Can I wear make-up after facial rejuvenation treatments?

The short answer: as a general guide, avoid wearing make-up on the treated area for around 24 hours after a facial aesthetic treatment. Some treatments need a shorter or longer gap, so the specific aftercare advice your clinician gives you always takes priority over any general guide, including this one.

Why it helps to wait before wearing make-up

Many facial aesthetic treatments temporarily disrupt the skin’s natural barrier, leaving it more open and reactive than usual. Bacteria and fungi that normally live harmlessly on the surface of the skin have an easier route in until the skin has had time to recover.

Make-up, and the brushes, sponges and fingers used to apply it, aren’t sterile. Applying them too soon can introduce bacteria or allergens while the skin is sensitive, raising the risk of infection, irritation or an allergic reaction. The rubbing and pressing involved in putting make-up on and taking it off can also disturb an area your clinician may want left alone.

There’s a practical reason, too. Bare skin makes it easier to spot redness, swelling or other changes that should be checked, rather than covering them up.

Preparing for your appointment

• If you can, arrive without make-up on the area to be treated. Your skin will be cleansed before treatment to reduce the risk of infection, and less to remove means less rubbing.
• Tell your clinician about any skin conditions, allergies, recent cold sores and medicines, and any active skincare you use, such as retinoids or acids.
• Plan around important events. If you have a wedding, holiday or photographs coming up, discuss timing at your consultation, as some treatments can leave temporary redness or bruising.

General aftercare for the first day or two

Aftercare depends on the treatment you’ve had, and your clinician’s instructions always come first. As a general guide, clinicians often advise:

• not touching, rubbing or massaging the treated area unless you’ve been told to
• keeping the area clean, and washing gently with a mild cleanser and lukewarm water once you’ve been told it’s fine to do so
• avoiding strenuous exercise, saunas, steam rooms and hot baths for the period your clinician recommends
• avoiding alcohol for the first day, as it can make redness, swelling and bruising worse
• staying out of strong sun and avoiding sunbeds while the skin settles
• pausing exfoliants, retinoids and acid-based products until you’re told you can restart them
• sleeping on a clean pillowcase

How to reapply make-up safely

1. Wait for the advised time

   Only apply make-up once the period your clinician gave you has passed and the skin looks settled. If you’re unsure, ask first.

2. Start with clean hands and tools

   Wash your hands, and use freshly washed brushes and sponges or new disposable applicators.

3. Use fresh products

   Avoid products that have been shared or are past the “period after opening” shown by the open-jar symbol on the pack. Products in a pump or tube are less likely to be contaminated than pots you dip your fingers into.

4. Apply gently

   Pat or press make-up on lightly rather than rubbing or buffing, and keep your first application simple.

5. Remove it gently, too

   At the end of the day, use a mild cleanser and pat your skin dry rather than scrubbing.

Covering redness or bruising

Mild redness and small bruises are common after some treatments and usually fade over several days. Once you’ve been told you can wear make-up, a light layer of concealer can help.

A green-tinted colour corrector can tone down redness, while a peach or yellow-toned one can help disguise bruising. Use a clean product and apply it with a gentle patting motion.

What’s normal, and when to get help

Mild redness, swelling, tenderness and small bruises usually settle within a few days. Contact your clinician promptly if you notice:

• pain, swelling or redness that is getting worse rather than better
• heat, pus or a high temperature, which can be signs of infection
• patches of skin that look pale, mottled or dusky
• a rash, itching or blistering, which may suggest an allergic reaction

Outside opening hours, call NHS 111 for advice. If you have any sudden change in your vision, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or rapidly worsening swelling of the face, lips or tongue, call 999 or go to A&E.

Facial aesthetics at Caspian Dental Clinic

At Caspian Dental Clinic, facial aesthetics are offered following a face-to-face consultation. We treat fine lines on the upper face only: forehead lines, frown lines and crow’s feet. Whether treatment suits you, and the aftercare you’ll need, is explained at your consultation.

If you’re also thinking about your smile, we can talk you through options such as teeth whitening. If you’d like advice, book a facial aesthetics consultation at our Bushey practice and we’ll answer your aftercare questions before you decide.