair you want removed.

Additionally, it’s important to exfoliate a couple days prior to your appointment to help with ingrown hairs and decrease the amount of bacteria and dead skin cells in the desired wax area.

Lastly, it’s important to avoid retinoids and glycolic acids a week in advance because it thins the skin and makes the skin more prone to lifting (yes, we know, it may be hard to live without your IMAGE Skincare MD Retinol Cream for that long, but you can do it).

Second, your service provider will typically choose the right wax for you
I found this quite insightful as I never really knew the difference between hard and soft wax. Many service providers have a preference for the type of wax they use and with good reason. Our nail and skin manager prefers to use a lavender wax because lavender it’s soothing to the skin, making it a great option for sensitive skin and doesn’t leave a sticky residue. However, hard wax is great for sensitive skin and shorter coarse hair but doesn’t work well for fine hair (peach fuzz).

Third, let’s talk about the appointments after your initial appointment
You’re going to feel like a new person, maybe even like a beautiful naked mole rat (but in a good way), and feel liberated knowing you don’t have to worry about your unwanted hair growing back in an instant. However, it’s important to note results vary for each individual, but you will typically be ready for your next wax within four to six weeks. It all depends on the regrowth time and if you resisted the urge to use your razor during this time.

Fourth, you should know the maintenance that comes with waxing (aka more homework)
Think of this homework as an assignment you would get for summer break, like a book essay, prior to the new school year, but way easier and less stressful. After your wax, you will need to avoid sun exposure 24-48 hours, so plan accordingly if you’re heading to a sunny place. You will also need to wear sunscreen since freshly waxed skin is more likely to burn (but we know you’re already doing that anyway, right?).

Wax maintenance can easily fit into your schedule and self-care routine a couple times a week. You will need to exfoliate one to two times per week or use a topical product to prevent ingrown hairs (this varies on the individual, though), but it’s important to wait 24-48 hours to exfoliate as it will irritate your skin. If you don’t have a skincare routine already, it may be time to start making time for it. For example, my longer self-care routine involves more than just the daily cleansing and moisturizing. Every Sunday and Wednesday evening while I sip on some tea and unwind from the day, I do a more elaborate skin care routine, which involves exfoliating, use a masque, serums and retinol creams to maintain a nice glow.

It’s important to make the maintenance process fun and something you enjoy doing. Even though, its referred to as “homework” above, make this the homework you enjoy doing. Find an effective exfoliant you look forward to using because of the smell and the way it makes your skin feel. Also, find an effective moisturizer that makes your soul and skin happy when you use it, as this will need to be used after each exfoliation. If you’re interested in a more elaborate skin care routine like mine, one of our estheticians can consult you on what would work best for your skin and lifestyle. Remember, do what works for you and your skin.

When the time starts to roll around for your next wax, remember to complete the steps mentioned in the homework section above prior to any wax appointment.

Now, you’re ready for a wax!
There’s a good chance you didn’t realize you needed to do these things for a wax; I know I sure didn’t. I went years without knowing and dealing with ingrown hairs until I came to AgeLess SPA and was consulted by its educated team. However, this knowledge definitely made a difference in the way I take care of my skin, especially now that I am a regular when it comes to waxing.

 

Want to schedule a wax at AgeLess SPA? Click here to inquire about an appointment in Horseheads, NY and here to inquire about an appointment in Nichols, NY.

 

– Rebecca Howe, Marketing Specialist

O2 or Bust! Why This Fan Favorite Facial is For Everyone and How Much The Perfect Skincare Regimen Really Costs

As a teenager in the early 2000’s, my skincare regimen consisted mainly of PondsⓇ makeup remover wipes and using body lotion on my face. At that time, I had no clue that there was even such thing as a facial from a spa. Nearly 18+ years later, navigating through life from retail to corporate, I found myself working in the spa industry, and I’ve had the chance to learn the what’s and why’s to the perfect routine skincare regimen.

When I say a “routine skincare regimen,” I don’t mean washing my face at home, using an over the counter anti-aging cream and hoping for the best (and then trying cream after cream looking for results that you just can’t seem to achieve). I’m talking about making time and budgeting for a routine facial from a professional and engineered product suited for your skin. Trust me, I wasn’t convinced at first but the more I learned, the more I started to understand the difference it made on one’s skin, which is why I could never revisit my 2000’s skincare regimen.

