Are you afraid of waxing because it hurts so much? That's what makes people try sugar waxing (also known as sugaring), a viral beauty trend. Before you rush to find a painless alternative to regular waxing, wait a minute. The DIY sugar wax trend can cause something much worse than a temporary pain attack, including severe burns and scarring.
A US teenager ended up peeling the skin off his hand while trying out a DIY sugar waxing method he discovered on TikTok. She was diagnosed with severe second-degree burns that took more than four weeks to heal.
Does it look scary? In a way, it certainly is. Dermatologists as well as salon experts warn against this DIY waxing method.
What is sugar wax
Sugaring or sugar waxing is an old hair removal method that has been rediscovered by social media. Make a thick wax by boiling sugar, water, and lemon juice. Pour the paste into jars and chill in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours. The wax is then slightly warmed, applied to the skin and peeled off to remove the hair.
TikTok and Instagram are buzzing with videos of creators creating this “magic wax” that removes hair without causing too much pain. Pain tolerance varies from person to person, but some people find sugar wax less painful because it only adheres to the hair and not the top layer of skin like traditional waxes.
Candied food is getting a lot of attention because it's more natural (thanks to the ingredients used) and easier on the wallet. But that's not the only thing that catches your eye here. In this case, it's a potential, rather significant, risk. Severe burns and scars are at the top of the list.
Vani, 23, a Delhi-based illustrator, admitted that she has tried sugar wax. “It wasn't painful, but the whole method was very elaborate. Plus, I felt it was very laborious to get the consistency right. I changed the measurements a little bit. It ruined the wax and it became too hard to use,” she told India Today.
Bani, who is a cooking enthusiast and often makes sugar syrup for sweets, says that extreme care must be taken not only when making wax but also when applying it to the skin, as it can cause blisters. Told. After trying her sugar wax twice, she stopped using it for hair removal.
The preparation process can go horribly wrong, as the sugar can pop and stick to the skin. This can especially occur after the wax is cooled in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours and reheated for use. This is exactly what happened in the case of the American teenager mentioned above.
Regular waxing and DIY sugar waxing
Komal Borude, director of Apple Salon (Pune and Mumbai), explains that the main difference between sugar wax and regular wax is the ingredients.
While waxes commonly used in salons contain synthetic resins, natural vegetable oils, and beeswax, sugar wax is a natural material made from sugar, water, and lemon.
“For salon waxing, strips are used for hair removal. However, several brands are now developing stripless waxes (such as Peel Ofrica Wax) for different skin types,” she added. .
Komal explains that sugar wax requires more time and effort to prepare and may not be effective on coarse hair or large areas. “If you want to try DIY sugar wax, you need to learn proper application techniques,” he suggests.
However, salon directors say that both types of wax can cause burns.
“This risk is commonly associated with overheating or applying the wrong technique. It is therefore important to follow proper technique and precautions to minimize the risk of burns. ”
The DIY sugar wax trend requires you to do everything yourself, from preparation to application, which increases the chances of hurting yourself.
Dermatologists express concern
Dermatologists do not approve of DIY sugar waxing as a preferred hair removal method.
“This is a do-it-yourself approach and if not done carefully it can cause severe burns and ultimately lead to hyperpigmentation and scarring,” says Chingita, Consultant Dermatologist at Manipal Hospital, Goa. Dr. T. Davis says:
“If your skin is dry and sensitive, the effects can be even more severe,” she added.
Dr. Niti Gaur, a dermatologist in Gurugram and founder of Citrine Clinic, says, “People with eczema, sensitive skin, sunburned skin, or those who apply topical agents such as retinoids to the affected area are especially at risk. “I'll do it,” he says.
Dr Simal Soin, Founder and Chief Dermatologist and Chief Medical Officer, Clinically, Gurugram, Aayna Clinics, reveals that she has come across several patients who come to her with sugar wax burns. .
“Do-it-yourself sugar waxing is a big no-no. Apart from the risk of burns, this method doesn't even focus on the roots of the hair follicles, which can lead to ingrown hairs,” she says. Masu.
The dermatologist adds that this wax contains lemon, which increases the chance of your skin burning after being out in the sun.
Delhi-based dermatologist Dr. Deepali Bhardwaj calls DIY sugar waxing “the worst way to wax.”
“DIY methods that seem cost-effective at first glance can lead to multiple dermatology visits to treat burns and scars, burning a hole in your pocket (Rs 10,000 to Rs 50,000) Pigmentation and allergies are also problems caused by DIY sugar wax,” she added.
Not only DIY sugar wax, dermatologists do not even recommend regular wax for hair removal.
“Waxing causes repetitive trauma to the skin. So many women who have had waxing end up with little brown dots (ingrown hairs) all over their bodies, and it's all because they pulled out the hair follicles. It is the result of repeated trauma due to the Apollo Hospital.
Dr. Davis also says that she doesn't completely recommend waxing because of the problems associated with waxing, such as burns, ingrown hairs, and pigmentation.
Is laser hair removal the best option?
According to dermatologists, the answer is yes.
“Although it may require maintenance once a year or so, laser hair removal is much better and gives better results,” says Dr. Nooreyezdan.
“Laser hair removal in the right place and under the proper medical supervision is the best method for hair removal,” says Dr. Soin.
If you still want to continue waxing, be sure to hire a professional.