How to Remove Wax From the Face

You can have wax residue stuck to your skin for various reasons, including the use of depilatory wax or wax-based face paint or crayons. In addition, wax can transfer to your face when you blow out candles or from wax-coated fingertips after you handle wax such as beeswax or paraffin used in beauty or craft projects. No matter the type of wax, you must use heat, moisture and a product that breaks down or dissolves wax to remove it completely from your face.

Things You'll Need

• Water
• Soft cloths
• Olive oil
• Baby oil (optional)
• Cotton balls (optional)
• Face soap or cleanser
• Soft towel
• Aloe gel or facial oil
• Rubbing alcohol (optional)
• Professional wax removal lotion (optional)
• Eyelash brush

Instructions

1. Pour olive oil or baby oil on a dry, soft cloth or cotton ball, and set it aside.

2. Soak a cloth in hot water.

3. Lay the cloth on your face, covering the wax, and leave it in place for at least 5 minutes.

4. Remove the cloth, and gently rub at the wax with the cloth or cotton ball to remove the wax. If dealing with a lot of wax, repeat with additional oil on fresh cloths or cotton balls as needed.

5. Wash your face with a face soap or cleanse.

6. Rinse your face with a damp cloth, and pat it dry with a soft towel.

7. Apply aloe gel or facial oil to soothe and protect your skin. Squeeze the gel or oil into your hands first, rub them together and gently rub it onto your face.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have difficulty removing the wax with olive or baby oil, pour rubbing alcohol or a professional wax removal lotion onto a cloth or cotton ball, and gently rub at the wax until it comes off your skin.

• If you need to remove wax off your eyelashes, try to brush the wax off your lashes with an eyelash brush. If that doesn’t work, rub at the lashes gently with olive or baby oil. Brush again, and repeat (oil and brush) as needed until the wax slides from your lashes.

• Always use olive or baby oil to remove wax from lashes unless you’re using an "eye-safe" professional oil or wax removal product because professional products can cause burning, irritation or possibly damage if they enter the eye. If you get one of these products in your eyes, immediately flush with cool water for 5 to 10 minutes, and call the manufacturer immediately to determine if additional emergency care is required. Never use rubbing alcohol to remove wax on eyelashes.

References

• "Beauty: The New Basics;" Rona Berg; 2001
• Merriam-Webster, Incorporated: Waxing
• The Children's Hospital: Chemical in the Eyes