Can You Wear Makeup After Electrolysis?

Electrolysis is a hair removal process involving a small needle to zap and destroy the hair follicle cell to prevent future hair growth. If you're planning on getting the treatment done before a night out or a special event, you may be wondering if you can put makeup on after the procedure. Well, we've done the research and have an answer for you!

You should not put makeup on immediately after electrolysis, but it should be safe to do so about 24 to 48 hours after the procedure. Sometimes the skin around the treated area can become red or irritated after the treatment. You should avoid putting makeup on any area that is still inflamed. 

So now you know makeup is a no-go right after electrolysis, but what else should you know about your skin after the procedure? Keep reading as we answer some more questions you might have regarding skincare after your electrolysis procedure.

A woman getting electrolysis treatment on her face, Can You Wear Makeup After Electrolysis?

This article may include affiliate links and elements that were carefully created by our team using advanced ai to help you envision the best style advice.

Ditch The Makeup Before And Directly After Electrolysis

You should go to your electrolysis appointment with a clean face. Make sure your face is free from any makeup, lotions, or serums.

After your electrolysis appointment, avoid wearing makeup for at least 24 hours. Eye makeup should be fine, but avoid foundation, blush, and anything that goes on an area you might have had treated. After electrolysis, your pores are open, so you are more susceptible to infections.

Electrolysis involves using an electric current to destroy hair follicle cells to stop hair growth. As you can imagine, with the harshness of the procedure and how sensitive skin is, your skin might look a little different after an electrolysis treatment.

What does the skin look like after electrolysis?

How skin looks after an electrolysis session depends on the person. The side effects each person experiences will vary.

Some redness after electrolysis is normal, and it might feel like a sunburn. If you have sensitive skin, you might see more redness and inflammation. You may see some scabbing, bruising, pitting, and blood on the area as well. If your skin scabs, resist picking them off as you could permanently scar your skin.

It's also normal for your skin to feel itchy after electrolysis. However, you should resist the urge to scratch!

Don't Worry, The Side Effects Will Go Away

The good news is none of the side effects are permanent as long as you follow proper aftercare. All of these reactions are part of your skin's healing process, so they shouldn't worry you. Moisturizing your face daily and keeping your skin hydrated before your treatment can help reduce redness and inflammation. Your technician will likely go over the possible reactions with you, but don't be afraid to give them a call if you are concerned.

Check out this YouTube video for an idea of how your skin might look:

Is it normal to break out after electrolysis?

Acne after electrolysis is uncommon but not something to freak out about. You might see small inflamed bumps appear after electrolysis, but these are likely either an antihistamine response, hives or pustules. If you develop hives, treat them with an antihistamine cream. Pustules, which look like pimples, can be treated with a warm compress immediately after treatment.

Click here to see Cortizone-10 Plus Ultra Moisturizing Cream on Amazon.

Aside from treating them with an antihistamine cream or warm compress, avoid touching, squeezing, poking, or scratching at the bumps despite how tempting it might be.

If pimples are a common occurrence for you, you may be wondering if your moisturizer is to blame; check out our other post on the topic here: "Can Moisturizer Clog Pores or Cause Pimples?"

What should I put on my face after electrolysis?

After electrolysis, your face might be inflamed or irritated. However, you don't have to suffer. There are some products you can put on your face to help with any side effects.

If you want to soothe and sterilize your face, try using Aloe Vera, witch hazel, or diluted tea tree oil. It's best to apply it the night after your treatment. You can also apply vaseline. Make sure to use clean hands or a Q-tip to apply any products, so you reduce the chance of bacteria transferring from your hands to your open pores.

If you want to avoid putting any products on your face, a cold compress can also help with reducing redness and calming sore areas.

Click here to see Organic Aloe Vera Leaf Gel on Amazon.

What To Avoid

Try to avoid plucking, rubbing, or scratching the treated area after your electrolysis session. You should also avoid sweating excessively after your session. Sweating increases the chance of bacteria building up and causing infections, so skip the gym or the sauna for a day or two. You should also avoid chlorinated water.

Stay away from any scented products like perfume until your face begins to heal. These can irritate your skin further. Avoid unnecessary exposure to the sun or any kind of UV lamp, such as a tanning bed. Your skin will be extra sensitive to UV rays for a couple of days.

Following aftercare suggestions from your technician or dermatologist can help reduce the post-treatment side effects.

Can I wash my face after electrolysis?

We know having your skin poked prodded for an extended amount of time might leave you feeling icky. However, you'll have to hold off on washing your face. Even mild soap can cause irritation, so you should avoid washing your face directly after an electrolysis session. Your face should be kept as clean and as dry as possible for 48 hours following your electrolysis appointment.

Use witch hazel to clean and help reduce inflammation. Apply witch hazel and aloe vera generously for the 48 hours after your session. Both witch hazel and aloe vera are plants with medicinal properties. If your face does get wet, pat it dry with a clean towel. Avoid rubbing the area you've had treated.

Click here to see Dickinson's Witch Hazel Astringent on Amazon.

For when you can get back to your regular wash routine, check out our other blog post for cleansers you should know about "11 Types Of Face Cleansers To Know."

Final Thoughts

Electrolysis can leave your skin looking red and inflamed. Since electrolysis leaves your pores open and susceptible to infection, you should avoid putting anything on your face that might irritate it further which includes makeup and soap. Hopefully, our post has helped answer some questions you might have about post-electrolysis skincare and eased any concerns about side effects. Remember, they are temporary!

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