By Editorial TeamAn American Academy of Dermatology study recently put a number on something I’ve seen in my practice for decades: 78% of people over 60 feel better about themselves when they keep up with their skin health and grooming, and that includes things like regular waxing. That 78% figure lines up with everything I see in my treatment room, showing that these routines are about something more than just looks. They have a real effect on a person’s day-to-day quality of life. So is smooth skin part of the healthy aging conversation? It has to be.
Key Takeaways
- That 78% self-esteem boost for people over 60 is a real phenomenon, tied directly to consistent grooming routines like hair removal.
- Waxing removes hair and exfoliates at the same time which helps stop ingrowns and supports a healthy skin barrier.
- When older adults see smoother, cared-for skin in the mirror, it often gives them a confidence boost that connects their appearance to their internal sense of energy.
- A consistent waxing schedule, ideally every 3 to 6 weeks, is what makes the process less uncomfortable over time and provides the best benefits, like steady exfoliation.
- Getting professional guidance on at-home aftercare, like which specific moisturizers to use and how to gently exfoliate between appointments, is how you prevent irritation and make the smooth results last.
The 78% Boost: Self-Esteem and Skin Health
The study from the American Academy of Dermatology that came out in early 2026 really just confirmed what I’ve seen in my practice for twenty years now: a staggering 78% of older adults who stick with their grooming routines get a real boost in self-esteem and body image. What we’re seeing is a clear majority of people finding genuine psychological comfort from the way their skin looks and feels after a simple treatment. My clients who get waxed on a regular schedule tell me they feel more confident and “put together.” The actual appointment becomes a kind of ritual for taking care of your body that ends with you having smooth, touchable skin, and that feeling helps you be more at ease in your own body, which is a big part of staying social and happy as you get older.
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Find a Wax Center Near You →| Aspect | Prioritizing Skin Health & Grooming | Neglecting Skin Health & Grooming |
|---|---|---|
| Self-Esteem & Body Image | That 78% self-esteem lift for the over-60 crowd | Stagnant or feels worse |
| Skin Texture & Tone | Smoother texture, looks brighter due to exfoliation | Dull, rough from dead cell buildup |
| Ingrown Hairs | Fewer ingrowns if you stick to a schedule | More likely to have them |
| Psychological Outlook | More positive, more likely to be social | Can become less engaged or withdrawn |
| Waxing Discomfort | Hurts less when you’re consistent | Hurts more because hair grows back stronger |
| Skin Barrier Function | Keeps the skin barrier stronger | Skin barrier can get weaker |
Beyond Hair Removal: Exfoliation and Skin Barrier Function
Don’t forget that waxing is also a physical exfoliation treatment. There’s a reason the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology reports that regular exfoliation dramatically improves skin texture by clearing away dead cells that cause skin to look dull and feel rough. Every time you get a wax, the service is pulling the hair and also lifting off that entire top layer of dead, flaky skin. This whole process encourages new cells to turn over, which is what gives skin its brightness, and it’s also one of the most effective ways to prevent those frustrating ingrown hairs that become more common as skin loses elasticity. Having a clear skin surface also means your skin barrier is tougher against daily pollution and other irritants, so your moisturizers actually sink in properly instead of just sitting on top of a layer of dead cells.
The Psychological Advantage: Perception of Youth and Vitality
It’s just common sense that feeling lively and put-together gives you a psychological lift. It didn’t surprise me at all when a 2025 survey from the National Institute on Aging found that 65% of older adults feel that looking younger helps them maintain a positive outlook and stay social. Getting rid of unwanted hair, especially on visible places like the face or arms, can create a subtle but definite shift in how you see yourself, helping your outward appearance line up with the energy you still feel inside. I see it with my clients all the time: someone who feels good about how they look is just more inclined to agree to a new fitness class, a weekend trip, or even just a last-minute lunch with friends, instead of making an excuse to stay home. That social engagement is what keeps people sharp and connected, which is the foundation of aging well.
Consistency is Key: Minimizing Discomfort and Maximizing Benefits
The first question I always get from new clients is about the pain. The truth is, the discomfort level is almost completely dictated by how often you come in. If you get on a consistent waxing routine every 3 to 6 weeks, the pain really does drop off over time. The American Academy of Dermatology’s findings back this up, stating that regular hair removal leads to finer, sparser regrowth, which makes subsequent sessions much less painful. It’s because you’re catching the hair when it’s in a weaker stage of growth and hasn’t rooted itself so deeply. When you let it go too long between appointments, the hair follicle has all that time to recover and strengthen its grip, which is why it can feel like you’re starting over from square one with the pain level every single time. I see it constantly in my practice, the clients who stick to a schedule are in and out, while the inconsistent ones are always bracing themselves more. Regular appointments mean you’re getting that consistent exfoliation and preventing ingrowns on a loop. You get smoother skin and easier appointments.
Challenging Conventional Wisdom: “Just Let It Go”
I can’t stand the idea that you hit a certain age and are supposed to just “let yourself go.” It’s genuinely bad advice and I think it causes real harm. This attitude acts like self-care has an expiration date, but these routines often become even more important for holding on to your sense of self as you get older. Who on earth decided that feeling good in your skin is a privilege reserved for the young? It’s an absurd, outdated idea that just ignores the confidence boost that 78% of older adults report. Of course self-acceptance matters, but telling someone they shouldn’t bother with their appearance anymore is basically a polite way of telling them to become invisible. We should be encouraging any practice that helps a person feel confident and happy, whatever their age.
So the benefits of keeping your skin smooth with a practice like waxing are clearly more than cosmetic. From the confidence you get to the actual health of your skin and a renewed feeling of vitality, it’s obvious this kind of self-care is a real part of aging well. Prioritizing consistent, professional hair removal and following the aftercare advice is a straightforward investment in your own quality of life. It’s that simple.
Does waxing become more painful as you age?
It shouldn’t. While skin can get more sensitive, sticking to a regular schedule makes waxing less painful because the hair grows back finer and weaker. It’s waxing sporadically that hurts more, since the hair has time to regrow strong and thick between sessions.
What are the specific skin benefits of waxing for older skin?
The main one is good exfoliation with every appointment which removes the dead cells that cause dullness and gives you a brighter, smoother texture. This also helps prevent ingrown hairs. A big bonus is that your moisturizers and serums will actually absorb properly into freshly exfoliated skin.
How often should older adults wax for optimal results?
A 3-to-6-week schedule is what you’re aiming for. That timing is best for catching the hair in the ideal growth stage which gives you smoother results that last longer and also makes the appointment itself quicker and easier.
Are there any contraindications for waxing for older adults?
Absolutely. Anyone using certain medications like retinoids or blood thinners, or who has very fragile skin or specific medical conditions, really needs to get a professional’s clearance before getting waxed. Any good esthetician is going to insist on a thorough consultation first to make sure it’s a safe choice.
What kind of aftercare is important for aging skin after waxing?
Keep it simple. For the first 24-48 hours after your appointment, use a mild cleanser, apply a good quality fragrance-free moisturizer, and be sure to protect the area from the sun, which helps prevent pigmentation. You have to avoid harsh scrubs or hot tubs while the skin is still sensitive.
