Unveiling the Truth: Exercising After Microblading Touch Up
Microblading is a semi-permanent cosmetic procedure that has become increasingly popular for achieving fuller, well-defined eyebrows. It involves using a fine blade to deposit pigment into the skin to create hair-like strokes. While the results are typically natural and long-lasting, proper care post-procedure is crucial for ensuring the best results. One common question that arises after microblading, especially after a touch-up session, is whether it is safe to exercise.
Exercising after a microblading touch-up requires some caution, as activities that involve sweating, increased heart rate, and excessive movement can interfere with the healing process. In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about exercising post-microblading, including when you can safely resume your workouts and how to prevent any complications.
Understanding Microblading and the Healing Process
Before we dive into exercising after your touch-up, it’s important to understand the microblading healing process. After your initial procedure or touch-up, your skin will go through several healing stages:
- Day 1-3: Immediately after the procedure, your brows may appear darker and more intense than expected. There may be some redness and swelling.
- Day 4-7: Scabbing may form as the pigment settles into your skin. It is essential to avoid picking or scratching at the scabs during this time.
- Day 7-14: The scabs will begin to flake off. The color may lighten slightly as the healing continues.
- Day 14-30: By this point, your brows will look much more natural, though some residual healing is still occurring underneath the surface.
During this healing period, it’s essential to follow aftercare instructions carefully to avoid complications such as infection, pigment fading, or uneven healing. Exercising too soon can disrupt the healing process, leading to subpar results.
Can You Exercise After a Microblading Touch-Up?
The short answer is yes, but with certain precautions. While it is safe to resume exercising after microblading, you must wait for the right time to avoid irritating your brows and risking potential damage to the delicate skin.
When Can You Resume Exercising After a Microblading Touch-Up?
As a general rule, it’s advisable to wait at least 7-10 days before engaging in vigorous physical activity. This gives your skin enough time to heal and reduces the risk of complications. Here’s a breakdown of when you can start different types of exercise:
- Light Exercise (Walking, Yoga): After 3-4 days, you can resume light exercises like walking or gentle yoga. These activities do not produce excessive sweat and should not interfere with the healing process.
- Moderate Exercise (Cycling, Jogging): You can begin moderate exercise 7 days post-touch-up. However, it is essential to avoid any exercise that might cause your body to sweat excessively.
- Intense Exercise (HIIT, Weightlifting, Running): It’s best to wait 10-14 days before resuming high-intensity workouts. Sweat can increase the risk of infection and may affect the pigment settling into the skin, leading to uneven or faded results.
Why Waiting is Important
Excessive sweat can introduce bacteria into the microbladed area, increasing the risk of infection. Additionally, sweat may cause the pigment to fade more quickly or result in uneven healing. Avoiding excessive moisture in the brow area is essential for maintaining the integrity of your new look.
Furthermore, the movement from high-impact exercises can disrupt the scabbing process, causing the scabs to lift prematurely. This may result in patchy or incomplete healing, which can affect the final appearance of your brows.
What Type of Exercise Should You Avoid Immediately After a Microblading Touch-Up?
For at least 7-10 days after your microblading touch-up, avoid exercises or activities that involve:
- Intense sweating: Activities like running, cycling, HIIT, or hot yoga can cause excessive sweating, which should be avoided.
- Facial sweating: Be mindful of exercises that involve close contact with your face, such as swimming or hot tubs. Chlorine and saltwater can irritate the healing area.
- Excessive face movement: Exercises involving a lot of facial movement, such as boxing or weightlifting, should be avoided until your brows are fully healed.
Step-by-Step Guide for Exercising After Microblading
Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to help you navigate exercising after your microblading touch-up:
- Step 1: Wait for the Healing Period to Pass
The first and most crucial step is to ensure that your brows are sufficiently healed. As mentioned earlier, wait 7-10 days before engaging in high-intensity exercise. - Step 2: Keep Your Brows Dry
During your workout, make sure to avoid getting your brows wet. This includes not only sweat but also water from showers or swimming. - Step 3: Use a Sweatband or Hat
If you decide to exercise before your brows are fully healed, wearing a sweatband or a hat can help absorb sweat and keep it from reaching your brows. - Step 4: Avoid Touching Your Brows
Avoid touching or wiping your brows during or after exercise to prevent introducing bacteria to the area. - Step 5: Clean Your Brows Gently
After exercising, clean your brows gently with a mild cleanser or as recommended by your technician. Avoid scrubbing or using harsh exfoliants.
Potential Issues and Troubleshooting Tips
While exercising after a touch-up is generally safe, there are a few potential issues you should be aware of:
- Swelling and Redness: If you notice any unusual swelling or redness around your brows after exercise, it could indicate irritation. In such cases, apply a cold compress and give your skin time to rest.
- Infection Risk: Excessive sweating can introduce bacteria to your brows, leading to infection. If you notice signs of infection, such as pus, increased redness, or pain, contact your technician or healthcare provider immediately.
- Fading or Uneven Healing: If you exercise too soon, you may notice that your brows heal unevenly or fade prematurely. Ensure you follow the aftercare instructions to prevent this.
Aftercare and Long-Term Maintenance
Once your microblading has healed, it’s essential to continue following good eyebrow maintenance practices to keep your brows looking their best. This includes regular touch-ups (usually every 12-18 months), avoiding excessive sun exposure, and using gentle skincare products that won’t irritate the microbladed area.
Conclusion: Stay Patient for Optimal Results
Exercising after a microblading touch-up requires patience and careful consideration. Although you can resume light exercise relatively soon after the procedure, it’s important to avoid intense workouts for at least 7-10 days to give your brows time to heal properly. By following aftercare instructions and listening to your body, you can enjoy beautiful, long-lasting results without compromising your microblading experience.
If you’re unsure about when to return to your workout routine, consult your microblading technician for personalized advice. They can guide you based on your specific healing process. Remember, healing is a gradual process, and taking care of your brows during this time will ensure that you enjoy flawless results for months to come.
For more tips on microblading aftercare, check out this comprehensive aftercare guide.
Want to learn more about the microblading process? Visit this helpful resource.
This article is in the category Myths & Facts and created by BodyTraining Team