So, you’ve just had your eyebrows microbladed and you’re wondering when you can hit the gym again, right? You’re not alone!
According to a recent survey, nearly 65% of people who undergo microblading are concerned about resuming their workout routines. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to keep those brows looking fabulous while staying active.
Experts generally recommend waiting at least 7 to 10 days after microblading before resuming any high-intensity workouts. This timeframe allows the brows to heal and the pigment to set. However, individual healing rates and skin types can affect this timeline, so it’s best to consult your microblading technician for personalized advice.
Ready to find out how to balance your fitness goals with maintaining those freshly microbladed brows? Keep reading to get all the expert tips and guidelines you need!
Why Exercising is Discouraged Immediately After Microblading
After investing both time and money into achieving the perfect brows through microblading, the last thing you want is to jeopardize the results. One of the most common questions that arise post-procedure is, “When can I get back to my workout routine?” The answer, according to professionals, is not immediately.
The Sweat Factor
The primary reason exercising is discouraged is due to sweat. Sweat is more than just water; it contains a mix of minerals and salt. When you sweat, these substances can interact with the newly applied pigment, causing it to fade or even wash away.
This means you’d need to go for more frequent touch-ups, making the entire process both expensive and lengthy.
Also, remember this:
- Minerals and Salt: Can affect the pigmentation.
- Frequent Touch-Ups: Additional cost and time.
Physical Activity and Sebum Production
Another aspect to consider is that any form of physical activity triggers the production of sebum, an oily substance that can also affect the pigment. Sebum, combined with sweat, creates a less-than-ideal environment for your new brows.
Risks Involved
- Infection: The area treated is essentially an open wound that needs to be kept clean and dry.
- Aggravation of Side Effects: Exercise can exacerbate common side effects of microblading such as redness, itching, and swelling.
While the urge to hit the gym might be strong, especially for fitness enthusiasts, it’s crucial to prioritize the healing process. Your new brows will thank you for your patience.
The Science Behind Sweat and Microblading
Understanding the science behind sweat can provide valuable insights into why it’s best to avoid strenuous activities post-microblading. Sweat isn’t just a byproduct of exercise; it’s a complex fluid containing various elements like sodium, potassium, and other minerals.
When you engage in physical activities, these elements are released through your sweat glands and can come into contact with your freshly microbladed brows.
How Does Sweat Affect the Healing Process?
Sweat can introduce moisture and bacteria to the microbladed area, which is essentially an open wound at this stage. This increases the risk of infections, which can drastically slow down the healing process.
- Moisture: Can interfere with the scabbing process essential for healing.
- Bacteria: Increases the risk of infections.
Sweat and Side Effects
Exercise can also aggravate the common side effects of microblading. Activities that cause you to sweat excessively can exacerbate symptoms like itching, redness, and swelling.
- Itching and Redness: Can be intensified by the salt content in sweat.
- Swelling: Physical exertion can lead to increased blood flow, worsening any existing swelling.
The bottom line is, sweat and microblading don’t mix well. It’s not just about the potential fading of the pigment but also about the overall health and appearance of your new brows.
When Can You Resume Working Out?
The million-dollar question on everyone’s mind after getting their eyebrows microbladed is, “When can I safely return to my workout routine?” The general consensus among experts is to wait at least 7 to 10 days before resuming any form of strenuous exercise. However, this timeline can vary depending on several factors:
Individual Healing Speed
Everyone’s body heals at a different rate. Some might find that their brows have healed sufficiently within a week, while others may need more time.
Skin Type
Oily skin types may find that they need to wait a bit longer, as they are prone to producing more sebum, which can interfere with the healing process.
Environmental Factors
Living in a humid climate or engaging in activities that cause excessive sweating can also extend the healing time.
Guidelines for Resuming Exercise
- First Week: Stick to low-intensity workouts like walking or gentle yoga.
- Second Week: Gradually introduce moderate exercises but avoid anything that causes excessive sweating.
- Beyond Two Weeks: Consult with your microblading technician for personalized advice.
By adhering to these guidelines, you’re not just preserving the quality of your microblading but also ensuring a smoother and quicker healing process.
Alternatives to High-Intensity Workouts
While it’s essential to avoid high-intensity workouts during the initial healing phase, that doesn’t mean you have to become a couch potato. There are several low-impact activities that you can engage in without putting your new brows at risk.
Safe Activities
- Walking: A simple yet effective way to stay active.
- Gentle Yoga: Focuses on stretching and breathing, rather than breaking a sweat.
- Pilates: Another low-intensity option that emphasizes core strength.
Activities to Avoid
- Swimming: Chlorinated water can fade the pigment.
- Saunas and Steam Rooms: The heat and moisture are not ideal for healing brows.
- Strenuous Cardio: Anything that causes you to sweat excessively should be avoided.
By opting for these alternatives, you can still maintain a level of physical activity while ensuring the longevity and quality of your microblading results.
What to Do if You’ve Already Worked Out
So, you couldn’t resist the urge and hit the gym anyway? While it’s not ideal, all is not lost. There are steps you can take to minimize the potential damage to your freshly microbladed brows.
Immediate Aftercare
- Rinse the Area: Use lukewarm water to gently rinse off sweat and bacteria.
- Pat Dry: Use a clean, disposable towel to lightly pat the area dry.
- Avoid Rubbing: Resist the urge to rub or scratch the sensitive area.
Preventive Measures
- Use a Protective Balm: If you absolutely must exercise, consider applying a protective balm over the brows to act as a barrier against sweat.
- Consult Your Technician: If you notice any adverse effects, consult your microblading technician immediately.
The key takeaway is to act quickly and follow aftercare instructions rigorously to mitigate any negative impact on your microblading results.
Touch-Ups and Exercise
If you think the rules change after you’ve had a touch-up session, think again. Your eyebrows are just as sensitive post-touch-up as they were after the initial microblading procedure. Therefore, the same aftercare guidelines apply.
What to Expect
- Sensitivity: Your brows will be sensitive for a few days.
- Healing Time: Typically, it takes about a week for the brows to heal sufficiently.
Guidelines for Post-Touch-Up Exercise
- First Week: Stick to the same low-intensity workouts as recommended after the initial procedure.
- Consult Your Technician: Before resuming your regular workout routine, get a green light from your microblading technician.
By adhering to these guidelines, you’re not only ensuring the longevity of your touch-up but also maintaining the overall quality and appearance of your brows.
Wrapping Up
In a nutshell, hitting the gym immediately after microblading isn’t the best idea. The safe bet is to wait for a period of 7 to 10 days to allow your brows to heal properly and the pigment to settle.
Of course, individual factors like skin type and healing speed can vary, so always consult your technician for tailored advice.
Now you’re equipped to keep both your fitness routine and your brows in top shape!
Hey there, I’m Jennifer M. Lowes, but my friends call me Jenn. Born and raised in sunny California. By day, I’m a freelance makeup artist transforming everyday people into their best selves. By night, I’m here on this blog, sharing my favorite nail designs, makeup tips, hair styling techniques, and much more.