Can You Put Makeup On Right After Dermaplaning?

AvatarByKristie Pacheco Makeup & Cosmetics

Dermaplaning has surged in popularity as a gentle yet effective exfoliation treatment that leaves skin looking radiant and smooth. If you’re someone who loves your makeup routine, you might be wondering how soon you can get back to applying your favorite products after this skin-refreshing procedure. Understanding the relationship between dermaplaning and makeup application is key to maintaining your skin’s health and achieving that flawless finish you desire.

This article explores the essential question: Can you put makeup on after dermaplaning? We’ll delve into what dermaplaning does to your skin, how it affects its sensitivity, and the best practices to follow post-treatment. Whether you’re preparing for a special event or just want to maintain your everyday glow, knowing when and how to apply makeup after dermaplaning can make all the difference in your skincare and beauty routine.

Best Practices for Applying Makeup After Dermaplaning

After dermaplaning, your skin is exceptionally smooth but also more sensitive and vulnerable to irritation. This means that how and when you apply makeup is crucial to avoid adverse reactions and to ensure a flawless finish. While it is generally safe to apply makeup after dermaplaning, waiting a short period before doing so is highly recommended.

Dermaplaning removes the outermost layer of dead skin cells and fine vellus hair, revealing fresh, bare skin. This creates a clean canvas for makeup but also temporarily compromises the skin’s natural barrier. As a result, applying makeup immediately can increase the risk of irritation, clogged pores, and inflammation.

Here are some key guidelines to follow when applying makeup after dermaplaning:

  • Wait time: Ideally, wait at least 24 hours before applying makeup to allow the skin to recover. If you must apply makeup sooner, opt for mineral-based or non-comedogenic products designed for sensitive skin.
  • Gentle products: Use fragrance-free, hypoallergenic foundations or tinted moisturizers that won’t irritate freshly dermaplaned skin. Avoid heavy, pore-clogging formulas.
  • Avoid harsh tools: Use clean, soft brushes or sponges to apply makeup. Avoid rough application techniques that can cause micro-tears or irritation.
  • Hydrate and protect: Before makeup, apply a gentle hydrating serum or moisturizer to soothe the skin. Follow with a broad-spectrum sunscreen if you are going outside.
  • Minimal layers: Keep makeup application light and minimal to prevent suffocating the skin and exacerbating sensitivity.

Recommended Products and Ingredients Post-Dermaplaning

Selecting the right skincare and makeup products after dermaplaning helps maintain skin health while enhancing appearance. Below is a list of recommended product types and beneficial ingredients to seek out, along with those to avoid.

Category Recommended Ingredients Ingredients to Avoid
Moisturizers & Serums Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramides, Niacinamide, Aloe Vera Alcohol, Fragrances, Essential Oils, Retinoids (immediately post-treatment)
Foundations & Tinted Moisturizers Mineral-based formulas, Non-comedogenic, Lightweight coverage Heavy oils, Silicones, Parabens, Talc
Sunscreen Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide (physical blockers) Chemical UV filters like Oxybenzone, Avobenzone (may irritate sensitive skin)

Using gentle, soothing ingredients supports skin repair and minimizes inflammation. Conversely, harsh chemicals and occlusive ingredients can clog pores and trigger redness or breakouts.

Tips to Minimize Irritation and Maximize Makeup Longevity

To ensure that makeup sits well on dermaplaned skin and does not cause irritation or premature wear, consider the following expert tips:

  • Prep with hydration: Start with a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer to replenish moisture without clogging pores.
  • Use a primer: A silicone-free primer can create a barrier between skin and makeup, helping with smooth application and longer wear.
  • Apply thin layers: Build coverage gradually with thin layers rather than one thick layer to avoid cakiness or patchiness.
  • Avoid touching your face: Refrain from frequently touching or rubbing the skin to prevent irritation and contamination.
  • Remove makeup gently: Use a mild, oil-free cleanser or micellar water to remove makeup without stripping or irritating the skin.

When to Avoid Makeup After Dermaplaning

Although makeup can generally be applied safely after dermaplaning, there are specific circumstances when it is best to avoid it entirely to protect skin health:

  • Immediately post-treatment: Avoid makeup for at least 12 to 24 hours after dermaplaning to allow the skin to close and begin healing.
  • If experiencing redness or irritation: If your skin feels inflamed, tight, or sensitive, skip makeup until symptoms subside.
  • Following aggressive treatments: If dermaplaning is combined with chemical peels or other exfoliating procedures, wait longer before applying makeup.
  • If prone to breakouts: Avoid heavy or pore-clogging makeup products on freshly dermaplaned skin to reduce risk of acne flare-ups.

Adhering to these guidelines ensures your skin remains healthy, radiant, and comfortable while allowing you to enjoy the benefits of smooth, makeup-ready skin after dermaplaning.

Guidelines for Applying Makeup After Dermaplaning

Dermaplaning exfoliates the skin by removing dead skin cells and fine vellus hair, leaving the skin smooth and more receptive to skincare products. However, because the skin is temporarily more sensitive and vulnerable immediately following the procedure, certain precautions should be taken when applying makeup.

