How long after receiving a hyaluronic acid injection (water light needle) can I wash my face?

Jan 18, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

I am a woman who loves beauty treatments. Recently, I tried hyaluronic acid injection for skin rejuvenation, but after the injection, I was unsure when I could resume normal face washing. I am concerned that washing my face too early might affect the results or even cause an infection.

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Chen Lu

You can wash your face 6-24 hours after receiving a hyaluronic acid injection.

The hyaluronic acid injection is a cosmetic procedure that involves injecting hyaluronic acid and other nutrients into the dermis to hydrate the skin, improve moisture retention, and enhance skin texture. After the injection, there will be small needle punctures on the skin that require time to heal. Premature contact with water may cause infection or affect the treatment outcome. Therefore, proper post-injection care is crucial.

If the hyaluronic acid injection was superficial, your skin sensitivity is low, and proper post-treatment care has been performed, you may gently wipe areas of your face that were not injected with a clean, damp towel as early as 6-12 hours post-injection, gradually transitioning to washing your face with water. However, avoid rubbing or scrubbing the skin vigorously, as this may cause irritation.

However, if the injection was deeper, your skin is more sensitive, or you experience redness, swelling, or pain after the procedure, you should delay washing your face for a longer period. You may need to wait 12-24 hours or longer until your symptoms subside before washing your face. When washing your face, use lukewarm water to avoid thermal irritation. Additionally, be gentle and avoid the injection sites as much as possible to reduce the risk of infection.