I can’t recall how exactly it happened (perhaps, I got distracted to Netflix), but I burned myself while curling my hair. No, I’m not talking about that annoying burning stamp on your forearm… I left a curling iron burn on my face!

If you happened to be in the same situation, these are my tips on how to make your scar heal quicker. And make it almost invisible while the scab is healing with the help of makeup.

Curling Iron Burn: First Help

I didn’t have a chance to do it as I needed to leave the apartment right after the accident. But many people recommend washing the affected area with cold water. It will reduce a burning sensation and the possibility of scaring. You can also use an ice pack, just make sure not to apply it directly on the burn.

Let It Heal

When my burn started to heal naturally, I started my scar-preventing strategy.

I always have a Neosporin in my first aid kit and it was the first product I applied after the accident. It does look oily on your skin, but it helps to heal your burn faster. DO NOT use this ointment immediately after the burn! Wait for at least a few days.

After a couple of days of using Neosporin, I added Aloe Vera gel to my healing routine. Doctors usually recommend this product after the sunburn as it helps to soothe the damaged area of your skin.

Aloe Vera has a refreshing effect so you don’t feel a burning effect that much. I continued using Neosporin at night, covering an affected area with a bandage.

Makeup vs No Makeup

Most of the experts that I found online do not recommend applying any makeup on it. But let’s be real here — it’s not realistic.

Every time I didn’t cover my scar with a concealer, people were rubbing my face saying, “You have lipstick on your cheek” and irritated my burn even worse!

If you don’t feel embarrassed, I recommend wearing a bandage on your scar for a day or two, and only after that consider wearing makeup.

Scar Camouflage Tips

When it comes to covering any imperfections, I prefer starting with a concealer. 

First, I apply a creamy concealer that is at least one shade darker than my skin tone. I don’t like using brushes on irritated skin and instead, apply it with my fingertips.

Then I let it sit for a little and follow up with a foundation that I also apply to the area surrounding the burn. I avoid blenders or brushes and instead distribute the product by dabbing my skin with fingertips.

Finally, I use a bit of a lighter shade of concealer and blend it. I am also avoiding a finishing powder as it makes the unevenness of the skin tone more evident.

No Touching Approach

Since my burn is located on a cheek, it catches hair (especially because Neosporin has a sticky consistency). To avoid it, I’m trying to wear my hair in a bun or a braid all day long.

Yes, people are more likely to notice my burn that way, but I feel that such a hair solution lets my skin heal quicker. I put my hair in a high bun at night so there is no extra irritation that occurs while I’m sleeping.

Long-Term Prognosis

Based on my previous experiences with hair curler burns (I have a few on my forearms), those will most likely leave a scar… Yes, it’s not a promising perspective, but I’m trying to stay positive.

At the end of the day, there are many laser treatments available so I’ll better start researching them instead of feeling sorry about myself.

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Have you ever burn yourself with a curling iron? How did you treat the burn? Which makeup did you use to camouflage it?