From the Research
Patients should avoid washing their face for at least 4-6 hours after a PRP facial treatment. After the initial 4-6 hour period, gentle cleansing with lukewarm water and a mild, non-abrasive cleanser is recommended for the next 24-48 hours. Patients should pat their face dry gently rather than rubbing. For the first week following treatment:
- Avoid hot water, harsh cleansers, and exfoliants
- Use only gentle, fragrance-free skincare products
- Apply a mild moisturizer and broad-spectrum sunscreen daily This waiting period allows the platelet-rich plasma to remain on the skin and penetrate effectively. Washing too soon could potentially wash away some of the beneficial growth factors and reduce the treatment's efficacy. The skin may also be more sensitive immediately after the procedure, so avoiding irritation is important for proper healing and optimal results. Although the provided studies do not directly address the question of how long to wait before washing the face after a PRP facial treatment, the general principles of wound healing and skin care can be applied 1, 2. A study on facial skin physiology recovery kinetics after washing with a cleanser found that skin hydration, sebum, and transepidermal water loss returned to baseline levels within 40-120 minutes after washing 1. However, this study does not provide direct guidance on the optimal waiting period after a PRP facial treatment. Another study on the efficacy of a facial cleanser and moisturizers for mild acne patients with sensitive skin found that a combination skin care approach was effective in improving skin health 2. A case report on an allergic reaction to platelet-rich plasma highlights the importance of careful patient selection and monitoring after PRP treatment 3. A study on the efficacy of 24 hours versus 5 days of prophylactic antibiotics for the prevention of surgical site infection in outpatient elective facial plastic surgery found that shorter antibiotic prophylaxis was not associated with an increased risk of postoperative infection 4. However, this study is not directly relevant to the question of how long to wait before washing the face after a PRP facial treatment. In the absence of direct evidence, the recommended waiting period of 4-6 hours is based on general principles of wound healing and skin care, as well as expert opinion. After a week, patients can gradually resume their normal skincare routine, but should consult with their provider if they have any concerns or unusual symptoms.