Why You Should Avoid Retinol and Accutane Before Your Brow Waxing or Lamination Appointment

Your brows play a crucial role in framing your face, and treatments like waxing and lamination can help you achieve that perfect, polished look. However, did you know that using certain skincare products, like retinol or Accutane, before your appointment can spell trouble? Whether you’re new to these products or already know their transformative powers, understanding their impact on your skin is key to achieving the best results from your brow services.

Here’s why you should steer clear of these products before your brow appointment:

1. Increased Skin Sensitivity

Both retinol and Accutane work by accelerating skin cell turnover. This process reveals fresh, new skin, making your complexion smoother and clearer. While that’s great for your overall skincare routine, it’s not ideal for treatments like waxing. These products thin your skin, making it more sensitive and prone to irritation. When wax is applied, it can pull away more than just unwanted hair, causing redness, inflammation, and even skin lifting.

2. Risk of Skin Lifting and Injury

When skin is compromised by retinol or Accutane, it loses its resilience. During a waxing appointment, these side affects increase the likelihood of the top layer of skin peeling off along with the wax. This can result in minor injuries, raw skin, or scabbing, which not only looks unpleasant but also disrupts your skincare and makeup routine while it heals.

3. Increased Irritation Post Treatment

Even after a lamination procedure, your brows and the surrounding skin can feel irritated or tender. Adding the effects of retinol or Accutane to this equation can amplify discomfort, prolonging recovery time and potentially leading to flaky, irritated skin.

4. Compromised Brow Lamination Results

If you’re getting a brow lamination, the chemical processing required for this treatment can interact negatively with skin treated by retinol or Accutane. Overly sensitive or thin skin may not hold up well to the lamination process, increasing the chances of irritation, uneven results, or even premature shedding of brow hairs.

How to Prepare Your Skin Instead

To get the best results from your brow waxing or lamination appointment:

1. Discontinue Retinol or Retinoids: Stop using retinol or any products with retinoids at least 7-10 days before your appointment. This allows your skin to rebuild its natural protective barrier.

2. Pause Accutane: If you are taking Accutane, you might need to delay waxing for a longer period. Seek guidance from your dermatologist. We suggest waiting 6 months but the longer you wait the safer you are.

3. Hydrate Your Skin: Moisturizing and keeping your skin hydrated helps maintain its strength and reduces irritation post treatment.

4. Be Transparent with Your Brow Artist: Let your brow artist know about your skincare routine and any products you’re using. They can adjust their approach to ensure your skin remains protected.

Prioritize Safety for Gorgeous Brows

Your brow artist’s goal is to help you look and feel amazing without compromising the integrity of your skin. By avoiding retinol, Accutane, and similar skin thinning agents before your appointment, you’re setting yourself up for the best possible outcome. Healthy skin equals beautiful results, so always play it safe and give your skin the time it needs to recover before waxing or lamination.

Prepared for your upcoming appointment?

Plan in advance, avoid using retinol for a week, and let your brows be the center of attention!