Your Skin + Your Brows: A Delicate Balance
Eyebrow waxing and threading are go-to grooming methods for defined, clean brows. But if you’re using active skincare ingredients like retinol, salicylic acid, or Accutane, timing your brow appointment becomes essential.
Whether you’re considering your first wax or are a long-time threading client, understanding how your skincare interacts with hair removal is key to avoiding irritation and achieving great results.
At The Brow Fixx, our licensed estheticians specialize in brow waxing and threading across Los Angeles, Santa Monica, and Austin—always tailoring your service with your skin’s health in mind.
Can You Wax While Using Retinol or Acne Treatments?
Short answer: It depends on the product. Retinol and waxing typically don’t mix well. These vitamin A derivatives speed up cell turnover, making your skin thinner and more prone to irritation or even lifting during waxing.
Here are the common ingredients to be cautious of before brow waxing:
- Retinol or tretinoin
- Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic or lactic acid
- Beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) such as salicylic acid
- Benzoyl peroxide
- Oral medications like Accutane (isotretinoin)
When using these, waxing can cause more than redness—it may lead to raw patches, peeling, or scabbing.
Safe Skincare Timeline Before Waxing
Here’s a quick breakdown to guide your pre-wax routine:
| Product | Pause Before Waxing |
|---|---|
| Retinol/Tretinoin | 5–7 days |
| AHAs/BHAs | 3–5 days |
| Benzoyl Peroxide | 2–3 days |
| Accutane | 6 months minimum (doctor’s advice) |
Not sure what’s safe? Let your esthetician know what you’re using during your appointment. We always do a skin check and consult with you at The Brow Fixx to ensure safe and effective results.
Why Clients on Skincare Choose Brow Threading
If you’re actively using strong skincare products, brow threading is often a safer choice than waxing. Threading uses only a cotton thread—no heat or adhesive—making it gentle on skin already sensitized by actives like retinol or exfoliants.
Threading is a great option for:
- Clients on acne medications
- Those with ultra-sensitive skin
- Anyone wanting ultra-precise shaping
Looking for brow threading in Los Angeles, Santa Monica, or Austin? We offer this service at all our locations. Learn more about our brow threading services here.
Waxing Aftercare for Sensitive Skin
After your brow wax or threading session, aftercare matters—especially if you’re prone to redness or irritation.
Aftercare Tips:
- Avoid touching the area for 12 hours
- No makeup or heavy skincare on the area for 24 hours
- Apply aloe vera or a lightweight, fragrance-free moisturizer
- Avoid steam, heat, and sun exposure for 48 hours
- Use SPF around the brow area
If you’re in sunny Santa Monica or Austin, sun protection is extra important post-waxing to prevent pigmentation.
Want more tips? Read our post on how to avoid bruising after a body wax for a complete guide to waxing prep and recovery.
Brow Waxing & Threading in Los Angeles, Santa Monica & Austin
At The Brow Fixx, we customize every appointment to match your skin’s current condition and your long-term beauty goals. Whether you’re visiting us for brow waxing or threading, we tailor your session with safe, thoughtful techniques.
Clients love our:
- Skilled estheticians trained in skincare + waxing safety
- Modern, clean salon environments
- Local availability in Brentwood (Los Angeles), Santa Monica, and Austin, TX
- Emphasis on skin health for long-term results
Explore our full list of services here: Brow & Lash Services at The Brow Fixx
Should You Avoid Waxing Altogether?
Not at all. Many clients successfully resume waxing after taking a break from active skincare. If waxing is your preferred method, you can still enjoy it with a few adjustments:
- Time your appointment after pausing actives
- Tell your esthetician about your skincare routine
- Follow proper aftercare
Still not sure what’s right for you? We’re happy to help. Stop by your nearest Brow Fixx location or book a consultation today.
Final Thoughts
Managing both great brows and glowing skin is possible—with the right strategy. Whether you’re using retinol, benzoyl peroxide, or just starting a new skincare routine, it’s important to work with brow professionals who understand how these products impact waxing and threading.
At The Brow Fixx, we’re proud to offer safe, gentle brow waxing and threading with your skin’s health as our top priority.
📍 Serving clients in Los Angeles, Santa Monica, and Austin.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this post is for educational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult with your dermatologist or healthcare provider before waxing while on prescription or over-the-counter skincare treatments. The Brow Fixx is not responsible for any adverse skin reactions. Please disclose all active skincare ingredients at your appointment.