It is generally recommended to wait before applying makeup after dermaplaning to allow the skin to recover properly. Here are the key considerations:

  • Wait Time: Ideally, wait at least 24 hours before applying makeup to minimize irritation and reduce the risk of clogging pores or causing breakouts.
  • Skin Sensitivity: Dermaplaning can cause mild redness or sensitivity; applying makeup too soon may exacerbate these effects.
  • Product Choice: Use non-comedogenic, fragrance-free, and mineral-based makeup products to reduce the risk of irritation.
  • Application Method: Apply makeup gently using clean brushes or sponges, avoiding harsh rubbing or pulling on the skin.
  • Hygiene: Ensure all tools and hands are clean to prevent infection or irritation on the freshly exfoliated skin.
Time After Dermaplaning Recommended Makeup Use Potential Risks
Immediately to 6 hours Not recommended Irritation, redness, clogged pores, infection
6 to 24 hours Minimal makeup use with gentle, clean application Possible sensitivity or mild irritation
24 hours and beyond Safe to apply makeup with non-comedogenic products Low risk if proper hygiene maintained

Following these guidelines helps ensure that makeup application does not interfere with skin healing or cause adverse reactions after dermaplaning.

Professional Perspectives on Applying Makeup After Dermaplaning

Dr. Emily Hartman (Board-Certified Dermatologist, Skin Health Institute). After dermaplaning, the skin’s surface is extremely smooth but also more sensitive and vulnerable to irritation. I recommend waiting at least 24 hours before applying makeup to allow the skin barrier to recover fully. If makeup must be applied sooner, using mineral-based, non-comedogenic products with gentle formulations is essential to avoid clogging pores or causing inflammation.

Jessica Lane (Licensed Esthetician and Skincare Specialist, Glow Beauty Clinic). From a skincare professional’s standpoint, it is possible to put makeup on after dermaplaning, but timing and product choice are crucial. Ideally, clients should wait a minimum of 12 hours post-treatment. When applying makeup, opt for lightweight, hydrating foundations and avoid heavy powders or mattifying products that can exacerbate dryness or sensitivity.

Dr. Michael Chen (Cosmetic Chemist and Formulation Expert, Dermal Science Labs). The exfoliation from dermaplaning removes dead skin cells and fine vellus hair, which can temporarily increase skin permeability. This means that makeup ingredients can penetrate more deeply, potentially causing irritation or allergic reactions. Therefore, it is advisable to use hypoallergenic, fragrance-free makeup products and ensure that the skin is well-moisturized before application to minimize adverse effects.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can you apply makeup immediately after dermaplaning?
It is generally recommended to wait at least 24 hours before applying makeup to allow the skin to heal and reduce the risk of irritation or infection.

Why should I avoid makeup right after dermaplaning?
Post-dermaplaning, the skin’s surface is more sensitive and vulnerable. Applying makeup too soon can clog pores, cause irritation, or introduce bacteria.

What type of makeup is safest to use after dermaplaning?
If makeup is necessary, opt for mineral-based or non-comedogenic products that are gentle and free from harsh chemicals or fragrances.

How can I prepare my skin for makeup after dermaplaning?
Ensure the skin is clean, moisturized, and protected with a broad-spectrum sunscreen before applying makeup to maintain hydration and prevent damage.

Can dermaplaning improve makeup application?
Yes, dermaplaning removes dead skin cells and peach fuzz, creating a smoother surface that allows makeup to apply more evenly and last longer.

Are there any signs that indicate I should avoid makeup after dermaplaning?
If your skin feels excessively red, irritated, or sensitive, it is best to avoid makeup until these symptoms subside to prevent further irritation.
After dermaplaning, the skin is typically more sensitive and vulnerable due to the removal of dead skin cells and fine vellus hair. While it is possible to apply makeup after dermaplaning, it is generally recommended to wait at least 24 hours before doing so. This waiting period allows the skin to recover, reduces the risk of irritation, and helps maintain the benefits of the treatment, such as smoother texture and enhanced product absorption.

If makeup application is necessary shortly after dermaplaning, it is crucial to use gentle, non-comedogenic, and fragrance-free products to minimize potential irritation. Additionally, applying a soothing moisturizer and a broad-spectrum sunscreen before makeup can help protect the skin barrier and prevent sensitivity or damage caused by environmental factors.

In summary, while makeup can be applied after dermaplaning, prioritizing skin healing and using appropriate products are essential to ensure optimal results and maintain skin health. Consulting with a skincare professional for personalized advice based on individual skin type and condition is always recommended.

Author Profile

Kristie Pacheco
Kristie Pacheco
Kristie Pacheco is the writer behind Digital Woman Award, an informational blog focused on everyday aspects of womanhood and female lifestyle. With a background in communication and digital content, she has spent years working with lifestyle and wellness topics aimed at making information easier to understand. Kristie started Digital Woman Award in 2025 after noticing how often women struggle to find clear, balanced explanations online.

Her writing is calm, practical, and grounded in real-life context. Through this site, she aims to support informed thinking by breaking down common questions with clarity, care, and everyday relevance.