What is sugaring and how does it work?

Sugaring uses a paste made of just three ingredients: water, sugar, and lemon juice. The paste is applied against the hair and removed with a flick in the direction of hair growth, making it gentler than traditional waxing.

Can I get sugared if I'm pregnant?

Yes, you can be sugared while pregnant, but it may be more sensitive. However, I don't recommend trying sugaring for the first time right before your due date. You must wait at least 6 weeks after delivery before returning for services.

What if I have a contagious disease or outbreak?

If you're experiencing a contagious disease or outbreak (Shingles, HPV, Ringworm, Yeast Infection, COVID-19, etc.), please wait until you're better before booking. This protects both you and our studio.

I have sensitive skin. Can I still be sugared?

It depends on your unique skin. Sugaring can be a gentler alternative to waxing for sensitive skin, but I'll want to discuss this face-to-face to make sure it's right for you.

I've been on Accutane. Can I be sugared?

If you've been off Accutane for at least 3 months or have your doctor's consent, you can be sugared. Accutane can compromise skin, so timing matters.

How do I prepare for my appointment?

Come with clean skin and avoid sun exposure for 24 hours before your appointment. Exfoliate gently a day or two before to help the process go smoothly.

What should I do after my appointment?

Avoid hot water, tight clothing, and intense exercise for 24 hours after your service. Exfoliate gently a few days later to prevent ingrown hairs.

Can I get sugared while on my menstrual cycle?

Yes, you can be sugared during your period. You may notice increased sensitivity, so just let me know. You can wear a tampon or cup during the appointment.

What is the location and how do I reach you?

Groovy Complexions is located at 106 N Walnut St, inside House of Style in Columbia City, Indiana. Text or call (574) 213-9249 or email groovycomplexions@gmail.com to book.

What is your cancellation policy?

Please cancel or reschedule at least 24 hours before your appointment to avoid cancellation fees. I have a 5-minute grace period, but if you're running behind, please call so I can accommodate.

Acne & skin

How long does it take to see results from acne facials?

The honest answer is that no acne treatment — facial, topical, or prescription — produces overnight results, and skin operates on a 28-day renewal cycle. Patience is part of the protocol.

**Visit 1 (week 0):** You'll leave with cleaner pores, fewer visible blackheads, and possibly some pinpoint redness from extractions for a few hours. The skin looks calmer the next day.

**Visits 2-3 (week 2-6):** Surface congestion drops noticeably. Fewer new comedones forming. If your at-home routine is dialed in alongside facials, you'll start seeing active breakouts subside in this window.

**Visits 4-6 (week 8-12):** This is where most clients see the meaningful change. Active acne is significantly reduced, post-inflammatory pigmentation starts fading, skin texture starts smoothing. If you're going to plateau at "much better but still some breakouts," it usually shows by here, and the protocol gets adjusted.

**Months 3-6:** Texture refinement, deeper pigmentation fading, and skin tone evening continue. Acne should be intermittent rather than constant. Maintenance facials drop to every 4-6 weeks.

**Months 6+:** Most clients on consistent treatment have stable, clear-to-mostly-clear skin and continue facials for maintenance and occasional flare management.

Two factors compress this timeline meaningfully: - A consistent at-home routine (cleanser + active treatment + moisturizer + SPF, applied daily without skipping). - Compatible prescription treatment (tretinoin, spironolactone, etc.) for clients with hormonal or stubborn acne.

Two factors stretch it: - Inconsistent appointments (skipping a month, then trying to compensate). - Constantly switching products at home, which prevents your skin from adapting and improving on any one routine.

If you're 8 weeks in and seeing zero improvement, talk to your esthetician about adjusting the protocol or referring to a dermatologist. That's the threshold where the current approach probably isn't the right one.

Key facts

Visible surface improvement: 1-2 facials.
Active acne reduction: 6-8 weeks (3-4 facials).
Texture and pigmentation: 3-6 months.
Maintenance phase begins around month 3-4.
Skin renewal cycle: ~28 days. Treatment timing aligns to it.
No improvement after 8 weeks signals a need to adjust the protocol or see a dermatologist.

Common follow-up questions

Will my skin get worse before it gets better?

Sometimes, yes. The first 2-4 weeks of any new acne protocol can include "purging" — clogged content already in the skin moving to the surface faster than usual. This is different from breaking out worse permanently. Purging usually resolves by week 4-6.

What's a realistic outcome?

"Clear most of the time, with occasional small breakouts" is a realistic, common end state for hormonal and adult acne. "Zero breakouts forever" is rarely achievable with esthetic care alone — usually requires sustained medication. "No active acne plus significantly reduced scarring and even tone" is realistic over 6-12 months.

Can I speed this up with chemical peels?

Sometimes. A series of light-to-medium chemical peels (lactic, glycolic, mandelic) every 4-6 weeks compresses results, especially for texture and post-inflammatory pigmentation. Add to the protocol after a few baseline facials so your esthetician can assess skin tolerance.

How will I know if I should switch to a dermatologist?

No improvement after 8 weeks of consistent facials + at-home routine; persistent cysts; new scarring; or acne that's clearly tied to an irregular hormonal pattern. Your esthetician should be the first to flag this.

When this doesn’t apply

Photos taken at consistent lighting and angle are the most reliable progress measure — week-to-week, skin can look better or worse based on hydration and lighting alone. Take a phone photo at your first appointment, then every 2 weeks, to see real progress.

Sources

AAD — Acne treatment patience

Last reviewed: 2026-04-30 · Makaela, Licensed Esthetician

Have questions about your skin or your hair-removal routine? Book a 60-minute custom facial or come in for a sugaring appointment — Makaela works through anything you bring her.

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