How Long After Microneedling Can I Wear Makeup?

Suppose you don’t like to leave the house without a beautifully on-point makeup look. A temporary cosmetic ban can prove to be challenging.

With microneedling, it’s crucial to understand why avoiding wearing makeup is necessary to obtain optimal results.

Avoiding applying makeup during the recommended timeframe is crucial as cosmetic products contain artificial agents and processed minerals that can irritate your skin.

Read on to learn about post-treatment care to allow your skin to heal without being exposed to irritants.

Table of Contents

Can I Wear Makeup After Microneedling?

You can begin wearing makeup after 24 to 48 hours post microneedling treatment. While this is the recommended timeline by dermatologists, it’s best to hold off for at least if week if possible to do so.

Specialists advise a temporary ban on cosmetic products to allow the skin to heal from the micro-injuries made during the procedure.

Exposing the skin to irritants and harmful artificial compounds found in both drugstore and high-end makeup products can undermine the wound healing mechanism.

What Happens If You Put Makeup On After Microneedling?

Makeup will clog pores, cause breakouts, and interfere with the shedding of skin cells and the recovery period after micro needling treatments.

Since skin needling increases the absorption channels in your skin, applying oily or mineral-based makeup will interfere with the healing process, making post-treatment recovery challenging.

During the first 24 hours, the skin needs moisture and sun protection but cannot handle chemicals and pore-clogging minerals.

After 42 hours, the skin is generally ready to resume its regular beauty and skincare routine without interfering with the treatment’s results.

can i wear makeup after microneedling

Use Mineral Makeup After Microneedling

If you’re going to apply makeup after the 48-hour time period, choose light mineral makeup. Remember to use a clean brush or sterilized tools to avoid bacteria.

Highly pigmented makeup products, foundations, and color correctors enhance the skin’s appearance by addressing hyperpigmentation and skin tone concerns.

But have you ever wondered how these richly pigmented products are formulated?

Some are formulated with an oily base while others use pigmented minerals which are unhealthy for skin undergoing a natural healing and shedding process.

What Can You Put on Your Face After Microneedling?

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid is the only product that should be applied immediately after treatment. It is one of the best serums to use with microneedling as it is a naturally-occurring compound within the skin and a must-have when it comes to moisture and hydration.

Hyaluronic acid is great for creating firmness, smoothing out skin texture, and it puts up a great fight against wrinkles. You can combine Hyaluronic acid with your other serum to accelerate collagen levels and support a speedy recovery after day 1.

Here’s a list of products you can apply after 24 hours have elapsed:

Green Tea Extract

Green tea extract is a valuable skin application as it naturally soothes, moisturizes, and repairs the skin. Applying it to your skin will accelerate the post-treatment recovery by locking in moisture and hydration.

It will strengthen the skin’s barriers and actively reduce irritation and redness to minimize downtime. It provides great protection against the sun and can increase collagen production.

Kiwi Oil

Kiwi oil is extracted from the seeds of the fruit. It’s great for moisturizing and boasts incredible healing properties for sealing the skin.

This antioxidant serum is filled with vitamin C, nutrients, and fatty acids that help lower skin irritability after treatment. It’s used to fight against premature signs of aging skin and sun damage.

Copper Peptides

Peptides contain amino acids that are naturally occurring within the body, but also diminish as we age. These protein-building blocks increase stem cell production and accelerate the wound healing process.

They are anti-inflammatory, work well for stimulating collagen and elastin synthesis, and work wonders at producing overall healthier skin.

Cleansers

Patients should invest in a mild cleanser without any harsh ingredients, acids, or sulfates to keep their skin clean and supple.

An oil-based cleanser will help you purify your skin without triggering dryness spells or irritation. Be sure to avoid all harsh exfoliators, scrubs, or even standard cleansers during the first 72 hours.

Coconut Oil

One of Mother Nature’s most powerful beauty elixirs, using coconut oil after microneedling will trap moisture to keep your skin hydrated and supple.

Specialists advise using organically sourced, natural extra virgin coconut oil to avoid exposing your skin to preservatives and artificial compounds.

Sunscreen

It’s wise to keep your skin slathered with chemical-free sunscreen for at least two weeks after the treatment to protect it against sun exposure. Specialists advise using sunscreen with at least SPF 30 or higher, depending on your skin’s tolerance to UV rays.

People with fair and sensitive skin should consider a stronger SPF grade, around 60 or higher, especially during summer and spring.

Dermatologists advise non-comedogenic sunscreen for people with sensitive skin, as microneedling will increase your skin sensitivity.

What Should You Not Put on Your Face After Microneedling?

Besides makeup application, certain skin care products that contain harsh chemicals, preservatives, fragrances, and acids will disrupt the skin barrier and healing.

Avoid alcohol skincare products and toners formulated with acids and skin actives. Skin actives are designed with potent ingredients that can strip your skin of all moisture and hydration.

These skin actives are beneficial and potent, but they are formulated with acid-based formulas. Acids heal the skin by multiplying the cell turnover rates, therefore applying acid-based skin products can cause lasting damage.

Avoid products containing alpha hydroxy acids, retinol, glycolic acid, and exfoliants. Find all your tips for microneedling aftercare here.

FAQ

How Soon After Microneedling Can I Moisturize?

Start applying hyaluronic acid immediately after treatment to moisturize the skin. You can apply other nutrient moisturizers after 24 hours to soothe your skin with hydration and moisture. Micro-injuries often accompany dryness spells, irritation, and itchiness, and moisturizing will help you address these issues without inflicting any damage.

How Soon Can I Wash My Face After Microneedling?

Only wash your face after microneedling with timid water, no cleansers, if you have experienced bleeding. Otherwise, you can wash your face with lukewarm water during the first 48-72 hours, using a mild cleanser free of any abrasive chemicals or acids. Gentle cleansing will boost recovery but steer clear of harsh exfoliators, scrubs, and cleansing brushes.

How Long After At Home Microneedling Can I Wear Makeup?

Mineral makeup and cleanser can be applied after 24 hours when microneedling at home (dermarolling).