Dermat Shares What To Apply On Face After Bleaching

Facial bleaching is an instant method of lightening facial hair and enhancing the tone of your complexion, but it has the potential to unbalance your skin's pH and protective barrier temporarily. The chemicals used in bleach is primarily hydrogen peroxide which can sensitise the skin, make it dry or mildly inflamed if not treated with gentle after-care. Therefore, what you put on the skin at once after the bleaching is important in avoiding irritation and enabling recovery.

In an exclusive interaction with the editorial team of Onlymyhealth, our expert, Dr Kriti Lohia, CEO & Consultant Dermatologist, MBBS, DDVL, DABRM,  Aesthetics Redefined by Cocoona Clinic - Gurgaon, shared a dermatologist-approved guide on how your skin should be after a bleaching session.

What To Apply On Face After Bleaching

According to Dr Lohia, your after-care of applying bleach on your face should consist of the following steps:

1. Cool the Skin with Cold Water or Compress

Immediately after wiping away the bleach, splash your face with cool water to take off any remaining product and soothe the skin. Don't use hot or warm water, since heat can cause redness and heightened sensitivity. If the skin is a little irritated, you can put a clean cold compress on the face for a couple of minutes.

Also Read: Dermat Shares What To Apply Right After You Scrub Your Face To Restore Moisture

2. Apply a Mild, Alcohol-Free Toner

The pH level of the skin of face can get out of balance after bleaching, so Dr Lohia insisted on using a gentle, alcohol-free toner to restore it. “Try ingredients such as rose water, cucumber extract, or aloe-based toners. Steer clear of anything harsh, scented, or exfoliating, like toners that contain witch hazel, glycolic acid, or salicylic acid,” she recommended.

3. Use a Soothing Gel or Serum

To relieve redness or tightness, opt for a soothing product containing calming ingredients. Some good choices are:

• Aloe vera gel (fragrance-free)
• Chamomile extract
• Niacinamide serum (2–5%)
• Panthenol (Vitamin B5)

“These products alleviate inflammation, moisturise the skin, and fortify the barrier without clogging pores,” Dr Lohia said.

4. Seal In Moisture with a Gentle, Hydrating Cream

The skin will feel dry or stripped after bleaching, so moisturising is a must. Use a light, non-comedogenic cream or gel-based moisturizer. Look for ingredients like:

• Hyaluronic acid
• Ceramides
• Glycerin
• Squalane

Avoid using moisturisers containing fragrances, essential oils, retinoids, AHAs, BHAs, or vitamin C right after bleaching, since they might initiate stinging or peeling.

Also Read: Are Your Hair Ties Causing Breakage? Expert Shares Risks and Prevention Tips

5. Apply a Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen (If Bleaching During the Day)

Bleaching increases photosensitivity, so applying sunscreen is non-negotiable if you’re stepping outside. Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher with physical filters like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which are gentler on reactive skin. Avoid tinted or chemical sunscreens right after bleaching.

6. Avoid Makeup for 12 to 24 Hours

Foundation, concealer, and powders can irritate freshly treated skin. Give your face a break for at least half a day before applying makeup. If necessary, stick to breathable, non-comedogenic formulas and wash them off gently.

Bottomline

Once you've bleached, your skin requires calmness, hydration, and sun protection. Use gentle, fragrance-free products and steer clear of actives, makeup, and sun for 24 hours at least to prevent irritation.