What Should I Do If I Get Candle Wax On My Face?

Assess the Situation

If candle wax gets on your face, the first step is to assess the situation and determine how much wax is present and where exactly it landed. Look in a mirror and examine the affected area closely. Note if the wax simply got on the surface of the skin, or if any dripped into the eyes, nose, mouth or other delicate areas. Also check if the wax is hot and still liquid, or if it has begun to cool and harden. The amount of wax and the location will determine the best way to remove it safely and effectively.

Inspect for any irritation or burns, especially if the wax was still hot when it made contact. Burns can cause blistering and raw, damaged skin that is more prone to infection. If you experience significant pain, swelling, or blistering, seek medical attention. Otherwise, simply having wax on the surface of the skin is not dangerous, just uncomfortable. With some basic first aid you can likely remove it yourself.

Examine the type and color of the wax as well. Darker colored wax, especially from scented or dyed candles, may temporarily stain the skin, so remove this as soon as possible. Lighter colored wax is typically easier to get off. Once you’ve fully assessed the situation, you can proceed to take action to remove the wax safely.

Act Fast

If you get candle wax on your skin, it’s important to try to remove it quickly before it hardens. Candle wax is typically made from ingredients like paraffin, soy, or beeswax. These waxes will start to harden and solidify once they cool after melting from the flame ^[1]. Hardened wax can be more difficult to remove from skin than soft or liquid wax.

According to experts, you only have a short window of about 1-2 minutes to remove cooling wax before it hardens on the skin ^[2]. So it’s important to act quickly after getting wax on your skin by trying removal methods like using ice or oil. The quicker you can get the wax off, the less likely it will lead to skin irritation or damage.

Use Ice

One of the quickest and easiest methods is to use ice cubes to harden the wax so it peels off more easily. Wrap some ice cubes in a cloth or paper towel and hold it against the wax on your skin for a minute or two. The cold temperature will cause the wax to solidify. Once the wax feels hard, gently peel or scrape it away using your fingernail or a plastic card. Be very careful not to pull at your skin. The ice trick works best for small amounts of wax. For larger patches, continue applying ice until you’ve worked away all of the wax.[1]

Try Peanut Butter

Peanut butter is an effective home remedy for removing candle wax from skin. The oils in peanut butter help dissolve the wax, while the thick texture allows it to cling to the wax and lift it away from the skin. According to Ask Mary Beth: Removing wax from stone, you can create a peanut butter “poultice” to absorb melted wax by mixing peanut butter with a bit of water to form a thick paste. Apply a layer about 1⁄4 inch thick directly over the wax, making sure to completely cover it. Allow the peanut butter to sit for 5-10 minutes before gently wiping away with a soft cloth. The wax should lift off along with the peanut butter. You may need to reapply and let sit longer for stubborn wax residue. Be sure to thoroughly wash off any remaining oil from the peanut butter once finished.

Use Oil

One of the most effective methods for removing candle wax from surfaces is to use oils like baby oil, mineral oil, or petroleum jelly. The oil helps dissolve and break down the wax residue. According to Merry Maids, oils are very effective at removing wax from surfaces.

To use this method, massage a small amount of baby oil, mineral oil, or petroleum jelly into the wax stain. Let it sit for a few minutes to allow the oil to penetrate and dissolve the wax. Then take a clean cloth and buff the oil and wax away. You may need to reapply the oil and buff multiple times to fully remove all of the wax.

The key is to gently break down the wax with the oil over time. Don’t scrub aggressively, as this can spread the stain. Be patient and the oils will dissolve even stubborn wax.

Try Dental Floss

Once the wax cools and hardens, using dental floss can help remove any stubborn pieces still stuck on your skin. Dental floss is an ideal tool because its thin string can get under the wax easily. Simply move the floss back and forth to catch and lift away hardened wax chunks (Say Hello to the Versatile Uses for Dental Floss That Will Amaze You). The flossing motion will cut through and detach any remaining wax without risk of damage to the skin underneath. Be patient and persistent, reheating the wax with a hairdryer can soften it to make the flossing process easier. Once finished flossing, clean any wax residue left on the skin with soap and water.

Heat it Up

One effective method for removing candle wax from your face is to use a hair dryer to heat and soften the wax, making it easier to wipe away. Set your hair dryer to a warm setting and hold it 6-8 inches away from the wax. Slowly move the dryer back and forth over the wax, taking care not to get too close and burn yourself. The wax will begin to melt from the heat.

As the wax softens, gently rub it with a clean cloth or paper towel to absorb the melted wax. You may need to reheat the wax several times to fully liquefy and remove it. Take care not to spread the wax around. Once you’ve removed the softened wax, wash your face with soap and water to get rid of any oily residue left behind.

Sources:

https://www.ronhazelton.com/tips/how_to_remove_candle_wax_with_a_hair_dryer_and_credit_card

When to Seek Help

If the wax covers a large area of your face or body, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. Large wax burns have an increased risk of infection since the wax can seal off air exposure to the damaged skin. Seek emergency care if the burned area is larger than 3 inches, or if the wax covers your eyes, nose, or mouth, making breathing difficult. You should also see a doctor if the burn causes swelling, oozing, or change in sensation. Other reasons to seek medical care include:

• The burn looks white and charred, indicating a third-degree burn.
• You develop a fever, chills, increased pain, dizziness, or flu-like symptoms, which may signal an infection.
• The wound is not healing or improves after 2 weeks.

When you see a doctor, they will examine the burn severity, clean the area, remove any remaining wax, and provide antibiotics if needed to prevent dangerous infections like cellulitis. They may also prescribe silicone sheets or ointments to minimize scarring from more severe second-degree burns on the face or body.

Prevent Scarring

To help prevent permanent scarring from the burn, it’s important to properly care for your skin after the wax has been removed. Applying aloe vera gel can help soothe the skin and reduce scarring. According to sknclinics.co.uk, aloe vera contains antioxidants and vitamins that help heal burns. The gel from the aloe plant can be kept in the refrigerator and applied multiple times a day to the affected area. Let the aloe fully absorb into the skin before reapplying. Using aloe vera soon after the wax burn occurs and consistently over the following days can help prevent scars from forming.

Be Cautious Next Time

To reduce the risk of accidental wax burns in the future, follow some basic candle safety tips:

Trim wicks to 1⁄4 inch before lighting to prevent high flames and smoke. Only light candles when you can stay in the same room and keep an eye on them (never “https://jenkinsrestorations.com/candle-safety-tips/” target=”_blank”>leave them unattended). Use pillar candles or candles in glass containers, which are less prone to tipping over than taper or container candles.

Avoid placing candles near drafts, vents, or air currents, as these can cause rapid, uneven burning and dripping. Keep candles away from flammable items like curtains, books, or furniture. Extinguish candles before going to sleep.

Following basic precautions when burning candles can help prevent wax accidents and keep you safe.