Post-Resurfacing Makeup Tips from Top Derm Nurse Practitioner
KarriAnn Khalil FNP, Nurse Practitioner at the AVA MD dermatology practice in Beverly Hills and a co-founder of the tech-based med-spas SKIN FIVE answers the most pressing questions about foundation application after getting a peel, laser surfacing or injectables.Photo by Michele Mattei.
Non-ablative cosmetic dermatology treatments like laser resurfacing, micro-needling and injections are more popular than ever as we tentatively emerge from lockdown (or in some cases, go back in.)
Says our friend KarriAnn Kahlil, FNP, who knows everything there is to know about skin rejuvenation procedures, “The beauty of so much of our technology these days is that there is little to no down time. But, post-procedure, we still have to be aware that skin may be slightly more fragile than normal for a few days and is certainly more photosensitive to the sun. (Full disclosure: I’m always going to slip in the sunscreen message wherever I can.).”
KarriAnn emphasizes that this means extra TLC when it comes to foundation application while your skin is on the mend.
1. Listen to your practitioner
“My advice here is what we give our patients in our practice whether the procedure was one by one of our dermatologists, nurses or licensed aestheticians,” says KarriAnn. “But first and foremost you’ll want to listen to the person who performs your own treatment or procedure as far as what foundation to use and when to use it.”
2. Mineral Air in the picture
The parameters that KarriAnn and her colleagues use for suitable post-procedure foundation formulas are:
- no fragrance
- sterile spray or misted application
- non-occlusive (i.e. won’t block pores)
“The main thing we medical skin professionals do not want to see post-treatment is any kind of touching or rubbing of the face – and this includes fingers, brushes or sponges – which makes most foundations a no-go right away. But Mineral Air’s touchless, misted application makes it absolutely perfect in my book.”
3. Gauge your timing by the treatment
Your practitioner will doubtless be giving you aftercare instructions. When you can start applying makeup post-procedure will depend on what you have done:
- Strong treatments that break the skin (Fraxel laser, RessurFX laser, traditional microneedling) – wait overnight before foundation application.
- Strong treatments that temporarily impair the skin (Clear + Brilliant laser, strong chemical peels) – wait overnight before foundation application if skin is intact or until post-chemical peel flaking is finished.
- Milder treatments that do not break the skin (IPL facial, HydraFacial, Vivace microneedling with radiofrequency) – wait at least 6 hours before foundation application
- Filler injections (Restylane, Juvéderm, RHA) – wait at least 6 hours before foundation application.
- Neuromodulator wrinkle relaxer injections (Botox, Dysport, Jeuveau, Xeomin) – wait overnight before foundation application.
- Lighter treatments (Laser Genesis, Pellevé radiofrequency, Ulthera ultrasound) – you are free to apply foundation immediately afterwards.
“No matter what,” emphasizes KarriAnn Khalil, “Keep your hands off your face. Touching can trigger bacterial infection and also interfere with the internal healing process of even the most sophisticated rejuvenating procedure. Plus, if you press or touch the sites where we’ve injected neuromodulators, there is even a slight risk that the product will migrate.”
What’s the difference?
Mineral Air offers two device-plus-formula categories, one for makeup, the other for skincare.
Mineral Air original (MA) includes its AirMist Device, an easy to use, everyday consumer tool that rivals professional airbrushing in its cosmetic application of our eponymous foundation, blush, or bronzer.
Mineral Air Skin (MAS) features the Renewal Serum System with its ElixerMist Device for lightweight vaporized delivery.
“The main thing that we medical skin professionals do not want to see post-treatment is any kind of touching or rubbing of the face – and this includes fingers, brushes or sponges – which makes most foundations a no-go right away. But Mineral Air’s touchless, misted application makes it absolutely perfect in my book.”
KarriAnn Khalil, FNP
Dermatology Nurse Practitioner
W skinfive.com
IG @skinsistersbeverlyhills
