Can You Wear Makeup Right After Dermaplaning?

AvatarByKristie Pacheco Makeup & Cosmetics

Dermaplaning has surged in popularity as a skincare treatment that promises smoother, brighter skin by gently exfoliating dead skin cells and removing fine facial hair. For many, it’s a quick and effective way to refresh their complexion and enhance the absorption of skincare products. But once you’ve experienced the immediate glow of dermaplaning, a common question arises: can you wear makeup after dermaplaning?

Understanding how dermaplaning affects your skin’s surface is key to answering this question. Since the procedure removes the top layer of dead skin and peach fuzz, your skin may be more sensitive and vulnerable right afterward. This sensitivity can influence how your skin reacts to makeup products applied post-treatment. Many wonder about the ideal timing and types of makeup that are safe to use without compromising the benefits of dermaplaning or irritating the skin.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the best practices for wearing makeup after dermaplaning, including when to apply it, what ingredients to look for or avoid, and tips to maintain your skin’s health and radiance. Whether you’re a makeup enthusiast or new to dermaplaning, this guide will help you navigate post-treatment skincare and makeup application with confidence.

When to Apply Makeup After Dermaplaning

After a dermaplaning session, the skin’s surface is freshly exfoliated, making it more sensitive and vulnerable to irritation. It is generally advised to wait before applying makeup to allow the skin to recover fully. Dermatologists commonly recommend waiting at least 24 hours before applying any makeup products. This waiting period helps reduce the risk of clogged pores, irritation, or allergic reactions caused by makeup ingredients penetrating the newly exposed skin layers.

If you must wear makeup shortly after dermaplaning, opt for minimal, non-comedogenic, and fragrance-free products to minimize potential irritation. Always ensure your makeup tools and brushes are thoroughly sanitized to prevent bacterial contamination.

Best Practices for Makeup Application Post-Dermaplaning

When resuming makeup after dermaplaning, follow these expert guidelines to protect and maintain your skin’s health:

  • Patch Test New Products: Test any new makeup product on a small skin area to check for adverse reactions.
  • Choose Lightweight Formulas: Use mineral-based or water-based foundations as they are less likely to clog pores or irritate sensitive skin.
  • Avoid Heavy Layers: Apply thin layers of makeup to avoid suffocating the skin and exacerbating sensitivity.
  • Use Gentle Application Techniques: Patting or dabbing makeup on instead of rubbing helps prevent irritation.
  • Prioritize Hydration: Apply a soothing, hydrating primer or moisturizer before makeup to protect the skin barrier.

Potential Risks of Applying Makeup Immediately After Dermaplaning

Applying makeup too soon after dermaplaning can expose your skin to several risks, including:

  • Increased Irritation: The skin’s protective barrier is compromised, making it more prone to redness, itching, or burning sensations.
  • Breakouts and Clogged Pores: Freshly exfoliated skin can trap makeup particles and oils, leading to acne or folliculitis.
  • Allergic Reactions: Ingredients in makeup may penetrate deeper and cause inflammation or allergic responses.
  • Infection Risk: Open microchannels created by dermaplaning increase vulnerability to bacterial infections if makeup or tools are not sterile.

Recommended Makeup Products After Dermaplaning

To minimize adverse effects, select makeup products that support skin healing and maintain its balance. Below is a table outlining recommended types of makeup products and key features to look for:

Makeup Product Recommended Features Why It’s Suitable
Foundation Mineral-based, non-comedogenic, SPF included Provides coverage without clogging pores; added sun protection is beneficial
Concealer Lightweight, fragrance-free, hypoallergenic Targets blemishes gently without irritating sensitive skin
Blush and Bronzer Powder form, natural pigments, non-irritating Allows for gentle application and reduces the risk of pore blockage
Eye Makeup Hypoallergenic, ophthalmologist-tested Protects delicate eye area from irritation or allergic response
Lip Products Hydrating formulas, natural ingredients Maintains lip moisture and prevents dryness or irritation

Skincare Tips to Follow Before Applying Makeup

Prior to makeup application post-dermaplaning, reinforce your skin’s natural barrier and soothe sensitivity by:

  • Cleansing the skin gently with a mild, fragrance-free cleanser.
  • Applying an alcohol-free, hydrating toner to balance pH.
  • Using a nourishing serum or moisturizer designed for sensitive skin.
  • Incorporating sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to protect against UV damage.
  • Avoiding exfoliating or harsh active ingredients like retinoids and acids for at least 48 hours.

By following these steps, you can safely enjoy makeup after dermaplaning while maintaining the benefits of this exfoliating treatment.

Wearing Makeup After Dermaplaning: Timing and Best Practices

Dermaplaning exfoliates the skin by removing dead skin cells and fine vellus hair, resulting in a smoother and more radiant complexion. However, this process temporarily compromises the skin’s natural barrier, making it more sensitive and vulnerable. Understanding when and how to wear makeup after dermaplaning is crucial for maintaining skin health and achieving the desired aesthetic results.

Optimal Timing for Makeup Application

It is generally recommended to wait at least 24 hours before applying makeup after dermaplaning. This waiting period allows the skin to recover and reduces the risk of irritation, clogged pores, or infection. The immediate post-dermaplaning skin is more permeable, and makeup products applied too soon can cause adverse reactions, including redness, inflammation, or breakouts.

