This guide outlines general skincare recommendations for common in-office procedures. However, always follow your provider’s personalized instructions first, as individual needs may vary.

General Peri-Procedure Skincare Principles

Many aesthetic treatments temporarily disrupt the skin barrier. When the barrier is compromised, skin becomes more sensitive, prone to irritation, and more vulnerable to moisture loss and sun damage.

Thoughtful skincare before and after your procedure plays a critical role in protecting your results and supporting a smoother recovery. Our procedural goals across the board include:

Strengthening and supporting the skin barrier
Reducing inflammation and irritation
Minimizing transepidermal water loss (TEWL)
Promoting faster, more comfortable healing

No matter which treatment you receive, a few core principles apply across the board. We recommend using a gentle, non-stripping cleanser, applying barrier-supportive hydration daily, and wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen consistently.

During the healing phase, it’s important to avoid irritating or active ingredients and to refrain from exfoliating, scrubbing, or picking at treated areas. If you’re ever unsure whether a product is appropriate for your recovery, we encourage you to contact our office for guidance before using it.

Your Procedure-Specific Guide

Many aesthetic treatments temporarily disrupt the skin barrier — increasing sensitivity, irritation risk, and vulnerability to moisture loss and sun damage. A few core principles apply across all procedures.

Chemical PeelsChemical peels temporarily weaken the skin barrier, increasing sensitivity, redness, and moisture loss.

Focus on keeping your skin calm, hydrated, and protected in the days leading up to your peel. Use a gentle cleanser and hydrating moisturizer to support the skin barrier, and apply broad-spectrum sunscreen daily. Avoid introducing any new products or potentially irritating ingredients before your appointment.

Avoid introducing any new products or potentially irritating ingredients before your appointment. 0

Following your procedure, the skin barrier is more vulnerable to moisture loss and irritation. Applying a barrier-supportive moisturizer helps lock in hydration and reduce transepidermal water loss. Stick to soothing, non-irritating formulations and avoid products with active or exfoliating ingredients during this initial healing period.

Superficial peels typically require only a few days of downtime, while medium-depth peels may take up to two to four weeks. Continue gentle cleansing, moisturizing, and daily sunscreen use; it’s important to avoid picking or exfoliating while skin is still healing.

During recovery, prioritize ingredients that hydrate and support the skin barrier. Hyaluronic acid helps attract and retain moisture, while glycerin reduces tightness and discomfort. Barrier-supportive moisturizers are essential for restoring the skin’s protective function and promoting a more comfortable, even recovery.
MicroneedlingMicroneedling creates controlled micro-channels that temporarily disrupt the skin barrier.

Keep your routine simple and supportive; use a gentle cleanser, a nourishing moisturizer, and daily broad-spectrum sunscreen to maintain a healthy skin barrier. Avoid retinoids or other potentially irritating products unless they are already well tolerated.

Following treatment, the skin will contain temporary micro-channels and will be more sensitive. Apply hydrating, barrier-supportive moisturizers twice daily to replenish moisture and reduce irritation. Focus on calming, restorative products and avoid active or exfoliating ingredients during this early healing phase.

Continue a gentle skincare routine until the micro-channels have fully closed and the skin has stabilized. Deeper microneedling treatments may require a longer period of barrier support. Avoid harsh actives, including strong acids or retinoids, until deemed safe.

During recovery, look for ingredients that support repair and reduce inflammation. Peptides can help encourage collagen production and skin renewal, while niacinamide supports barrier strength and calms redness. Vitamin C may be reintroduced at the appropriate time to support brightness and antioxidant protection.
Laser Therapy (Ablative & Non-Ablative) Laser treatments impair the skin barrier and increase sun sensitivity.

Before laser treatments, it’s important to protect your skin. Use gentle cleansers and moisturizers, and apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily. If you are prone to pigmentation concerns, your provider may recommend additional pre-treatment guidance.

After your laser session, the skin barrier is temporarily impaired, making hydration and protection a priority. Apply barrier-repair moisturizers twice daily to support recovery. Keep in mind that some ingredients may penetrate more effectively during this time, so careful product selection is essential to avoid irritation.

As your skin heals, introduce a mineral sunscreen as soon as it is tolerated and continue to maintain strict UV protection. Continue gentle, hydrating skincare throughout the recovery period, avoiding harsh actives or exfoliants until cleared by your provider.

During this phase, prioritize mineral sunscreens with SPF 30 or higher, antioxidant-rich moisturizers to support healing and protect against environmental stressors, and gentle cleansers that preserve the skin’s natural lipid balance.
Botox & Dermal Fillers Injectables cause minor, temporary barrier disruption and localized inflammation.

Before injectable treatments, focus on keeping the skin calm and well hydrated. Use gentle cleansers and hydrating moisturizers and avoid introducing any new active ingredients or potential irritants in the days leading up to your appointment.

Following Botox or dermal filler treatments, apply non-irritating, hydrating moisturizers to support the skin and reduce dryness. For the first 24 hours, avoid exfoliants, harsh products, or alcohol-based toners, as these can increase irritation or sensitivity at injection sites.

As the skin settles, you may gradually resume your regular skincare routine as tolerated. Continue using daily sunscreen to protect the skin and help maintain your results. To help minimize swelling and avoid unnecessary pressure on treated areas, it is recommended to avoid sleeping on your face (side or stomach). Using a freshly washed pillowcase on the first night after treatment can also help support a clean healing environment for the skin.

During recovery, prioritize hyaluronic acid–based moisturizers to support hydration, gentle cleansers that won’t disrupt the skin barrier, and barrier-supportive hydration to keep skin comfortable and balanced.
Microdermabrasion Microdermabrasion removes the outermost skin layer, increasing sensitivity and moisture loss.

In preparation for microdermabrasion, discontinue retinoids three to five days prior to your appointment unless otherwise directed by your provider. During this time, keep your routine simple by using gentle, fragrance-free cleansers and moisturizers.

Following treatment, apply bland, hydrating emollients to soothe the skin and help minimize moisture loss. Because the outermost layer of skin has been exfoliated, it is especially important to avoid direct sun exposure and apply a daily broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect the newly revealed skin.

Recovery typically takes one to two weeks; after several days, antioxidants may be reintroduced gradually if tolerated. Continue avoiding fragrance and exfoliating products during the healing period to prevent irritation and support proper barrier repair.

Look for ingredients that calm and restore the skin, such as panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5) for soothing and repair. Fragrance-free moisturizers and barrier-repair formulations are ideal for maintaining hydration and supporting a comfortable recovery.

Important Notes for All Procedures

Regardless of your specific treatment, these principles support the best possible outcomes across every recovery.

Sun protection is essential during all recovery phases — treated skin is significantly more sun-sensitive and vulnerable to pigmentation changes.

Avoid exfoliation, scrubs, and active ingredients such as acids and retinoids until your provider specifically clears their reintroduction.

Healing timelines vary by individual and procedure depth — be patient with your skin and don’t rush back to your regular routine.

Always follow personalized instructions from your provider. This guide offers general guidance only — your provider’s recommendations always take priority.

Avoid sleeping on your face for the first several nights to help minimize swelling

Use a clean pillowcase the first night to help reduce exposure to bacteria

CONTACT US

BOOK NOW

First Name(Required)

Last Name(Required)

Email(Required)

Phone(Required)

Topic of Interest(Required)

Message(Required)

SEARCH OUR WEBSITE

Pre- & Post-Procedure Skincare Guide

General Peri-Procedure Skincare Principles

Your Procedure-Specific Guide

Important Notes for All Procedures

CONTACT US