Can You Wear Makeup After Microdermabrasion?
Microdermabrasion is a very popular skincare procedure that exfoliates your skin extremely gently, revealing a new, glowing complexion. After you have had the procedure, one of the initial questions is: Is it possible to wear makeup after microdermabrasion? This is important because the skin is recovering and sensitive, and knowing when and how to wear makeup after treatment is crucial in order to keep the skin healthy and achieve the best results.
In this article, we’ll answer this question clearly, share expert advice on how to care for your skin after microdermabrasion, and explain the best makeup practices once your skin is ready.
What Happens to Your Skin After Microdermabrasion?
Microdermabrasion works by removing the outer layer of dead skin cells using tiny crystals or a diamond-tipped wand. This process stimulates new skin growth and improves texture, reduces fine lines, and evens out pigmentation. However, since the top protective layer is removed, your skin becomes more delicate and vulnerable immediately after the treatment.
Because of this, many people ask, can you wear makeup after microdermabrasion? The skin’s temporary sensitivity means you have to be cautious about what products you apply and when.
Can You Wear Makeup After Microdermabrasion? Here’s the Truth
The short answer is: don’t apply makeup right after microdermabrasion. Too early applied makeup can clog pores, make your skin inflamed, and even slow down the healing process. Your skin needs some time to calm down and re-establish its protective barrier.
How Long Should You Wait?
Experts generally recommend waiting at least 24 to 48 hours before applying makeup. This window allows redness and sensitivity to decrease and your skin to start healing. During this time, you may notice slight redness, dryness, or mild peeling—signs that your skin is renewing itself. Wearing makeup before this healing phase finishes can cause irritation or infections.
Why Is It Risky to Wear Makeup Immediately After Microdermabrasion?
Many wonder what exactly happens if they don’t wait. When you ask can you wear makeup after microdermabrasion? and rush to put on foundation or powders, you risk the following:
- Redness and stinging: Your skin is more porous and also more sensitive after treatment. Products in cosmetics irritate and inflame.
- Pores blocked and pimples: Freshly exfoliated skin can absorb makeup deeper, leading to dirt and oil trapping.
- Slowed skin healing: Makeup will interfere with the natural healing process of the skin, leading to longer peeling or irregular texture.
- Greater risk of infections: Bacteria on makeup brushes and cosmetic products can find their way into your skin through small open channels created by the treatment.
Knowing these risks justifies the patience required after microdermabrasion.
How to Take Care of Your Skin After Microdermabrasion (And Get Ready to Wear Makeup Again)
If you want to know can you wear makeup after microdermabrasion?, it’s just as important to know how to care for your skin in the meantime. Here’s the best way to care for your skin post-treatment:
Keep Your Skin Hydrated and Moisturized
Your skin will be tight and dry after microdermabrasion because it loses moisture during exfoliation. Use a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer with high concentrations of hydrating agents like hyaluronic acid or glycerin. Moisturizing restores the skin barrier and reduces redness so that your skin becomes receptive to makeup more quickly.
Protect Your Skin from the Sun
Your skin is highly sensitive to UV rays after microdermabrasion. Avoid direct sun exposure as much as possible and always apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30—even on cloudy days. Mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are better because they’re less likely to irritate.
Avoid Harsh Skincare Products
Skip exfoliants like scrubs, retinoids, and acids for at least a week after treatment. These products can over-stimulate your sensitive skin and cause redness or peeling. Stick to gentle cleansers and moisturizing products until your skin fully recovers.
Don’t Touch or Pick Your Skin
Avoid touching, scratching, or peeling your skin while it heals. Doing so can cause micro-tears and lead to infections or scarring.
When Is It Safe to Start Wearing Makeup Again?
So, can you wear makeup after microdermabrasion? The general guideline is to wait at least 24-48 hours. Once your skin feels calm, and any redness or flakiness has lessened, you can slowly reintroduce makeup into your routine.
Best Makeup Practices After Microdermabrasion
Once your skin has healed enough, follow these tips to safely wear makeup without harming your skin or ruining your treatment results:
Use Mineral or Non-Comedogenic Makeup
Choose makeup labeled as non-comedogenic or mineral-based. These formulas are lighter and less likely to clog pores or cause irritation.
Keep Makeup Light and Breathable
Avoid heavy foundations or creams that might suffocate your skin. Instead, opt for tinted moisturizers, BB creams, or lightweight foundations that let your skin breathe.
Clean Your Makeup Tools Regularly
Makeup brushes and sponges can harbor bacteria, which can cause infections on freshly treated skin. Clean your tools frequently with gentle cleansers to keep them hygienic.
Remove Makeup Gently
Use mild, non-irritating makeup removers like micellar water or cleansing oils. Avoid harsh wipes or scrubs that can damage your healing skin.
What Else Should You Avoid After Microdermabrasion?
Besides waiting to wear makeup, there are other important things to avoid during the healing period:
- Avoid swimming pools, hot tubs, and saunas. Chlorine and heat can irritate sensitive skin.
- Skip intense workouts that cause heavy sweating. Sweat can clog pores and irritate your skin.
- Avoid alcohol-based toners or perfumes. These can dry out your skin and cause stinging.
Taking these precautions will help your skin heal faster and make your microdermabrasion results last longer.
Common Questions About Makeup and Microdermabrasion
Will My Skin Peel After Microdermabrasion?
Yes, some peeling or flaking is normal as your skin sheds dead cells. Avoid makeup during this time to prevent irritation.
Can I Use Concealer to Cover Redness?
It’s best to wait until your skin isn’t overly sensitive before using concealer. If necessary, mineral-based concealers are gentler options that minimize irritation.
Why Knowing “Can You Wear Makeup After Microdermabrasion?” Matters
The question can you wear makeup after microdermabrasion? is important because it helps you avoid common mistakes that could ruin your skin’s healing process. By giving your skin enough time to recover and choosing gentle products, you ensure the treatment’s benefits shine through with a clear, radiant complexion.
Final Thoughts: When Can You Safely Wear Makeup After Microdermabrasion?
To wrap it up: can you wear makeup after microdermabrasion? Yes, but timing is everything. Wait 24 to 48 hours, focus on gentle skincare, hydration, and sun protection first. Once your skin calms down, use lightweight, non-comedogenic makeup and clean tools.
Patience and proper aftercare are key to enjoying smooth, glowing skin and making the most out of your microdermabrasion session.
If you have specific concerns about your skin or makeup products, consult with a skincare professional who can guide you based on your skin type and treatment details.
Ready to Let Your Skin Breathe and Glow Again?
Your skin deserves a moment to reset, and there’s no better way to do it than with a personalized treatment that leaves your complexion feeling smooth, renewed, and radiant. Whether it’s your first time or you’re a skincare enthusiast, microdermabrasion in Chicago offers a safe and effective solution to refresh dull skin, reduce imperfections, and bring out your natural glow.
If you’ve been wondering how soon you can get back to your beauty routine—especially when it comes to makeup—now you know the answer is simple: take it slow, treat your skin with care, and give it what it needs to recover fully.
Looking for a place where expert hands and advanced skincare come together? It’s time to book your next facial Chicago style. With the right aftercare and the right professionals, your skin will thank you—and your mirror will show it.
Give your glow-up the treatment it deserves. Book today, and let your skin shine on your terms.

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