Best Skin Prep Routine Before a Wax in Utah’s Dry Climate

Written By Connie Sine

Utah’s dry, high-altitude climate is amazing for clear skies—but not so amazing for your skin before a wax. Low humidity makes your skin more prone to dehydration, flakiness, and sensitivity, which can make waxing feel more painful and increase your chances of irritation or lifting. Prepping correctly doesn’t just make your wax smoother—it helps you get better results, less pain, and slower regrowth.

Here’s the best skin prep routine to follow before any wax in Utah’s dry climate:

1. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate (Inside + Out)

Waxing pulls hair from the root, and hydrated skin lets the hair slide out more easily. In dry climates like Utah, your skin drinks up moisture faster, so extra hydration makes a big difference.

Do this:

  • Drink plenty of water the day before your appointment.

  • Use a simple, fragrance-free moisturizer daily, especially after showers.

  • Avoid heavy, oily products on the day of your wax.

Why it matters: Dehydrated skin clings to hair, which can make waxing hurt more and increase irritation.

2. Exfoliate 24–48 Hours Before (NOT the Same Day)

A gentle exfoliation removes dead, dry skin so the wax can grip the hair—not the dry skin on top.

Do this:

  • Use a gentle exfoliating cloth, sugar scrub, or chemical exfoliant (AHA/BHA).

  • Keep it light—no harsh scrubbing.

  • Do it 24–48 hours before your wax.

Avoid:

  • Exfoliating the day of your appointment

  • Retinols, acids, or scrubs within 24 hours of waxing

Why it matters: Exfoliating too close to your wax can make your skin overly sensitive and increase the risk of lifting—especially in Utah’s dry climate where the skin barrier is already compromised.


3. Keep the Area Clean (But Don’t Over-Cleanse)

You want the skin clean—but not stripped.

Do this:

  • Shower before your appointment.

  • Use a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser.

Avoid:

  • Hot showers right before your wax (they make skin more sensitive)

  • Harsh cleansers, toners, or body washes with fragrance

Why it matters: Clean skin helps wax adhere properly, but over-cleansing removes protective oils your skin needs.

4. Skip Lotions, Oils, and Deodorants the Day Of

Your wax will not grab hair as effectively if the surface is coated in product.

Do this instead:

  • Moisturize well the night before

  • Come to your appointment clean and dry

Why it matters: Product buildup can cause the wax to slip, leading to breakage instead of full removal.

5. Take a Pain Reliever If You’re Sensitive

Especially for first-timers or if you’re waxing during a drier skin period.

Take:

  • 1 ibuprofen or Tylenol 30 minutes before your service

Why it matters: It helps reduce inflammation and makes the experience more comfortable.

6. Avoid Sun, Tanning Beds, and Saunas Before Your Wax

Dry climates already make skin more reactive. Add heat or UV exposure, and the risk of irritation goes way up.

Avoid for 24–48 hours before your appointment:

  • Sun exposure

  • Self-tanner

  • Saunas or hot tubs

  • Sweaty workouts right before your appointment

7. Wear Loose Clothing to Your Appointment

Tight clothes trap sweat and rub against freshly waxed skin, which can cause irritation and ingrowns.

Best choice:

  • Breathable cotton

  • Loose shorts, joggers, dresses

8. Communicate Any Skin Sensitivities

If you’re dry, flaky, peeling, or extra sensitive, let your waxer know. In Utah’s climate, this is super common and easy to accommodate.

Final Thoughts

Prepping your skin well is the secret to a smoother, easier, and less painful wax—especially in Utah, where dry air works against your skin barrier. With the right routine, you’ll experience:

Less pain

Fewer ingrown hairs

Longer-lasting results

Smoother skin overall

Following these steps gives you the best possible wax—every time.

Connie Sine