If you just had a MOXI Fractional Laser treatment, it’s totally normal to want to cover any redness quickly, especially if you have plans. The good news is MOXI is designed for minimal downtime, but your skin still needs a short window to calm and reset before you put makeup back on.
Below is The Face Loft aligned guidance on when to wear makeup after MOXI, plus tips to keep your healing smooth and your glow on track.
Quick Answer
Plan to go makeup free for about 24 hours after your MOXI treatment.
If your skin still feels warm, tight, or sandpapery at the 24 hour mark, wait another day and keep things simple until that sensitivity settles.
Why Waiting Matters
MOXI is a non ablative fractional laser, meaning it stimulates collagen and skin renewal without removing the outer layer of skin. You can usually get back to life quickly, but your skin is still in a delicate, freshly treated state right after your session.
Applying makeup too soon can:
- Trap heat and irritation
- Introduce bacteria to sensitized skin
- Increase the chance of breakouts or prolonged redness
What To Expect After MOXI
Most patients notice:
- Mild redness and warmth right after treatment
- A rough, dry, sandpaper like texture for a few days
- Tiny dark specks (often called MENDS) that naturally shed over several days
This is exactly why your makeup timing matters, because you want to support the shedding phase, not interfere with it.
Makeup Timeline After MOXI
0 to 24 hours after treatment
- Skip makeup completely
- Focus on gentle hydration and calming skincare per your provider’s instructions
24 to 48 hours after treatment
- If your skin feels calm (no lingering heat, stinging, or significant irritation), you can usually apply makeup
- Keep it light, breathable, and clean (more guidance below)
Days 3 to 5
- You may still feel texture and see mild shedding
- If you do wear makeup, prioritize skin friendly formulas and avoid heavy layers that emphasize dryness
About 1 week
- Many people feel like their makeup looks normal again once the roughness has fully shed and the glow comes through
How to Apply Makeup Safely After MOXI
When you are cleared to wear makeup (typically after 24 hours), use these best practices:
- Start with a clean base. Use a gentle cleanser and clean hands. Your skin is still recovering.
- Choose mineral, non comedogenic products. Mineral foundations and powders are often better tolerated post laser, especially during the dry or textured phase.
- Avoid irritating ingredients. Skip fragranced products and active makeup or primers that tingle or tighten.
- Use clean tools only. Clean brushes and sponges before your first post treatment application. This is one of the easiest ways to reduce breakout risk.
- Remove makeup thoroughly at night. Gentle cleansing only. No scrubs, no exfoliating tools while you’re still rough or shedding.
Post Treatment Rules That Protect Your Results
Sun protection is non negotiable.
After MOXI, your skin is more UV sensitive. Daily broad spectrum SPF and avoiding direct sun exposure (at least a week) helps protect your investment and reduces the risk of pigmentation issues.
Avoid harsh skincare until fully healed.
Stick with gentle skincare for the first few days and avoid exfoliants and strong actives like retinoids until your skin has healed.
When You Should Wait Longer Than 24 Hours
Hold off on makeup and check in with your provider if you have:
- Significant redness that isn’t improving
- Swelling, tenderness, or a hot feeling that lingers
- Irritated bumps or signs of breakout or infection
- Active flaking you’re tempted to pick (better to let it shed naturally)
Planning Tips (Events, Photos, Weddings)
If you have an event and want makeup to sit flawlessly, schedule MOXI with a buffer. Even though you can usually wear makeup after 24 hours, you may still have texture for a few days. Many patients plan about 7 to 10 days ahead for best makeup days.
Why Choose The Face Loft for MOXI Laser?
At The Face Loft, MOXI is never a one size fits all treatment. You will get a personalized consultation, expert settings tailored to your skin goals, and clear aftercare guidance so you can heal beautifully and get the most from every session.
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Read: What MOXI Fractional Laser Feels Like and How to Prepare Medical Spa in Pittsburgh