When You Should Not Get Waxed
Your safety and skin health are always the priority at Sanctum Beauty Bar. Certain medications, skincare products, medical conditions, and skin treatments can make waxing unsafe or increase the risk of irritation, injury, or skin lifting (when the top layer of skin pulls away).
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Please review this page carefully before booking. If you’re unsure whether waxing is right for you, I recommend booking a Virtual Wax Consultation or reaching out before scheduling.

Do NOT get waxed if you are using or have recently used:
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Accutane (isotretinoin) — within the past 6–12 months
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Oral retinoids or acne medications
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Chemotherapy or radiation treatments
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Certain antibiotics that cause skin sensitivity
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Oral or topical steroids on the area being waxed (unless cleared by your doctor)
These medications affect how the skin heals and can make waxing unsafe on any part of the body.
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Medical Conditions to Be Aware Of
Some medical conditions can affect skin integrity, healing, or sensitivity. Waxing may still be possible, but extra care or medical clearance may be needed.
If you have any of the following, please consult with your healthcare provider before booking and consider scheduling a virtual consultation:
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Diabetes
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Autoimmune disorders
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Circulatory disorders
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Skin healing disorders
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Hormonal conditions that affect skin
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Conditions that cause fragile, slow-healing, or easily irritated skin
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Do NOT get waxed if you have:
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Open sores, cuts, or wounds
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Active rashes, eczema, psoriasis, or dermatitis
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Sunburn, windburn, or recently tanned skin
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Skin infections (fungal, bacterial, or viral)
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Cold sores, herpes outbreaks, or active lesions
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Broken, peeling, or severely irritated skin
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Severe inflammation or allergic reactions in the area
Waxing compromised skin can lead to injury, infection, scarring, or delayed healing.
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Avoid waxing if you recently had:
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Chemical peels
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Laser treatments
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Microneedling
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Dermaplaning
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Microdermabrasion
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Skin resurfacing treatments
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Intense exfoliation or exfoliating facials
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These treatments weaken the skin barrier and require healing time before waxing is safe.
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Skincare & Acne Treatments (Over-the-Counter and Prescription)
Many common topical skincare and acne treatments — both drugstore and prescription — can make skin more sensitive and unsafe for waxing when they are used on the area being waxed.
Please avoid waxing if you have used any of the following on the area being waxed within the past 7–10 days:
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Retinoids (Retin-A, Tretinoin, Adapalene, Differin, prescription acne creams)
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Salicylic acid
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Benzoyl peroxide
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Glycolic, lactic, or other exfoliating acids (AHA/BHA)
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Exfoliating pads, peels, or resurfacing treatments
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Physical exfoliation (scrubs, loofahs, exfoliating gloves, dry brushing, or rough washcloths)
These products and practices increase cell turnover and thin or disrupt the top layers of skin in that area, increasing the risk of lifting, burning, or irritation.
Topically applied active skincare ingredients like acids and retinoids only change the skin where they’re applied. Using them on your face affects facial waxing, while using them on the bikini area affects Brazilian waxing.
The only exception is oral medications or medical treatments, which affect the entire body.
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Pregnancy & Postpartum​
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Brazilian and body waxing is generally safe during pregnancy, but skin can become more sensitive due to hormonal changes.
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If you are:
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pregnant
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postpartum
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experiencing swelling, irritation, or skin changes
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Please book a virtual consultation or reach out before your first appointment so we can ensure the service is right for you.
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If You Are Unsure
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If you take medications, use active skincare products, or have any medical or skin conditions — even if they seem minor — please do not guess.
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You are always welcome to book a Virtual Wax Consultation so we can review your situation together before you schedule.
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Important Responsibility Notice
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By booking an appointment, you confirm that:
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You have reviewed this Waxing Safety page
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You understand when waxing is not safe
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You have disclosed any relevant medical conditions, medications, or skin concerns in advance
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If a service cannot be performed due to an undisclosed condition, the appointment may be subject to rescheduling or forfeiture according to studio policy.
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This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider with medical concerns.