Waxing Hot Topics: Natural Deodorant

The Exfoliating Effects of Natural Deodorants

As licensed estheticians, it’s vital to ensure that our clients have a safe and comfortable experience during waxing sessions. One often-overlooked aspect is the exfoliating effects of natural deodorants and their implications for waxing.

Natural deodorants have gained immense popularity in recent years, largely due to the perception that they are safer and healthier alternatives to traditional deodorants. Many consumers are drawn to products that boast a “natural” label, often believing that the absence of aluminum and other metals guarantees skin safety. However, this isn’t always the case when it comes to waxing. As licensed estheticians, it’s essential to educate our clients about the potential irritants in these products, especially when it comes to waxing sensitive areas like the bikini line, underarms or between the cheeks.

Why Natural Doesn’t Always Mean Gentle

1. Active Ingredients: While many natural deodorants eliminate aluminum, they often contain other active ingredients, such as sodium bicarbonate, lactic acid or salicylic acid. Although these components can effectively neutralize odor, they can also irritate the skin. Sodium bicarbonate or baking soda, for instance, is alkaline and can disrupt the skin’s natural pH, leading to dryness or irritation, especially in sensitive areas.

Two common active ingredients are:

Lactic Acid: This alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) exfoliates the skin by dissolving dead skin cells, promoting cell turnover. While this can lead to smoother skin, it can also increase sensitivity. If a client has used a product containing lactic acid shortly before waxing, they may be more prone to irritation and histamine reactions.

Sodium Bicarbonate: While sodium bicarbonate is commonly used to neutralize odors, it can also have a mild exfoliating effect. Its alkaline nature may disrupt the skin’s natural pH balance, leading to sensitivity. If used frequently, it can compromise the skin barrier, making waxing more likely to cause discomfort.

2. Exfoliating Properties: Ingredients like lactic acid serve as exfoliants, promoting cell turnover and helping to keep the skin smooth. However, this can thin the skin’s outer barrier, making it more susceptible to irritation from waxing. When hair is removed, the already compromised skin barrier may react more violently, potentially leading to redness, bumps, a histamine response or lifted skin.
3. Essential Oils: Many natural deodorants include essential oils for additional antibacterial properties. While these are often marketed as safe, they can be potent irritants for some individuals when it comes to waxing, particularly when applied to sensitive areas like the underarms, bikini line, and other parts of the body.

The Growing Trend of Applying Deodorant to Multiple Areas

As consumers seek to maintain freshness throughout the day, the application of natural deodorant has expanded beyond underarms to include areas like the bikini line and even the rear end. This shift raises several concerns:

1. Increased Skin Sensitivity: Areas like the bikini line and between the cheeks have more delicate skin than the underarms. Applying deodorant with exfoliating ingredients or strong fragrances can lead to irritation, increasing the likelihood of discomfort during waxing.
2. Layering Products: Clients may not realize that using multiple skincare products in these sensitive areas, including moisturizers, scrubs, and deodorants, can compound irritation. This layering effect can create an environment ripe for reactions during waxing.
3. Varying pH Levels: The skin’s pH is crucial for its overall health. Using alkaline products, such as those containing baking soda, can disrupt the natural balance, leading to increased sensitivity and irritation. This is particularly problematic in areas prone to friction or moisture.

Best Practices for Estheticians

To ensure the best outcomes for clients using natural deodorants, consider implementing the following practices:

1. Client Education: Inform clients about the ingredients in their natural deodorants and how they might affect their skin, especially in areas where waxing is planned. Encourage them to read labels and understand the implications of using products with exfoliating or irritating components.
2. Timing of Application: Advise clients to refrain from applying natural deodorants to sensitive areas at least 48 hours before a waxing appointment. This waiting period allows the skin to recover and reduces the risk of irritation during waxing.
3. Consultation on Sensitive Areas: Always ask clients about their deodorant use during consultations, particularly for areas like the bikini line or rear end. If they disclose the use of exfoliating products, consider adjusting your waxing techniques or recommending a longer waiting period.
4. Post-Wax Aftercare: Provide guidance on post-wax care. Recommend gentle, soothing products that can help calm the skin after waxing and avoid any further use of potentially irritating deodorants until the skin has fully healed.

While natural deodorants are often perceived as a safer alternative, it’s crucial to recognize that they can still contain irritating ingredients that may compromise the skin’s barrier, especially in sensitive areas. By educating clients and implementing best practices, licensed estheticians can help minimize the risk of adverse reactions during waxing, ensuring a more comfortable experience for everyone involved. By fostering open communication and prioritizing skin health, we can enhance our clients’ overall waxing experience and promote their long-term skincare well-being.

To learn more about this topic, listen to the podcast Wax Talk by Perron Rigot Hot Topics 2 with special guest Jamie Plaia.