What should never be performed on broken or irritated skin?

Performing waxing treatments on broken or irritated skin is inappropriate because waxing involves the application of warm wax to the skin and the subsequent removal of hair, which can cause further trauma or irritation to an already compromised skin barrier. Waxing pulls hair from the root, and when skin is broken or compromised, this can lead to increased pain, a risk of infection, and delayed healing. Using wax on such skin can exacerbate existing conditions, leading to discomfort and potential scarring.

In contrast, the other options, while they require caution, can be appropriate under certain conditions. Shaving can be performed on less severe irritations with proper technique; moisturizing can help soothe the skin and assist in healing, and exfoliation, when done gently, can also aid skin renewal, provided the skin is not deeply compromised. Therefore, waxing specifically stands out as an inappropriate choice for broken or irritated skin.