Pre & Post Procedure

Cosmetic procedures like laser treatments and microneedling aren’t cheap, but they’re investments you make in yourself and your confidence. When you’re making an investment, you want to do whatever you can to make sure it pays off, and when it comes to skin treatments, your pre- and post-procedure skin care can enhance your results and give you more bang for your buck.

What Types of Procedures Can Benefit from Pre- and Post-Procedure Skin Care?

Almost any type of professional skin treatment that’s more than just a basic facial can be enhanced with the right skin care before and after. We’re talking chemical peels, laser treatments, light therapy, microneedling, and so on. And the more extensive the treatment is, the more mindful you need to be of your skin care.

What Skin Care Should I Do Before a Cosmetic Procedure?

Your treatment provider will probably give you some instructions to follow before your procedure, and first and foremost, follow their instructions. But there are some other tips too that can prep your skin ahead of time:

• Be especially consistent with cleansing your skin twice a day with a gentle cleanser to minimize any debris or bacteria on your skin.
• Use sunscreen to keep your sun exposure low, especially before laser treatments.
• Avoid irritation as much as possible in the days before your procedure by skipping any unnecessary products that can irritate your skin like retinols or salicylic acid.

How Do You Care for Your Skin After a Skin Treatment?

As important as skin prep is before a cosmetic treatment, it’s even more essential to care for your skin properly while it’s healing from the treatment. Follow your treatment provider’s instructions to make sure your skin heals smoothly and to lower your risk for an infection or other complications. These post-procedure skin care tips can help your healing and your results too:

• Use specialized skin care products for post-procedure skin, which are usually formulated to be non-irritating, soothing, and hydrating.
• Try to minimize anything that causes your skin to get flushed, which could include spending time in the heat, strenuous exercise, or alcohol.
• Use a gentle cleanser for sensitive skin to keep your skin clean and safe without drying it out.
• Avoid sun exposure – the timeline for this will vary based on your procedure and your skin but it’s longest for laser treatments.

The Golden Rule of Pre-Procedure and Post-Procedure Skin Care: Talk to Your Provider

While all the tips above may help your skin procedure, it’s always best to talk to your provider and get the green light from them on your skin care plan. Every skin treatment will differ based on the specific procedure you’re having, the areas you’re treating, your skin health history, your cosmetic goals, and even the time of year when you’re having your procedure done. Your provider can advise you about the best ways to care for your skin before and after the treatment based on your specific circumstances.