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

Can a facial help with hormonal or adult acne?

Hormonal acne — the deep, painful, jawline-and-chin breakouts that show up on a cycle — has a different mechanism than typical comedonal acne. The trigger is internal (androgen-driven sebum overproduction), so the durable fix is also internal (medication that modulates the hormonal signal). Facials can't address that, but they're still useful as a part of the protocol.

What a facial does for hormonal acne:

- Drains existing extractable lesions (blackheads, whiteheads, surface pustules) so they don't mature into deeper cysts. - Reduces surface inflammation via high-frequency, LED, or calming masks. - Removes dead-cell buildup that compounds congestion. - Hydrates skin that's been damaged or over-treated by aggressive home routines.

What a facial doesn't do for hormonal acne:

- Stop deep cysts from forming. Cysts originate below the surface; topical and hands-on work can't reach them. - Address the hormonal driver. That's a dermatologist or endocrinologist conversation. - Replace prescription topicals (tretinoin, adapalene) or oral medications (spironolactone, isotretinoin).

The protocol that works best for adult and hormonal acne:

1. **Dermatologist evaluation** — get a real diagnosis, rule out PCOS or other endocrine issues, get appropriate medication if indicated. 2. **Consistent at-home routine** — gentle cleanser + nightly retinoid + non-comedogenic moisturizer + daily SPF. This is the unsexy 80% of the work. 3. **Monthly esthetician facials** — surface management, extractions, inflammation control. Schedule these to your cycle: 1-2 weeks before your period (when hormonal acne typically peaks) is a good rhythm. 4. **Lifestyle factors** — sleep, stress management, dairy/sugar consumption (variable by person but worth tracking).

For hormonal acne specifically, monthly facials timed to the cycle (about a week before your period) catch the wave of congestion before it surfaces as breakouts.

Key facts

Hormonal acne is androgen-driven and originates internally.
Facials manage surface symptoms; medication addresses the hormonal trigger.
Monthly facials timed 1-2 weeks before your period catch hormonal congestion.
Common prescription treatments: spironolactone, tretinoin, hormonal birth control.
Best protocol: derm + at-home routine + monthly facials + lifestyle.
Visible results typically take 8-12 weeks of combined treatment.

Common follow-up questions

Why did I start getting acne in my 30s?

Adult-onset acne usually traces to one of: hormonal shifts (perimenopause, post-pregnancy, IUD changes), increased androgen sensitivity, or a relatively new product or medication. PCOS is also a common underlying cause and worth ruling out with bloodwork.

Does dairy or sugar actually cause acne?

For some people, yes. Skim dairy and high-glycemic foods are most often implicated. The effect is individual — some people see dramatic clearing eliminating dairy, others see no change. A 4-week elimination test gives you a clean answer.

I'm on spironolactone — should I still get facials?

Yes, and they're a great complement to the medication. Spironolactone reduces sebum production over months; facials handle the surface buildup while the medication ramps up.

How is hormonal acne treated differently than teenage acne?

Teenage acne is typically more diffuse and responds well to topical retinoids and BPO. Hormonal/adult acne is deeper, jawline-clustered, and often needs hormonal modulation (spironolactone, oral contraceptives) on top of topicals.

When this doesn’t apply

Hormonal acne accompanied by irregular cycles, unwanted hair growth, weight changes, or rapid mood shifts can be a sign of PCOS or other endocrine conditions and should be evaluated by a doctor before starting esthetic treatment alone.

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.

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