Pico toning aftercare: when can I wash my face and wear makeup, and what should I avoid?

The key to pico toning aftercare is moisturizing, sun protection, and taking about a week off from products and treatments that irritate the skin. Pico toning has relatively short downtime, so you can wash your face and wear makeup on the day of treatment, but irritating skin that has become sensitive after the laser can prolong redness or cause pigmentation.

How much downtime does pico toning involve?

Pico toning sends low energy evenly across the entire skin, so it often leaves no visible wounds, and the slight redness and burning sensation right after treatment usually settle within a few hours.

Areas with dark pigment may look slightly darker or develop very thin scabs for a few days after treatment, but most fall off on their own within a week. If your skin is sensitive or prone to flushing, redness may last a day or two longer.

Pico toning aftercare: what to follow for a week

At our Suwon clinic, you can wash your face and wear makeup on the day of PicoSure toning, and we advise avoiding scrub products and peeling treatments for about a week.

• Your skin can easily become dry, so apply moisturizer often.
• Apply sunscreen thoroughly when going outside, and reapply if you are outdoors for a long time.
• Do not use anti-wrinkle cosmetics containing retinol or functional whitening cosmetics.
• Avoid heavy drinking, saunas, jjimjilbang, hot baths, and strenuous exercise.
• If scabs form, do not pick them off; let them fall off on their own.

When to contact us during pico toning aftercare

Please contact the clinic if redness and burning get worse over several days, if blisters or oozing develop, or if you see blotchy darkened areas or spots that have turned white.

Toning is a treatment continued over multiple sessions at 1- to 2-week intervals, so if you got a suntan or received other laser treatments or peels between sessions, you must let us know before your next treatment. Please also tell us in advance if you are taking medication that makes you sensitive to light.

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See PicoSure toning treatment details

FAQ

Q. Can I wear makeup right after pico toning?

A. With pico toning, you can wash your face and wear makeup from the day of treatment. However, since your skin is sensitive, use low-irritation products, do not rub hard, and it is best to avoid exfoliating products and scrubs for about a week.

Q. Can I exercise during pico toning downtime?

A. Light exercise from the next day puts little strain on the skin, but it is best to avoid exercise that makes you sweat heavily and heats up your face, as well as saunas, until the redness subsides. If a burning sensation remains, rest for another day or two.

Q. Can I use a soothing mask as part of pico toning aftercare?

A. A moisturizing soothing mask with few irritating ingredients may help reduce dryness and warmth. Avoid masks containing exfoliating or functional whitening ingredients for about a week, and if a mask stings when applied, wash it off right away.