Post procedure skincare masterclass

If you’re planning to have an aesthetic treatment, particularly if it’s one you’ve not had before, it’s likely you’ve put some thought into it. You may have researched clinics and practitioners, compared costs and even spoken to friends. But, have you thought about what happens afterwards? 

Whether it’s a laser treatment, chemical peel, injectable or any other aesthetic procedure, skin can be more vulnerable immediately afterwards and in the days that follow. The right aftercare can help healing, minimise irritation and reduce the risk of unwanted complications.

“Post procedure skincare should support the skin’s recovery and complement the treatment results,” says Dr Anna Hemming, Founder and Medical Director, Thames Skin Clinic. “The right routine depends on the procedure, its intensity and the person’s skin. I always give patients a personalised plan covering immediate aftercare, recovery and the gradual return to their usual skincare. 

“I believe you should leave your appointment knowing exactly what to use that evening, what to pause and when to restart it. Once skin has recovered, a consistent daily skincare programme is what takes results to the next level.”  

Injectables

Injectables are delivered by needle to smooth, refresh, rejuvenate and enhance the skin. These include anti-wrinkle injections such as botulinum toxin, and skin boosters to improve hydration, elasticity and skin quality—options include polynucleotides, SkinVive, Ameela and Profhilo. 

“Keep it simple for the first 24 hours,” says Dr Emmaline Ashley, Cosmetic Physician and Founder, Ashley Aesthetics. “Don’t use make-up for around 12 hours and do not rub, massage, or place pressure on the treated areas. Avoid extreme heat or cold eg: saunas, hot yoga and strenuous exercise, for the first 48 hours. Use a gentle cleanser and moisturiser and hold off on exfoliating acids, retinoids and facial treatments for 7-10 days.”

Post procedure hero: Once the injection points have closed, apply HydroPeptide Power Serum, which contains a multi-peptide blend and hyaluronic acid.  

Dermal fillers 

Dermal fillers are gel-like substances injected beneath the skin to add volume, smooth lines and restore facial contours. These are typically made from hyaluronic acid (HA), such as Juvéderm, Restylane and Teoxane; also mineral-based compounds eg: Radiesse, made from calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA), or collagen-boosting poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) fillers, such as Sculptra.

“Expect a little temporary swelling, tenderness or bruising, but resist the urge to press, rub or massage the area,” says Aesthetic Doctor Dr Lauren Jamieson. “Avoid retinoids, exfoliating acids and scrubs for the first few days, and steer clear of strenuous work outs, alcohol and excessive heat during the initial recovery period. 

“Avoid facial treatments for at least two weeks, or until the filler has settled. If you notice a stubborn lump, always seek clinical advice. If you experience pain, pale or mottled skin, unusual coolness, or any changes to your vision, seek immediate, urgent assessment by the treating clinic.”

Post procedure hero: HydroPeptide Barrier Builder is a ceramide barrier repair cream that nourishes and helps calm inflammation.

Laser and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) 

Laser and IPL treatments use light energy to address skin concerns including reducing redness, treating broken capillaries, acne and hair removal. Lasers use a single, highly concentrated wavelength of light, while IPL treats thread veins, pigmentation, and age spots with a broad spectrum of multiple wavelengths.

“Preparation matters as much as aftercare,” says Dr Ashley. “Stop retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, exfoliating acids and other strong actives two to three days beforehand, and avoid sun exposure and self tan in the weeks before, because tanned skin increases the risk of burns and pigmentation changes. 

“Afterwards, treat your skin as if it’s mildly sunburnt: be gentle, keep it hydrated, and wear a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every day without exception. Avoid further treatments until the skin has settled. Cover up with a hat and stay in the shade.”  

Post procedure hero: Clinisept+ Skin is a gentle, anti-microbial cleansing solution, recommended by practitioners, that uses hypochlorous acid to cleanse and calm the skin. Follow with Colorescience Total Protection No Show Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50.

Microneedling

During microneedling, the practitioner uses thin, medical grade, sterile needles to cause controlled trauma to the top layer of the skin. This stimulates the skin’s healing process, so it produces more collagen and elastin. Microneedling can be used to improve texture, enlarged pores, pigmentation, acne scars, stretch marks, and also to reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

“Microneedling temporarily increases skin permeability, so a ‘less is more’ approach is essential,” says Dr Jamieson. “Focus on gentle cleansing, hydration and barrier support, and only use practitioner approved products immediately after treatment. Avoid make up for 24 hours, and retinoids, acids, scrubs, benzoyl peroxide and fragranced products until the skin has settled. Use an SPF 50 to protect your skin from UV exposure.”

Post procedure hero: Idenel Intensive Moisture Locking Cream is a post treatment recovery cream with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant ingredients, that help restore a compromised skin barrier.

Chemical peels

This skin resurfacing treatment uses a chemical solution (eg: glycolic, salicylic, lactic acid) to exfoliate the skin, encouraging the growth of new cells. Chemical peels are classified as light, medium or deep, depending on how deeply they penetrate the skin, and can be used to treat acne and pigmentation, as well as to smooth and rejuvenate dry, dull skin. 

“After a chemical peel, resist the temptation to pick or pull away loose, flaking skin as this will increase the risk of pigmentation and scarring,” says Dr Hemming. “Let skin shed naturally. Avoid scrubs, exfoliating acids and retinoids. Moisturise generously and always follow the skincare routine prescribed by your practitioner. Use sun protection every day as the skin recovers.”

Post procedure hero: HydroPeptide Daily Drench contains peptides and triple-weight hyaluronic acid to hydrate and treat a compromised skin barrier.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound treatments such as Ultherapy and Sofwave, and High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) utilise focused sound wave energy to penetrate into the skin. This stimulates the production of collagen which provides structural support to the skin, helping to tighten and lift the treated area. 

“There’s no one-size fits all, so always follow the specific advice from your practitioner,” recommends Gemma Clare, Integrative Health and Skin Specialist, London. “To support skin healing, avoid make-up and heat for at least 48 hours. Only use mild, gentle products and avoid actives for at least a week, or as recommended by your practitioner. Wear a daily sunscreen. If there is worsening redness, pain, warmth or swelling, always seek help.”

Post procedure hero: Idenel Intensive Repair Essential Sheet Mask soothes, cools and hydrates sensitised, heat flushed skin.

Radio frequency (RF)

Radio frequency converts radio frequency energy to heat the skin's deeper layers, stimulating collagen production and tightening the tissues. The heat generated by RF waves triggers the body's natural healing response, resulting in firmer, more youthful-looking skin. RF therapy can be used to treat saggy jowls, wrinkles, and loose, lax skin.

“Wait at least four hours before washing your face, and avoid applying make-up for 48 hours,” advises Clare. “Use mild and gentle skincare, avoid vigorous exercise, excessive heat and products containing retinol, benzoyl peroxide, tretinoin, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and harsh astringents, for at least seven days. 

“Wear a high SPF daily, and always follow advice from your practitioner following a RF procedure. If you notice any unusual symptoms, eg: blistering, redness or swelling, contact the clinic immediately.”

Post procedure hero: ChitoCare Medical Healing Spray for irritated skin contains a safe bioactive polymer, harvested from pristine Icelandic waters—use to reduce redness and irritation, and enhance skin healing.