How Long Should You Wait To Swim After A Bikini Wax?

For many people, getting a bikini wax during summer or before a vacation is as common as buying the bikini itself. However, getting a bikini wax isn't always the smooth sailing experience it may seem. Whether it's your first bikini wax or your 50th, the risks of getting a bikini wax stay the same each time. You shouldn't worry unnecessarily, but it's important to be aware of potential issues that could arise after you've been waved. This is even more important if you decide to do a bikini wax yourself, as it's easier for things to go wrong and you won't have access to professional help.

You may think the risky part is over when the waxing session is complete, but the truth is that there are a few things you shouldn't do afterwards. Among these things to avoid is swimming, which could cause a lot more damage to your skin than you may think. Here's all the info you need about why to avoid swimming after a bikini wax and what else you shouldn't do.

Speaking to Glamour, dermatologist Kally Papantoniou recommended that people "avoid public water like swimming pools for a few days" after a bikini wax. Although Papantoniou mentioned public swimming pools, the same rule applies to any large body of water. You may want to swim in that gorgeously blue lake on vacation, but think about how long it has been since your bikini wax before you do. It may seem annoying, but there's a reason you should resist the pool/beach on a hot day. 

Your skin is far more susceptible to infection after a bikini wax due to the hair being ripped out forcibly, therefore compromising your skin's barrier. You also run the risk of developing cellulitis, which is when the tissue beneath your skin becomes infected. Cellulitis often remains undetected until it is severe, as it prevents symptoms like shivering, a high temperature, and nausea, all of which can be mistaken for cold and flu symptoms instead.

There's no hard or fast rule about just how long you should wait, but 48 hours is generally a good amount of time to let your skin settle down.

Swimming isn't the only thing you should avoid after a bikini wax, either. Being in the sun can also cause issues for your skin. You may be aware that you should never wear a sunscreen below SPF 30, but after a bikini wax you should stay out of the sun full stop for at least two days to prevent your delicate skin from burning more easily. 

For some, getting a spray tan is a natural part of prepping for a vacation. However, this is another thing you should avoid post bikini wax, as — you guessed it — your skin will be too sensitive and become more irritated. Plus, as esthetician Marta Grochowska told Glamour, the tan won't evenly distribute across your skin, causing it to "look uneven between waxed and unwaxed areas."

It's fine to do all of the above, but it's best to plan your appointments with space between them to prevent potential problems. By following the above tips, you'll cause yourself less damage and allow your sensitive skin to heal naturally after your wax.