Lip Blush and Cold Sores: A Troublesome Combination

Maryse C-P

7/16/20232 min read

Having well-defined and colored lips is the dream of many people. That's where lip blush comes into play, offering a semi-permanent solution (up to 5 years with annual touch-ups) to achieve uniformly tinted lips. However, it's important to be aware of the risks associated with this procedure, especially concerning cold sores. In this article, I will share my own experience regarding the relationship between lip blush and cold sores.

Lip blush is a coveted beauty trend. It is a semi-permanent makeup technique that enhances the natural color of the lips, giving them a fuller and more uniform appearance. This procedure involves depositing pigments into the skin of the lips to create a soft and natural color effect. Many lip blush enthusiasts claim that it saves them time every morning by eliminating the need to apply lip stick.

Cold sores
A concern to consider. Cold sores, also known as fever blisters or oral herpes, are caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) (WedMD - Oral Herpes). They typically manifest as painful blisters and itching around the mouth. Cold sores can be triggered by various factors such as stress, fatigue, sun exposure, and a weakened immune system.

My personal experience
Last year, I decided to get lip blush to have consistently colored and plump lips. However, I regularly suffer from cold sores. Since I hadn't taken any antiviral medication like Valacyclovir before the procedure, I unfortunately developed cold sores around my mouth shortly after getting my lip blush. It was a disappointing and painful experience for me.


Tips for preventing cold sores before a lip blush:
Consult a professional: Before undergoing a lip blush procedure, make sure to discuss it with an experienced professional. Inform them about your history of cold sores so that they can take appropriate precautions.

If you are prone to cold sores, your doctor may prescribe antiviral medication, such as Valtrex (How does this medication work? What are its effects? MedBroadcast), before the lip blush procedure. This can help reduce the risk of herpes virus reactivation.

Boost your immune system: Adopt a healthy diet, engage in regular exercise, and take appropriate supplements to strengthen your immune system. A strong immune system can help prevent cold sore recurrences.

Lip blush yes, but not at any cost!

For Herpes there's Valacyclovir

valacyclovir, cold sore remedy
valacyclovir, cold sore remedy
valacyclovir, cold sore remedy
valacyclovir, cold sore remedy
valacyclovir, cold sore remedy
valacyclovir, cold sore remedy