Can You Wear Makeup After Laser Hair Removal?

To achieve glass-like smooth skin, you have to get rid of the unwanted hair that proves to be a flaw in your flawless skin. Every transient method of hair removal, like shaving, waxing, and threading, needs continuous repetitions associated with side effects like pain, inflammation, and infections. 

Therefore, women go for laser hair removal to get rid of unwanted hair for good. However, you must also follow a precise skincare routine post-laser to ensure that you suffer from little to no side effects. You must have heard that you must avoid makeup for a certain amount of time after laser hair removal. 

Thus, let us learn “Can you wear makeup after laser hair removal” in this article. 

Table of Contents:

• Part 1: Immediate Aftercare for Laser Hair Removal
• Part 2: Can I Wear Makeup After Laser Hair Removal?
• Part 3: How Long Can You Wear Makeup After Laser Hair Removal?
• Part 4: Post Laser Hair Removal Skincare Routine

Part 1: Immediate Aftercare for Laser Hair Removal

As soon as you finish your laser hair removal session, you will experience mild pain or discomfort, redness, inflammation, and occasionally itching in the treatment area. This is because of the effects of heat and radiation on the skin. Therefore, here is how to take care of your skin in the first 24-48 hours after laser hair removal to recover from the immediate side effects, 

• Take a clean wash towel and wrap 1 cube of ice in it. Gently rub this cold compress on the treated area to reduce redness and swelling. 
• Wear soft and loose clothes. 
• Use a fragrance-free lightweight body and facial lotion on the skin to moisturize it and boost healing. 
• Apply the antibiotic/anesthetic ointment prescribed by your laser hair removal provider. 
• Use cool water and gentle body wash if you plan to wash the treatment area. 
• Do not take a steam or hot water bath. 
• Do not go swimming. 
• Protect your skin from sun and tanning. 

Part 2: Can I Wear Makeup After Laser Hair Removal?

Of course, you can wear makeup after laser hair removal. Many women want to wear makeup after laser hair removal to mask the redness caused by the laser. 

However, the safety of wearing makeup immediately after your laser hair removal is under question. This is because the skin is sensitive after laser hair removal, and makeup contains chemicals that can add to this sensitivity.

Here are some potential risk factors associated with wearing makeup too soon after laser hair removal,

• Transmission of infection from makeup products to the open pores of the skin 
• Slowing down the healing process of  the skin 
• Allergic reactions caused by ingredients of makeup products 
• Aggravation of skin redness, inflammation, and  itching  
• Clogging of the open pores by large makeup molecules 

Therefore, You need to give your skin enough time to heal, your pores to close, and your skin swelling to reduce. Also, your skin type and condition play a role in determining how soon after laser hair removal you can wear makeup.

Part 3: How Long Can You Wear Makeup After Laser Hair Removal?

As we have answered “Can I wear makeup after facial hair removal?” Let us move to the question of when it is allowed to wear makeup.

General Guidelines for Wearing Makeup After Laser Hair Removal 

In general, it is recommended to avoid wearing makeup products for 12 to 24 hours after laser hair removal. This period is like the golden period for laser hair removal aftercare as the skin recovers from the aftereffects of laser hair removal. 

Thus, if you get your laser hair removed at night,  you can wear makeup the next day.

Factors that Influence the Timeline of Wearing Makeup After the Procedure 

The timeline we mentioned above is the general duration for avoiding makeup. However, the exact timeline depends upon the factors given below,

• Your skin type as people with dry and sensitive skin need to wait more before applying makeup
• Your skin barrier because damaged barrier takes a longer time to heal
• The intensity of aftereffects of laser on the skin 
• Presence of any wound or blister on the skin 

Choosing the Right Makeup Products to Wear 

Even though you can wear makeup 12 hours after laser hair removal, it is better to start with the products that are least likely to irritate your skin. Thus, go for clean and minimalist looks using natural makeup products and avoid harsh makeup with chemicals. 

Part 4: Post Laser Hair Removal Skincare Routine 

Doing proper skincare after a laser hair removal session fastens up the healing process of the skin. Thus, you can wear makeup as soon as possible. Therefore, here are the basic steps of skincare after laser hair removal.

Cleansing of the Skin

Although unnecessary, you might want to cleanse your skin after laser hair removal. It is also better to wash the treatment area if you sweat during your journey from the clinic. 

For this, use room temperature or cool water with a mild cleanser. 

Moisturization 

Do you wonder, “Can I wear lotion after laser hair removal?” Well, let us inform you that it is essential to wear a skin moisturizer after your treatment. Moisturizers help the skin calm down and heal.

It is recommended to use moisturizers with ingredients like aloe vera, ceramides, glycerine, hyaluronic acid, and shea butter. The formula should also be quick-absorbing and fragrance-free. 

Sunscreen Application 

In addition to moisturization, protection of the skin from the sun is important. If you get your laser hair removal treatment at night, you can give it some rest. In the morning, either stay indoors where no UV rays have access or wear a liberal amount of sunscreen. 

Incorporation of makeup

Once your pores are closed, there is no discomfort, and redness is gone, you can wear makeup. So, here are  some steps to incorporate makeup into your routine post-laser,

• Use clean makeup brushes and gentle makeup products for the first time in a minimal amount  
• Gradually increase the amount of makeup you use
• Avoid makeup that clogs the pores for a few days 
• Finally, use the makeup you wear in normal routine

Conclusion 

One of the main steps of post-care laser hair removal is avoiding wearing makeup for the first day after laser treatment because of the association of makeup with skin irritation and delayed healing.

After 24 hours, you can gradually bring your makeup into a routine and wear it as you want. Furthermore, do not forget to follow the other steps of post-care hair removal while focusing on your makeup, as skincare will help you heal sooner.