Why Does Waxing Hurt More On Your Period? We Reveal All

When it comes to waxing, timing is everything. It’s a well-known fact among the beauty aficionados that waxing can feel like a walk in the park on some days, while on others it might seem like a trek on a prickly path.

One crucial factor that plays a big role in this varying perception of pain is your menstrual cycle. Ever wondered why waxing hurts more on your period? Dive into the physiology behind it and uncover how your cycle and waxing pain are intertwined.

Hormonal Highs and Lows

Let’s explore how hormonal highs and lows during your menstrual cycle influence your body’s pain response and intensify waxing discomfort.

Hormone Levels Fluctuation: Your menstrual cycle is a rollercoaster of hormone levels. As you approach your period, the levels of estrogen and progesterone take a dip. This hormonal dip tends to lower your pain threshold making you more sensitive to pain, including the discomfort experienced during waxing.

Prostaglandins: Right before and during your period, your body releases chemicals called prostaglandins. These little mischief-makers are known for causing menstrual cramps and also heighten the body’s sensitivity to pain, making that wax strip feel like a bolt of lightning on your skin.

Endorphins: Your body’s natural painkillers, endorphins, also see a decline during this time. Lower levels of endorphins mean less natural pain relief during those waxing sessions.

Skin Sensitivity Spike

Let’s examine how menstrual cycle influences skin sensitivity and waxing discomfort. Here’s what’s happening under your skin.

Skin Sensitisation: As your period looms, your skin becomes more sensitive. The hormonal dance happening inside also affects your skin’s threshold to react to external stimuli, making it more prone to redness, irritation, and pain during waxing.

Increased Blood Flow: There’s an uptick in blood flow to the skin during your menstrual cycle, especially in the pelvic area. This increased blood flow can make the skin more sensitive and waxing more painful.

Skin Inflammation: Some may experience a mild inflammatory response as part of the premenstrual syndrome (PMS), which can make the skin more sensitive and reactive to waxing.

Tackling the Timing

Managing waxing during your menstrual cycle can be strategic. Here’s how to tackle the timing of your waxing sessions.

Waxing Window: Experts often recommend scheduling your waxing appointments in the first half of your menstrual cycle, right after your period ends, when hormone levels are more stable, and pain tolerance is higher.

Pain Reducing Remedies: Considering over-the-counter pain relievers or topical numbing creams before your waxing appointment can be a game-changer. It’s about outsmarting the menstrual cycle’s influence on waxing pain.

Stress Reduction: Stress can heighten the perception of pain. Engage in relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation before heading to the salon to put pain in the backseat.

Conclusion

Understanding the waxing-period nexus can help in scheduling your waxing appointments wisely. So, mark your calendars and choose a time when the ride on the hormonal rollercoaster is smooth, making your waxing experience a breeze rather than a sting..

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions that give further insight into the relationship between waxing and menstrual cycles.

Why does waxing hurt more during my period?

Waxing tends to hurt more during your period due to the fluctuation of hormone levels. Lower levels of estrogen and progesterone around your period may reduce your pain threshold, making waxing feel more painful.

Is it bad to wax during your period?

Waxing during your period is not harmful, but it may be more uncomfortable due to increased sensitivity and lower pain tolerance. It’s advisable to schedule waxing sessions right after your period for a more comfortable experience.

What is the best time of the month to wax?

The best time to wax is during the first two weeks after your period ends, when hormone levels are relatively stable, and your pain threshold is higher.

How can I reduce pain while waxing during my period?

To reduce pain, consider taking an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen about 30 to 45 minutes before your waxing appointment. Additionally, using a topical numbing cream can also help alleviate the discomfort.

Does waxing get less painful over time?

Yes, regular waxing can lead to finer, softer hair regrowth, making subsequent waxing sessions less painful.

Can stress affect my pain tolerance while waxing?

Absolutely, stress can lower your pain tolerance, making waxing feel more painful. Engaging in relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation before waxing can help manage stress and reduce the perception of pain.

Why is my skin more sensitive when I’m on my period?

The hormonal fluctuations during your menstrual cycle can make your skin more sensitive, especially around your period. This increased sensitivity can cause more discomfort while waxing.

Can I do anything to decrease skin sensitivity before waxing?

Keeping your skin moisturised and exfoliating gently before waxing can help decrease skin sensitivity. Avoiding caffeine and alcohol, which can dehydrate your skin, might also be beneficial.

Are there any alternatives to waxing during my period?

Yes, if waxing is too uncomfortable during your period, you might consider alternative hair removal methods like shaving, depilatory creams, or laser hair removal.

Will waxing affect my menstrual flow?

Waxing does not have an impact on menstrual flow. However, it’s advisable to use a tampon or menstrual cup during your waxing appointment for hygiene purposes.

How can I prepare my skin for waxing?

Prepping your skin by gently exfoliating and moisturising in the days leading up to your waxing appointment can help create a smoother canvas for waxing and potentially reduce discomfort.