There’s a good reason why the skincare industry is blowing up right now: people want to look their best. And with so many options to choose from, it can get overwhelming. But with a little research and consultation with a professional, you will find what works best for your skin. For me, it’s the Oxygenating (O2) Lift Facial by IMAGE Skincare at AgeLess SPA and a few at-home products that have transformed my skin.

I already know what you’re thinking, “This is supposed to be about a facial and she’s already trying to talk about buying products to use at home,” I can see your eyes rolling. But yes, an at-home product or two is required for your regimen to work. I mean, you don’t stop brushing your teeth at home because you just went to the dentist for a cleaning, right? Skincare works in the same way.

For me personally, I’ve always struggled with rosacea on my cheeks, oily skin in my t-zone (center of my face), light acne underneath my cheeks, and dryness around the outside of my face. But with the help of IMAGE Skincare, I stress less about my skin.

So what exactly is the O2 Lift Facial? See the deets below!

The O2 Lift Facial is suited for any skin type and is designed with a combination of oxygen, plant-derived stem cells, peptides, and concentrated enzymatic botanicals. All of which come together to increase the collagen in the deeper layers of your skin, gently exfoliate the dead skin cells, blast your pores with oxygenating hydration and soothe your skin back to life.

First comes the peel, which is going to soothe your skin, and help to gently remove the dead skin cells. It then works with the masque to increase the collagen production in the deeper layers of the skin.The oxygen and peptides in the masque do make it a slightly more “active” facial than the Signature Facial by IMAGE Skincare offered at AgeLess SPA, so don’t be alarmed by the warm, bubbling sensation that comes with the masque (think of it like champagne bubbles). The more warmth and bubbles you feel, the more it’s getting in there to get all of the junk out of your pores! I tend to feel this sensation the most around the apples of my cheeks where most of my congestion is.

I’m always a little pink on my cheeks after this treatment and for most of the day, but my skin is so clean, smooth, and dewy. I don’t suggest wearing makeup after this facial, as you will want your skin to breathe. And honestly, you will be glowing so much, you won’t even need it. On day two, my skin tone is so even and glowing with hydration and those little fine lines, look a little finer.

While the post-O2 Lift Facial glow is something I look forward to, remember my corky dentist analogy from above? As much as I would love to tell you this facial is the “cure all” to my skin type, it is not. So my esthetician recommended that I use an IMAGE Skincare moisturizer and cleanser.

The items she chose for my skin type were the IMAGE Skincare Vital C Intense Moisturizer, because of it’s potent kick of vitamin C to help with my rosacea, and it’s time-released hydration formula to give my skin hydration throughout the day and night. The IMAGE Skincare Ormedic Balancing Cleanser, because of gentle formula that soothes and balances skin with ingredients like aloe and organic green tea.

These products combined, along with O2 Lift Facial, help prevent breakouts, and help win the battle against my oily/dry skin. Trust me when I say, I understand that it can seem costly to maintain a regimen. So to help break down the idea, I get one of these facials twice a year, and I purchase these two products every six months or so (a little bit goes a long way!).

So how much does this perfect (and simple) skincare regimen really cost?

  • The O2 Lift Facial is $100.00 x 2 = $200.00 per year
  • The Vital C Intense Moisturizer is $62.00 x 2 = $124.00 per year
    • Using twice a day, that’s .17 cents per use for the year
  • The Ormedic Balancing Facial Cleanser is $29.00 = $58.00 per year
    • Using twice a day, that’s .08 cents per use for the year

That’s $382 a year for ALL of my skincare essentials. Think about all those products you go through so fast because they’re either not working or you simply just don’t like the product; it probably adds up to more than that. I’m so relieved that I know exactly what I need and don’t have to play guessing and hoping games at drugstores and beauty stores on what might work for my skin. With the O2 Lift Facial, cleanser, moisturizer, and a little help from a skincare professional, I’m able to put my best face forward because of the products and services that work for my skin and budget.

I can tell you right now, you don’t have to stop here, but sticking to the basics will definitely help your skin if your budget is tight. However, there is always the option to do seasonal facials or upgrade your facials to a Stem Cell Facial or HydraFacial, and incorporating other products into your regimens like serums and retinoids, but your esthetician will be able to guide you through all of the products suited for your skin type.

I hope this helps, dear friends! Wishing you and your skin happiness!

 

Ready to for an appointment? Inquire about one today! Click here for an appointment in Horseheads, NY, and here for an appointment at Tioga Downs Casino Resort.

– Amy Gessi