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

What products should I use between acne facials?

The 4-6 weeks between facials is when your skin actually does the bulk of the clearing work, and the at-home routine is what makes or breaks the result. The good news: the routine doesn't need to be expensive or complicated. The bad news: it needs to be consistent.

The five-step minimum:

**1. Gentle cleanser, AM and PM.** A non-foaming, non-stripping cleanser. CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser or Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser are reliable picks. Skip foaming-acid cleansers — those strip more than they help most acne-prone skin.

**2. Active treatment, AM (or PM, not both).** Either benzoyl peroxide 2.5-5% (kills surface bacteria) or salicylic acid 2% (clears pores). Apply to clean dry skin, wait 5 min before next product. CeraVe AM with BPO, Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid, or any drugstore equivalent works.

**3. Retinoid, PM only.** This is the single highest-leverage product for acne-prone skin. Adapalene (Differin) is over-the-counter and gentle enough for nightly use after a 2-week ramp-up. Tretinoin (prescription) is stronger and faster but requires a derm visit. Retinol from CeraVe or The Ordinary works for sensitive skin starting out.

**4. Non-comedogenic moisturizer, AM and PM.** Moisturized skin produces less compensatory oil. CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion (yes, it's fine for AM too) or Vanicream Moisturizing Cream. Skip rich oils, butters, and "luxurious" creams — those clog acne-prone skin.

**5. SPF, every morning.** Acne treatments make skin more sun-sensitive, and post-inflammatory pigmentation darkens dramatically with UV. Mineral SPF (zinc oxide / titanium dioxide) is best for acne-prone skin. La Roche-Posay Mineral, EltaMD UV Clear, or Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun all work.

The single biggest mistake is not consistency. It's adding too many products too quickly. Skin needs 8-12 weeks to adapt to a routine and show whether it's working. If you're jumping between products every 2-3 weeks, you'll never know what's helping or hurting.

The second biggest mistake is mixing actives. BPO + retinoid + acid cleanser + AHA toner = irritation, inflammation, and worse acne. Pick one active per session (AM and PM), not three.

If you're unsure where to start, your esthetician will recommend specific products based on what they see at your facial — that's part of the value of the appointment.

Key facts

Five-step minimum: cleanser → active → moisturizer → SPF (AM); cleanser → retinoid → moisturizer (PM).
BPO 2.5-5% or salicylic acid 2% — pick one, not both.
Adapalene (Differin) is the most-evidenced over-the-counter retinoid for acne.
Mineral SPF (zinc oxide) is best for acne-prone skin.
8-12 weeks of consistency before judging results.
Do not stack multiple actives in the same session.

Common follow-up questions

Can I use retinoid every night?

Eventually yes. Start at 2-3 nights per week for 2-3 weeks, then 4-5 nights, then nightly. Going straight to nightly causes irritation that's often mistaken for "I can't use retinoids" — most people can, with a slow ramp.

What if my skin is dry from acne treatment?

Layer moisturizer more aggressively (apply twice in the same session) and skip an active for a few days. Drop retinoid frequency. If it persists, switch to a gentler cleanser or a more emollient moisturizer (CeraVe Moisturizing Cream, the heavy version).

Should I use a chemical exfoliant?

Once your routine is stable and you're tolerating retinoid nightly, you can add an AHA (lactic or glycolic) 1-2 times per week on a non-retinoid night. Don't add it during the first 8 weeks of a new routine.

What's a complete budget routine?

CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser ($15) + Differin gel ($15) + CeraVe PM Lotion ($16) + La Roche-Posay Mineral SPF ($35). About $80 for 2-3 months of supply. Add a salicylic acid product like Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid ($35) once you're tolerating Differin nightly.

When this doesn’t apply

If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, skip retinoids and salicylic acid above 2% (and seek any acne treatment with your OB-GYN). Azelaic acid 10-20% is the pregnancy-safe substitute and works well for acne and post-inflammatory pigmentation.

Sources

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.

Book an appointment →