How Body Piercings Affect Skincare
Dermatologists work with clients who all want healthy skin. Whether dealing with a short-term skin condition, a long-lasting skin disease that may be hereditary, or skin cancer, healthy skin is a top priority, and dermatologists are the most qualified to help. The healthy skin journey typically includes a habitual skincare routine, which includes moisturizer and sunscreen at minimum. Piercings are trending, whether for the nose, the ears, the lip, or some other body part, and all piercings go through the skin. So many times, clients ask how piercings affect the skin. The main focus of those curious about piercings should be how to treat skin after a piercing and how to help the area heal properly. A properly healed piercing, regardless of its location on the body, will keep skin healthy.
Steps to Follow a Piercing to Keep Skin Healthy
Keeping New Piercings Clean
Immediately following a piercing, individuals should only use saline products around the piercing. Yes, this includes daily cleansers, moisturizers, makeup, and sunscreen. Dermatologists recommend continuing the use of regular products but avoiding the piercing area and leaving space between it and the products. Skipping masks and pore strips in the initial healing is best because those ingredients can be harsh on new piercings. If you must use these products, use scissors to cut holes in the masks or strips for the piercings, and avoid the area. Schedule facials and waxing out a few weeks after a piercing if it will affect the area where you would be getting treatment. An example would be eyebrow threading – doing this immediately after an eyebrow piercing is not recommended. Give skin time to heal and recover.
Consistency is also crucial – it is critical to keep the freshly priced area treated with saline, and this is recommended multiple times a day initially. If you are concerned about daily products, ask a dermatologist. It may be suggested that harsher products be replaced temporarily while the piercing is new and going through the initial stages of healing. Never skip the saline wash that is often provided by the professional doing the piercing. An infected piercing is no fun and can irritate, and the piercing will need to be done again once that skin has healed completely.
Making Piercings Work with Prescribed Skin Products
Prescription topical creams or medications from a dermatologist contain chemicals that will help the skin condition but may be detrimental to a new piercing. It isn’t easy and not necessarily recommended to stop these medications after a piercing, but the area must be avoided. If you have an adverse reaction after a piercing or have questions before getting one, contact your local dermatologist. Oral medications for skin conditions may interfere with the healing of a piercing, so in some cases, a person may be guided to wait to pierce until after the round of medication is complete.
Once a piercing is healed, there are fewer risks, and most products can be resumed without any concerns. However, piercings will get dirty and require regular cleaning to ensure the area does not get infected. Clogged pores around piercings may cause breakouts or irritation. If this occurs, discontinue the product and visit a dermatologist for the best advice moving forward with the new piercing.
When removing and cleaning a piercing, which is considered and should be treated as jewelry, using a small toothbrush or a water pic keeps everything clean and sparkly. Some gems and stones that are used in piercings may dull or be damaged by some skincare products, so remove piercings of pearls and other soft gems before using routine skincare products.
When it comes to getting skin pierced, it is wise to consult with a professional dermatologist because of the potential conflict between current beauty products being used and the location of a piercing. If you are piercing in your belly button, your sunscreen application won’t affect it. On the other hand, a nose piercing is challenging to keep entirely out of the way of one’s necessary skincare protection. Make sure to check with a professional dermatologist if you are planning to get a piercing while on acne or other skincare-prescribed medication. Many people choose piercings to enhance their appearance, and when done by a professional, they are safe and will heal with proper care. If there are ever complications or skin reacts to a piercing, consult your dermatologist immediately. The reaction may be allergic and need to be diagnosed and treated. Don’t leave an infected piercing in your skin.
If you live in Atlanta or the surrounding environs, contact Buckhead Dermatology for an appointment with Dr. Sherrie Straughn. We are accepting new clients. If you have skincare concerns or questions about tattoos and piercings and how they may directly affect your skin, it’s a smart move to maintain your skin’s optimal health.