Woman Learns the Hard Way Why You Should Never Mix Brow Waxing and Retinol

One woman has shared a cautionary tale after she was left with painful side effects when she combined two common beauty treatments.

Four days ago, Nina Flores took to TikTok to share her experience under the handle @ninaflores_. In her video, which has since amassed over 738,000 views, she issued a public service announcement: "Don't use retinol if you get your eyebrows waxed and laminated," adding in the caption, "you heard it here first."

In the 29-second clip, Flores showed her eyebrows were bright red and the skin broken after the wax had pulled away the newly generated layer from retinol application.

"I went to have my eyebrows waxed, tinted, and laminated at a local salon," Flores told Newsweek. "I was using a 1 percent retinol serum about every other day for about a month before my appointment."

Joyce Connor is a professional makeup artist and skin therapist from Berkshire, U.K. She told Newsweek: "Retinol and waxing are contraindicated. Waxing your eyebrows can cause severe skin damage and scarring. It can also take a long time to heal. Waxing should be avoided while using retinol products."

Retinoids, commonly found in products like retinol, are known for their exfoliating properties, which can leave the skin more sensitive and prone to damage. When combined with waxing, the process can result in painful consequences, including damage, infection, hyperpigmentation, and scarring.

Flores' experience unfortunately isn't uncommon, especially as more people incorporate retinol products into their skincare routines. Considered a modern anti-aging essential, retinol has been proven to help reduce fine lines, minimize large pores and help control acne.

Recently, there has been concern about the number of teenagers and pre-teens showing an interest in anti-aging skincare products that may be harming their skin.

Viral videos have seen girls as young as 10 purchasing potent anti-aging skincare products including ingredients like retinol that experts say could be doing serious damage to young skin.

"I just wanted to share my experience on TikTok as I've seen so many girls promoting retinol and not everyone knows that you can't continue this specific beauty routine without some serious consequences, so check all ingredients of your skincare," Flores said.

Comments on the TikTok post where she shared the painful experience flooded in. Many said that the esthetician who performed the eyebrow treatment should have asked about skincare before proceeding.

"Your brow lady should have asked if you're using retinol!!!!!" wrote one commenter, while another posted: "I've been getting my brows waxed for over 10 years and my current esthetician of 1 year is the only one who's ever asked."

A third viewer commented: "I stopped retinol for 2 weeks and then waxed and STILL that happened to but it was the side of my face."

Most experts advise stopping use of retinol products five to seven days before a waxing appointment. However, some even suggest avoiding retinol for two weeks before any waxing treatment.

If you have accidentally mixed a retinol product with a waxing treatment like Flores did, Connor offered some advice.

"I would suggest immediately stop using any cosmetic products in that area, especially avoiding products that contain oils," Connor said. "For really bad burns, seek medical attention. Do this soon after it happens to limit scarring."

Update 2/16/24, 10:16 a.m. ET: This article was updated with a new image.