Quick Facts
- Bumps settle: Usually within 24 to 48 hours
- Makeup: Wait 12 to 24 hours
- Exercise, sauna, steam: Wait 24 to 48 hours
- Retinol and exfoliating acids: Pause for 2 to 3 days
- Sunscreen: Every day
- Next session: Usually 2 to 4 weeks later
Why Does Aftercare Matter?
Salmon DNA works through your skin’s own repair process. Good aftercare lowers the risk of infection, reduces swelling and bruising, and gives your skin the right conditions to recover.
What Should You Do in the First 24 Hours?
- Leave the small bumps alone. Do not press, rub or massage them.
- Keep your hands away from the treated area
- Skip makeup for 12 to 24 hours
- Wash your face gently with lukewarm water and a mild cleanser
- Apply a cold compress wrapped in a clean cloth for swelling, 10 minutes at a time
- Sleep on your back with your head slightly raised
What Should You Avoid for 48 Hours?
- Intense exercise and heavy sweating
- Saunas, steam rooms, hot baths and hot yoga
- Swimming pools
- Facial massage and facial treatments
- Alcohol, which increases swelling and bruising
Which Skincare Should You Use After Treatment?
| Product | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Gentle cleanser | Use from the evening of treatment |
| Plain moisturiser | Use daily |
| Broad-spectrum sunscreen | Use daily from day 2 |
| Retinol and retinoids | Pause for 2 to 3 days |
| Exfoliating acids (AHA, BHA) | Pause for 2 to 3 days |
| Vitamin C serum | Pause for 1 to 2 days |
| Scrubs and cleansing brushes | Pause for 1 week |
What Does Recovery Look Like Day by Day?
| Time | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Small raised bumps, redness and mild tenderness |
| Day 2 to 3 | Bumps flatten. Mild swelling or small bruises fade. |
| Day 4 to 7 | Skin looks settled. Bruises continue to fade. |
| Week 2 onward | Gradual change in hydration and texture |
How Should You Care for Your Skin Between Sessions?
- Wear sunscreen every day, including indoors near windows
- Drink enough water and keep a steady skincare routine
- Book your next session on the date your doctor sets
- Tell your doctor about any new medication before your next session
When Should You Contact Your Clinic?
- Hives, widespread itching or swelling of the face or lips
- Difficulty breathing. Seek emergency care straight away.
- Spreading redness, heat or discharge
- Severe or worsening pain
- Pale, grey or dusky skin colour in the treated area
- Bumps or lumps lasting longer than two weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do the bumps last after salmon DNA?
Most bumps settle within 24 to 48 hours as your skin absorbs the product.
Can you go to work after salmon DNA treatment?
Yes. Most people return to work the same day. Small bumps stay visible for a day or two.
When can you wear makeup again?
Wait 12 to 24 hours. Use clean brushes and gentle products.
Should you massage the bumps?
No, unless your doctor tells you to. The bumps settle on their own.
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This article is for general educational purposes and does not replace a personalised consultation with a licensed medical aesthetics provider. Always follow the aftercare instructions your doctor gives you. Individual results vary.