What you do in the few days after a treatment affects your result almost as much as the treatment itself. Skin that’s just been peeled, needled or injected is working hard to repair, and it’s more vulnerable than usual while it does.
You’ll always get specific written aftercare from us for your treatment. But the same five rules apply to almost everything we do, from a HydraFacial to microneedling or Profhilo.
1. SPF every day, without exception
Freshly treated skin burns more easily and is more prone to pigmentation. That’s especially true after chemical peels, microneedling and laser, where the outer layer has been deliberately disturbed.
- Use a broad-spectrum SPF 50 every morning for at least four weeks, even when it’s cloudy
- Reapply if you’re outdoors for more than a couple of hours
- A mineral sunscreen is usually more comfortable on sensitive, freshly treated skin. Medik8 Physical Sunscreen SPF50+ and Obagi Sun Shield Mineral SPF50 are both good options
- Avoid sunbeds and deliberate sun exposure until your skin has fully settled
2. Keep it simple and hydrated
Your skin barrier is doing the healing, so give it what it needs and nothing it doesn’t.
- Cleanse gently with lukewarm water and a mild, soap-free cleanser
- Moisturise with a simple, fragrance-free cream that supports the barrier, such as Obagi Rebalance Skin Barrier Cream
- Drink plenty of water. It won’t replace moisturiser, but dehydration shows in the skin
If you’d like everything in one place, the Medik8 Post Treatment Kit and Obagi Post Procedure Kit were designed for exactly this stage.
3. Hands off
It’s tempting to touch, check and pick. Don’t.
- Don’t pick or pull at flaking skin after a peel. Let it shed on its own, or you risk marks and pigmentation
- Avoid scrubs, facial brushes and exfoliating cloths
- After injectable treatments, don’t press or massage the area unless we’ve specifically asked you to
- Wait at least 12 to 24 hours before applying make-up (24 hours after microneedling), and use clean brushes when you do
4. Pause your active ingredients
Retinoids, exfoliating acids (AHAs, BHAs) and strong vitamin C serums are brilliant on healthy skin but can sting and inflame skin that’s healing.
- After peels and microneedling, stop them for at least five to seven days, or until your skin feels completely normal again
- After injectables and HydraFacial, a shorter break of a day or two is usually enough
- Reintroduce them one at a time, starting with your gentlest product
If you’re not sure when to restart, ask us. It depends on the treatment and on your skin.
5. Avoid heat, sweat and alcohol for 24 to 48 hours
Heat and increased blood flow can worsen swelling, redness and bruising.
- Skip strenuous exercise, saunas, steam rooms and hot baths for 24 hours after injectables, and 48 hours after microneedling or peels
- Avoid alcohol for 24 hours after injectables, as it can increase bruising
- After laser, avoid hot showers and heat on the treated area for a couple of days
When to call us
Mild redness, tenderness, small bumps and a little swelling are normal and usually settle within a day or two. Contact us straight away if you notice:
- After filler: severe or increasing pain, or skin that turns pale, white, blotchy or dusky. This needs to be seen urgently
- Swelling that keeps getting worse after the first 48 hours
- Heat, spreading redness, pus or a fever, which could suggest infection
- Blistering, crusting or open areas of skin
Please don’t wait for your review appointment if something doesn’t feel right. We would much rather hear from you early.
Frequently asked questions
Can I wear make-up the same day?
It’s best to wait at least 12 hours after most treatments, and 24 hours after microneedling, to give tiny channels in the skin time to close.
When can I go back to the gym?
Usually after 24 hours for injectables and 48 hours for microneedling or peels. Light walking is fine.
My skin is peeling a week after a peel. Is that normal?
Yes. Flaking can continue for up to a week or so, depending on the strength of the peel. Keep moisturising, protect it from the sun and leave it to shed naturally.
When will I see results?
It depends on the treatment. HydraFacial gives an instant glow. Skin boosters and microneedling build over several weeks as your skin produces new collagen.
Questions after your treatment?
Every patient gets our aftercare in writing and a way to reach us directly. If you have any concerns at all, get in touch.
Dr. Ommid
This article is general guidance. Always follow the specific aftercare instructions you’re given for your treatment.
