Treating Minor Beauty Injuries

A Burn or Irritation From Hot Wax or Hair Removal Cream

The Rx: You should treat a burn from hot wax as you would a curling-iron burn. For chemical irritation from a hair removal cream, quickly remove the lotion with cool water and apply a cold washcloth. "Apply a 1 percent hydrocortisone ointment to calm the redness," Jacob says. Keep the area moist, says Lupo, by regularly applying an ointment with petrolatum (such as Aquaphor). To decrease discomfort, take an anti-inflammatory drug (such as ibuprofen). If the redness doesn't dissipate after a day or two, or if you develop pustules with a yellow or green discharge, see a doctor. 
 
Quick camouflage: Apply moisturizer to the area, then pat on a concealer or body makeup made for sensitive skin.