Is it okay to wear makeup after treatment?
For many people, leaving the house without makeup is like leaving the house barefoot.
However, many patients who are having treatment, must understand the importance of not wearing any makeup post-treatment. Sacrificing their foundation and lipstick for a week is something they need to consider importantly as it will pay off.
Similar to laser eye treatment, it is important for no makeup pre and post treatment, due to the risk of contamination of small invisible particles which can get in the way. But the reality is that many practitioners have no control over what their non-surgical aesthetic patients do after treatment.
The first thing that many patients think to do, is to get out their concealer or blemisher out to hide the swelling or entry point that is visible after treatment. Being carefree for a few days really would be more worthwhile.’What others may think,’ plays a large factor in how women feel and makeup is the cover up to make them feel more confident. Some women even admit to sleeping in their makeup, despite knowing it is not good for the pores of their skin.
The biggest challenge aesthetic practitioners will have is to controlling their patients makeup application after treatment.
If only patients were made more aware of the dangers it may change some patient mindsets, even if these risks are still rare.
Many complications post treatment have been linked to post-treatment makeup wear. Blocking the barrier of the skin with makeup is not good for skin that needs to perform a role to heal. When the skin barrier function is blocked or compromised by chemicals and makeup, allergic reactions and infections can increase.
Pathogens in Make Up
If patients use a makeup applicator following surgery, the chances are that the applicator (blusher brushes and face sponges) is not sterile and has bacteria or fungi clinging to it. Bacteria entering the skin at the site of treatment has a strong possibility of causing an infection. Most makeup is also beyond it’s use-by date, which causes further combined complications when applied with a non-sterile applicator.
When makeup is making a woman feel so good about the way she looks, she will be less likely to even consider the dangers lurking inside her make-up bag.
Inflammation
Alongside infection, inflammation is another problem. The parabens, preservatives and fragrances present in makeup pose another problem. When these components react with the site of treatment, it can become inflamed, due to the sensitivity of the skin. Skin is at its most sensitive following treatment and is prone to a number of complications.
Not wearing perfume before and after treatment would benefit patients greatly. As the tiny invisible particles can get through the skin, when its most prone to problems.
If patients want to consider risk-free makeup, then pure mineral based makeup that is 100% pure and contains beneficial vitamins that can aid inflammation, should be researched instead. It is not guaranteed that all mineral-based makeup is mineral free. Minerals are larger particles and less likely to penetrate skin, but patients should be wary about wearing makeup at all.
Most practitioners will advise between 12-24 hours of no makeup.
Skin needs to heal and blocking the treatment site will slow down the healing process, with added risk of infection.
