Why Can't I Apply Makeup After a TCA Peel?

All skin resurfacing is based on the principal that we remove a variable thickness of the skin surface hoping that once the exposed deeper layer is healed it would be smoother, tighter and free of pigmentation.

As an aside, injecting pigment deep into the skin results in permanent pigmentation. Tattooing can be intentional (the kind people do as personal decoration) or traumatic (as is seen in explosions or accident when powder or dirt are driven deep into the skin)).

As the skin is raw and healing after resurfacing, the LAST thing you want to do is apply a pigment (makeup etc) which may then be trapped and permanently tattoo that area. In addition, makeup is not sterile and placing potentially contaminated pigment on a raw wound make cause an infection.

I would strongly advise you NOT to apply anything except moisturizing cream to your face until the skin is healed and its protective keratin shield is up. The period of vulnerability varies with the depth of resurfacing and I would check with your doctor.

Dr. Peter Aldea

Of course, I always defer to your treating dermatologist on specific advice. There can be wide variation on post peel protocols. There is a big difference between a 10% and a 35% TCA as well. In general, makeup can pose an infection risk and should be avoided for a week with medium and heavy peels and 2-3 days after light peels.