The only thing we love as much as cosmeceutical skincare is a professional facial treatment.
It’s the reason you’ll find our product line-up in clinics around the world (find your closest location here), which means not only do you have access to expert advice, but you can enhance your results using proven technologies only available in a clinical setting. What’s not to love about that?
But if you’re new to the game, or thinking of booking yourself in, it’s essential to understand that pre- and post-treatment care is super important – almost as important as the treatment itself.
So we’ve compiled everything you need to know about caring for your skin before and after a professional facial.
Scroll on for more…
Understanding Your Skin’s Needs
Before you book any sort of skin treatment, it’s essential to understand your skin’s needs and your skincare goals.
The first step? Figure out your skin type. An easy way to do so is to cleanse your skin, then monitor your complexion for 30 minutes afterwards, without applying any product. If it’s tight, itchy or feels stretched, chances are you’re a dry skin type. If your face feels comfortable, you’re likely a normal skin type. However, if you notice certain areas look shiny, you’re oily.
Next up, consider what sort of changes you’d like to see in your skin’s appearance. Diminished lines and wrinkles? Fewer breakouts? Reduced scarring and hyperpigmentation? Nourishment and glow?
Being clear on your goals will help your therapist or dermal clinician map out a treatment plan.
Types Of Professional Treatments
Now onto the good stuff! In conjunction with our partners at Laser Clinics, we’re big fans of both microdermabrasion and skin needling. Read on for a breakdown of each treatment, what’s involved, and just how it can transform your skin:
Skin Needling
Skin needling involves tiny needles that gently puncture the surface of the skin. These ‘punctures’ trigger a wound-healing response, stimulating the production of collagen and elastin. Skin needling is effective in the treatment of acne scarring, fine lines, wrinkles and enlarged pores. It’s also incredibly effective at improving the penetration of active ingredients. Plus, despite the name, the pain factor is pretty low!
Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion provides gentle but thorough exfoliation to remove dead skin cells and encourage cellular turnover. It has minimal downtime and works to smooth the skin’s surface, improve radiance, brighten the skin, and alleviate signs of congestion while preventing new spots from forming.
How Do I Prepare My Skin For A Professional Treatment?
- Avoid laser, IPL, peels and microdermabrasion for four weeks prior.
- Avoid direct sun exposure for two weeks prior, and be sure to wear SPF daily.
- Don’t use any prescription Vitamin A or Hydroquinone in the week preceding your treatment.
- Avoid facial hair-removal treatments including waxing, depilatory use or electrolysis for two weeks prior.
- Don’t scrub or exfoliate your skin in the days before your treatment.
How Do I Care For My Skin Post Treatment?
- The first rule of thumb? Always follow the advice of your therapist!
- If you’ve had skin needling, know that it’s normal to look a little red for up to 48 hours post-treatment.
- Avoid direct sun exposure for 10 days afterwards and wear sunscreen daily, despite not being in the sun.
- Avoid strenuous exercise for 48 hours. We also suggest you steer clear of saunas, steam rooms and hot showers.
- Don’t pick or pull at any loose, flaky skin (we know it’s tempting!)
- Avoid active ingredients like Retinol and Hydroxy Acids for five days.
- Don’t manually exfoliate or scrub for five days post-treatment.
As for skincare, reach for gentle hydrating formulas that will support your skin during the healing process.
Our recommendations:
- Gentle Cleanser to purify without disrupting the barrier.
- 1% Hyaluronic Complex Serum to further plump and rehydrate.
- Rejuvenate 15 Serum to boost skin nourishment. Packed with vitamins and antioxidants, this formula is great at promoting rejuvenation.
- Age Defence 50+ defends against UV rays while comforting dry, damaged skin.
- Face The Day SPF 50+ combines UV protection with an oil-free texture for those with combination or oily skin.
Feeling ready to level up your skincare game? Find a clinic near you and explore your treatment plan here. And if you want help in the product department, our skincare quiz has your back.