Key Reasons to Delay Makeup Use:

  • Skin Sensitivity: Dermaplaning creates micro-abrasions that need time to heal.
  • Product Absorption: Enhanced absorption can lead to increased irritation from makeup ingredients.
  • Infection Risk: Open skin is more susceptible to bacteria present in makeup applicators.

For individuals who must wear makeup sooner, such as for professional or social commitments, using minimal and non-comedogenic products can mitigate potential issues, but caution is still advised.

Choosing Makeup Products Post-Dermaplaning

After the initial 24-hour period, selecting the right makeup products is essential to protect the skin and prolong the benefits of dermaplaning. Consider the following guidelines:

  • Use Mineral-Based Makeup: Mineral formulations are less likely to irritate sensitive skin and often contain soothing ingredients like zinc oxide.
  • Avoid Heavy or Oil-Based Foundations: These can clog pores and exacerbate sensitivity during skin recovery.
  • Choose Non-Comedogenic and Hypoallergenic Products: Reduce the risk of breakouts and allergic reactions.
  • Incorporate Hydrating Primers: Primers with ingredients such as hyaluronic acid can provide a protective barrier and improve makeup adherence without irritation.
  • Steer Clear of Alcohol-Based or Fragrance-Heavy Products: Such ingredients can dry out or inflame freshly treated skin.
Makeup Category Recommended Features Features to Avoid
Foundation Mineral-based, lightweight, non-comedogenic Heavy, oil-based, comedogenic
Primer Hydrating, silicone-based or water-based without irritants Alcohol-based, fragranced, mattifying with drying agents
Powders Loose mineral powders, finely milled Heavy, chalky, or with talc overload
Blush & Bronzer Cream or liquid formulas with soothing ingredients Powder formulas with harsh pigments

Application Tips for Post-Dermaplaning Makeup

  • Apply Lightly: Use gentle, patting motions rather than rubbing or dragging the skin.
  • Clean Tools Thoroughly: Ensure brushes and sponges are sanitized to prevent bacterial contamination.
  • Limit Layers: Avoid heavy layering to prevent pore blockage and skin irritation.
  • Remove Makeup Gently: Use mild, non-abrasive cleansers to avoid disrupting the healing skin barrier.

Expert Perspectives on Wearing Makeup After Dermaplaning

Dr. Emily Carter (Board-Certified Dermatologist, SkinHealth Clinic). After dermaplaning, the skin’s surface is extremely smooth but also temporarily more sensitive and vulnerable. I recommend waiting at least 24 hours before applying makeup to allow the skin barrier to recover and reduce the risk of irritation or clogged pores.

Jessica Nguyen (Licensed Esthetician and Skincare Specialist, Glow Aesthetics). While dermaplaning creates an ideal canvas for makeup, applying products immediately after the treatment can cause inflammation or breakouts. It’s best to use gentle, hydrating skincare post-dermaplaning and delay makeup application until the skin has calmed, usually after one day.

Dr. Marcus Lee (Cosmetic Dermatology Researcher, University of Dermatological Sciences). The removal of dead skin cells and vellus hair during dermaplaning enhances product absorption, but this also means makeup ingredients can penetrate more deeply and potentially irritate the skin. To minimize adverse reactions, I advise avoiding makeup for at least 12 to 24 hours following the procedure.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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

Why should I avoid makeup right after dermaplaning?
Post-dermaplaning, the skin is more sensitive and has micro-abrasions, making it vulnerable to irritation, clogged pores, and potential breakouts if makeup is applied too soon.

What type of makeup is safe to use after dermaplaning?
Once the skin has healed, non-comedogenic, fragrance-free, and mineral-based makeup products are preferable to minimize irritation and maintain skin health.

How long does the skin take to heal after dermaplaning?
Typically, the skin requires 24 to 48 hours to heal sufficiently before makeup application, though this can vary depending on individual skin sensitivity.

Can makeup cause breakouts after dermaplaning?
Yes, applying heavy or pore-clogging makeup immediately after dermaplaning can lead to breakouts due to increased skin sensitivity and open follicles.

What skincare steps should I follow before wearing makeup post-dermaplaning?
Cleanse gently, apply a soothing moisturizer, and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen before makeup to protect and prepare the skin effectively.
After dermaplaning, it is generally recommended to wait before applying makeup to allow the skin to recover and reduce the risk of irritation or infection. The procedure exfoliates the skin by removing dead skin cells and fine vellus hair, leaving the skin more sensitive and vulnerable immediately afterward. Waiting at least 24 hours before applying makeup helps ensure that the skin barrier has time to heal and minimizes potential adverse reactions.

When makeup is applied too soon after dermaplaning, there is an increased chance of clogged pores, redness, and irritation due to the freshly exfoliated skin being more permeable. Using gentle, non-comedogenic, and fragrance-free makeup products can further help protect the skin during the healing process. Additionally, maintaining a proper skincare routine with soothing and hydrating products post-dermaplaning can enhance skin recovery and improve overall results.

In summary, while makeup can be worn after dermaplaning, timing and product choice are crucial to maintaining skin health. Allowing adequate healing time and selecting appropriate makeup formulations will help maximize the benefits of dermaplaning while minimizing potential complications. Consulting with a skincare professional can provide personalized recommendations based on individual skin type and sensitivity.

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.