Let’s face it — there is no shortage of information and guides talking about the right way to care for your skin after a sugaring appointment. A few strokes of your keyboard will surely lead you to a breakdown of the “tricks of the trade” that will ensure you get the best results – you might even land on our own, much-loved guide.
But what about the flip side of the story?
Sometimes, even with the best intentions and advice, it’s often the little aftercare mistakes that stand in the way of that coveted smooth-skin glow or lead to red bumps, ingrown hairs, and irritation.
Whether you’re getting body sugaring in Calgary or another city we’re in… at Sucré we want your results looking (and feeling) flawless – every single time. So let’s talk about the most common body sugaring aftercare mistakes clients make, why they matter, and what you can do instead.
Sugaring Mistakes To Avoid
Mistake #1: Skipping the 48-Hour Waiting Period Before Exfoliating
It’s tempting to jump right into your exfoliation routine, especially if you’re prone to ingrown hairs and are eager to unlock baby soft skin post-appointment. But the truth is: exfoliating too soon after sugaring can do more harm than good (Cleveland Clinic). Your skin is still healing and newly exposed, making it extra sensitive. This means early exfoliation can cause irritation, redness, or even microtears — which defeats the purpose of gentle hair removal.
What to do instead: Let your skin rest for at least 48 hours post-sugaring. After two days, you’re in the clear to gently exfoliate (we suggest one to two times a week) to keep pores clear and prevent hairs from getting trapped. Trust us, your skin will thank you!
Mistake #2: Hitting the Gym, Sauna, or Hot Tub Too Soon
For many, sweating it out is a cherished, daily ritual, but right after sugaring, it’s best to put those plans on hold (yes, even the pilates or yoga class that is always waitlisted). Sweating, heat, and friction immediately after your appointment can irritate freshly sugared skin, open up pores to bacteria, and boost your risk of breakouts or ingrown hairs.
What to do instead: Wait at least 24 to 48 hours before visiting the gym, hitting the sauna, or soaking in hot water. This gives your follicles time to close and your skin to recover.
Mistake #3: Slathering on Heavily Fragranced Lotions or Oils Immediately
We love a good body butter as much as anyone – especially the ones that smell delectable – but right after sugaring is not the time for rich scents and heavy formulas. Many scented lotions and oils contain alcohol, artificial fragrances, or chemicals that can irritate sensitive skin… especially post-sugaring. This may lead to redness, bumps, or even mild allergic reactions.
What to do instead: For the first couple of days, opt for fragrance-free, gentle moisturizers only. Once your skin settles, you can work your favourites back into the rotation.
Mistake #4: Wearing Tight Clothing That Causes Friction
Post-sugaring, it might be tempting to slip into jeans or activewear, but snug fabrics trap heat and create friction over sugared areas (especially bikini, underarms, and legs). This increases your risk of redness, irritation, or ingrown hairs.
What to do instead: Wear loose, breathable clothing for the rest of the day (and even the following day, if possible) to let your skin recover comfortably.
Mistake #5: Forgetting to Hydrate – Both Inside and Out
Hydrated skin = happy skin is a general rule of thumb. But this proves especially true after any hair removal treatment. Dehydrated skin can become dry, flaky, and more prone to irritation or ingrown hairs. Plus, it impacts your skin’s natural healing process.
What to do instead: Drink plenty of water, and moisturize daily with a soothing, unscented lotion or aloe-based gel. Well-moisturized skin is more resilient and stays silky for longer.
Mistake #6: Picking at Ingrowns or Pustules
Let’s be real — nobody likes to see a bump pop up right after a hair removal appointment. But picking at your skin only increases the risk of infection, scarring, or making things worse.
What to do instead: Treat any bumps with gentle exfoliation (after the healing window), topical acne treatments with salicylic acid, or simply keep the area clean and hands-off. If you’re struggling with stubborn ingrown hairs, chat with your Sucré specialist for personalized advice. If you’re navigating sugaring with more sensitive skin, like during pregnancy, check out our blog on is sugaring safe while pregnant?
Mistake #7: Not Booking Consistent Sugaring Sessions
Smooth results don’t just happen once — they’re achieved and maintained over time. It may seem like a minor detail, but timing does matter. Inconsistent appointments can confuse your hair growth cycles, making it harder to achieve lasting smoothness. Plus, stretching out sessions can lead to thicker regrowth or more discomfort each visit.
What to do instead: Stick to a regular sugaring schedule (every 4 to 6 weeks is ideal for most areas). This keeps hair finer and your results better each time.
Want a step-by-step guide for the right way to care for your skin? Check out our full aftercare tips here.
Bonus: Common Myths That Sabotage Your Sugaring Results
Myth #1: “Sugaring ensures you can never get ingrown hairs”
Myth: Some believe that because sugaring removes hair from the root, ingrown hairs are history.
Truth: While sugaring is far gentler (and less likely to cause ingrowns) than waxing or shaving, skipping key aftercare steps still puts you at risk for bumps or trapped hairs. The right routine is crucial — so be kind to your skin both in and out of the studio!
Myth #2: “All Sugaring Products Are Created Equal”
Myth: Some believe that any sugar paste will provide the same results and experience.
Truth: Not all sugar pastes are the same. Professional-grade products have unique formulations that allow for smoother application and removal, reducing discomfort and enhancing results. It’s essential to choose products that suit your skin type and hair texture.
Myth #3: “Sugaring Is Painful and Uncomfortable”
Myth: Many people fear that sugaring will be as painful as waxing.
Truth: While there may be some discomfort, sugaring is often less painful because the paste adheres only to the hair and not the skin. With regular sessions, many clients report that the discomfort decreases over time as their hair becomes finer.
Myth #4: “You Don’t Need to Prepare Your Skin for Sugaring”
Myth: Some think that they can just walk into a sugaring appointment without any prior preparation.
Truth: Preparing your skin by gently exfoliating a few days before your appointment can help ensure a smoother process and minimize the risk of ingrown hairs. Hydrated skin also helps the sugar adhere better and promotes a more comfortable experience.
Your Skin Deserves the Sweetest Care
Body sugaring is an amazing way to achieve long-lasting smoothness that feels natural and healthy. But even small aftercare fails can sabotage your results.
The good news? By avoiding these common sugaring errors, your skin will look and feel better than ever.
Need expert, judgement-free advice tailored just for you? Our teams in Calgary, Kelowna, Lethbridge, Sherwood Park, and even our Edmonton body sugaring team are ready to help you!