Why Vitamin A and Waxing Are a Match Made in... Well, Not Heaven!

We all love a good skincare routine, but if retinol (Vitamin A) is part of yours, your brows deserve a little extra care before your next waxing appointment! With more and more people adding retinol to their routine, it’s important to let your brow artist know if you’re one of them. Why? Retinol and waxing go together like oil and water—they just don’t mix! Here's what you need to know before your next brow appointment.

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Retinol 101: What's Your Vitamin A Status?

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Before we wax those brows, we need to know what type of retinol you’re using. Why? Because while retinol works wonders for anti-aging, it also makes your skin a bit more sensitive. Let’s take a look at the different levels:

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• Over-the-Counter Retinol: If you're using low-strength retinol (like retinyl palmitate or retinyl acetate), you can wax after a 7-day break. For slightly higher strengths (0.25%, 0.3%, or 0.5%), a patch test is recommended. At 1% strength, it's best to avoid waxing.

• Prescription Retinol: Using tretinoin or retinoic acid? It's advisable to stop using these products before waxing, as they can increase skin sensitivity.

• Accutane/Isotretinoin: If you're on Accutane, it's recommended to wait 6-12 months after finishing the medication before waxing, due to increased skin fragility.

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Why Waxing and Retinol Don't Mix

Retinol can thin the top layer of your skin, making it more delicate. When waxing, this delicate skin can be more prone to irritation or lifting, leading to discomfort and redness.

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What to Do If You're a Retinol User

No worries! Just let your brow artist know about your retinol use. They can opt for gentler methods like tweezing to shape your brows without causing irritation.

Your brows (and skin!) will be safe and fabulous.

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