When Can You Wear Makeup After Fillers or Lasers?

By Mona Entezari, Aesthetic PA-C

In this helpful video, Mona Entezari, PA-C breaks down one of the most frequently asked post-treatment questions: When is it safe to wear makeup again? The answer depends on what kind of treatment you’ve had—and in some cases, applying makeup too soon can affect your healing, increase your risk of infection, or even interfere with your results. Mona walks through each procedure category so you can feel confident about when to reach for your foundation (and when to give your skin a break).

Makeup After Injectables (Botox, Fillers, Biostimulators)

For treatments like neurotoxins (think BOTOX and Dysport), dermal fillers, and biostimulators (like Sculptra or Radiesse), Mona recommends waiting at least 24 hours before applying makeup. While neuromodulators like Botox and Dysport have a lower risk, fillers and biostimulators involve small punctures that need time to close and settle. Applying makeup too soon can introduce bacteria into the skin, disrupt placement, and potentially trigger complications like biofilm formation—a rare but serious risk when bacteria interact with injectable products.

💡 Pro tip: Use your makeup-free day as a chance to deep-clean your brushes and applicators!

Makeup After Laser Treatments (HALO, ProFractional)

If you've had laser treatments like HALO or ProFractional laser, Mona recommends waiting 5 to 7 days, or until your skin is fully healed. Because these procedures intentionally create controlled damage to the skin’s surface, makeup can clog healing pores, prolong recovery, or cause pigment changes and infection. Always check with your provider before applying anything post-laser.

Makeup After Sofwave

Good news—if you’ve had Sofwave, you're usually cleared to wear makeup right away. Because Sofwave uses ultrasound energy and doesn’t break the skin or cause wounds, it’s considered one of the few treatments where immediate makeup application is safe. So if you’re headed to dinner or back to the office, feel free to freshen up.

Makeup After Facials, Peels, or Microneedling

After lighter treatments like chemical peels, facials, or microneedling, it’s best to wait at least 24 hours—especially if there’s any redness, swelling, or skin sensitivity. Broken or freshly exfoliated skin can be more reactive and prone to irritation, so give your face a little downtime before applying makeup. When in doubt, always ask your provider.

Bottom Line:

If your skin is red, swollen, punctured, or peeling—it’s better to hold off. Rushing to apply makeup too soon can interfere with your results and increase your risk of irritation or infection. When in doubt, check with your provider. Your skin (and your outcome) will thank you.

Need guidance on post-treatment care or ready to book your next appointment?

Watch Mona’s full video for expert tips—or contact our office for personalized recommendations and support.

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