Aesthetic procedures can enhance your skin’s appearance, leaving you with a more youthful and radiant look. However, the post-procedure care you provide your skin with is important for maximising results. 

Whether you have undergone a chemical peel, micro-needling, laser treatment, or any other aesthetic procedure, caring for your skin in the right way afterwards ensures it heals as quickly and effectively as possible. But, how do you take care of your skin after an aesthetic procedure? 

Follow Your Practitioners Advice

After your procedure, your aesthetic practitioner will provide you with specific aftercare instructions based on the exact treatment you had, and your individual skin type. These are designed to help your skin recover quickly and avoid any adverse effects. Make sure you always follow this advice and if you notice anything unusual or have any concerns, contact your practitioner as soon as possible. 

Keep the Area Clean 

Maintaining cleanliness is important to avoid infections and promote healing. You should use a gentle cleanser, your practitioner will be able to recommend some for you. Avoid using hot water and scrubbing the treated area. Instead, rinse the skin with warm water and gently pat your skin dry with a soft towel.

Hydrate Your Skin 

Aesthetic procedures such as chemical peels and laser treatments can leave your skin feeling dry and sensitive. Use a gentle moisturiser to keep your skin looking and feeling hydrated. Fragrance-free moisturisers are the best option as they won’t irritate your skin, ones with soothing properties are great too. There are a range of recovery cream products available which help to provide moisture and hydration to the skin, whilst also helping to repair the skin’s barrier following an aesthetic treatment.

Avoid Sun Exposure 

In the weeks after your aesthetic procedure, your skin will be much more sensitive to the sun. Sun exposure can lead to a delay in the skin healing, but it can also massively increase the risk of developing pigmentation. You should wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and avoid direct sunlight where possible for at least two weeks post procedure. You can also wear a wide-brimmed hat and seek shade to help protect your skin.    

Don’t Pick or Scratch

It can be tempting to pick or scratch the treated area, especially if it itches or is peeling. However, picking or scratching can affect the healing process and can cause infection or scaring. Allow your skin to heal naturally and try to resist the urge to touch it. 

Skip the Make-Up 

To prevent clogged pores and minimise irritating the skin, try to avoid applying makeup for a few days following your treatment. Your skin needs time to breathe and recover after your aesthetic procedure. If you do feel like you need some coverage whilst your skin is healing, we recommend a tinted SPF. 

Maintain a Healthy Diet 

Keeping a balanced diet after your aesthetic procedure is important to aid in the healing process. A diet rich in vitamins and antioxidants can help your skin from the inside out. Foods high in vitamin A, C and E as well as omega-3 are all beneficial for skin health. 

Be Patient with The Results

Healing times can vary depending on your aesthetic procedure and your skin type. It is important to be patient and allow your skin the time it needs to recover fully. Avoid rushing the process and stick to your individual aftercare routine for the best possible outcome. Remember that for many treatments, we are stimulating collagen production, this can take between 12-16 weeks to occur so looking after your skin following your aesthetic treatment is only going to help enhance your results.

Book a Consultation at MediZen

We provide all of our patients with thorough pre and post care instructions before any aesthetic treatment so that you have all the required information. Whether you have had laser hair removal or dermal fillers, our practitioners  will be able to give you expert advice and guidance both prior to your treatment, and following your treatment. For more information or to book your consultation, contact us.