How to care for your skin before and after cosmetic treatments

Cosmetic treatments have become increasingly popular as people seek to enhance their natural beauty or address specific skin concerns. Whether it's a facial rejuvenation procedure, laser treatment, or injectables, taking proper care of your skin pre and post-treatment is crucial to ensuring optimal results and minimising potential side effects.

What’s classed as a cosmetic treatment? 

Invasive 

• Facelift (Rhytidectomy): A surgical procedure to lift and tighten sagging facial tissues, reducing wrinkles and creating a youthful appearance.

• Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty): Involves removing excess skin, fat, or muscle from the eyelids to address drooping or puffy eyes.

• Rhinoplasty: Surgical reshaping of the nose to enhance its appearance or correct functional issues.

• Laser Skin Resurfacing: Utilizes laser technology to remove damaged skin layers, addressing issues such as wrinkles, scars, and pigmentation.

Non-invasive

• Botox Injections: Injectable treatment that temporarily reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by relaxing facial muscles.

• Dermal Fillers: Injectables such as hyaluronic acid or collagen add volume, smooth wrinkles, and enhance facial contours.

• Chemical Peels: Application of a chemical solution to exfoliate the skin, promoting cell turnover and addressing issues like fine lines, acne scars, and uneven skin tone.

• Microdermabrasion: Mechanical exfoliation that removes the outer layer of dead skin cells, improving skin texture and tone.

• Laser Hair Removal: Uses laser technology to target hair follicles, inhibiting hair growth and providing long-term hair reduction.

• Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy: Targets various skin issues, such as sun damage and hyperpigmentation, using intense light pulses.
  

What to do before a cosmetic treatment 

Preparing your skin before a cosmetic treatment is essential to ensure optimal results and minimise potential risks or complications. Here are some general guidelines that may apply to various cosmetic treatments:

1. Consultation with a Professional:

• Schedule a consultation with a qualified and experienced aesthetician or skincare professional. This initial meeting allows them to assess your skin type, discuss your goals, and recommend the most suitable treatment for your specific needs. 

2. Discontinue Certain Skincare Products:

• Some skincare products may contain ingredients that can increase the risk of complications or interfere with the treatment process. Your aesthetician or skincare professional should provide guidance on which products to discontinue before the procedure. Common ingredients to avoid may include retinoids, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs).

3. Sun Protection:

• Practice diligent sun protection in the weeks leading up to your cosmetic treatment. Excessive sun exposure can increase the risk of complications, such as pigmentation issues. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and limit sun exposure.

4. Hydration:

• Keep your skin well-hydrated by drinking an adequate amount of water. Proper hydration promotes overall skin health and can contribute to a smoother recovery.

5. Inform Your Provider of Medical History:

• Provide a comprehensive medical history to your aesthetician or skincare professional, including any existing health conditions, allergies, or previous cosmetic procedures. This information is crucial for determining your eligibility for specific treatments and tailoring the procedure to your individual needs.

What to do after cosmetic treatments 

1. Follow Post-Treatment Instructions

• After undergoing any cosmetic procedure, your healthcare provider will provide you with specific post-treatment instructions. These guidelines are tailored to your individual needs and the type of treatment you've received. It's crucial to adhere to these instructions diligently, as they are designed to optimise the healing process and help you achieve the best possible results.

2. Stay Hydrated

• Drinking an adequate amount of water helps flush out toxins from your body and promotes overall skin health. Proper hydration can also contribute to the longevity of your results, keeping your skin supple and radiant.

3. Protect Your Skin from the Sun

• Sun protection is a non-negotiable aspect of post-treatment care. Exposure to the sun's harmful UV rays can compromise the healing process and lead to pigmentation issues. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, and reapply it every two hours, especially if you're spending extended periods outdoors.

4. Avoid Strenuous Activities

• While exercise is generally beneficial for your health, it's advisable to avoid strenuous activities for a specified period after certain cosmetic treatments, usually only a day or so. Rigorous exercise can increase blood flow and potentially interfere with the healing process. Consult with your healthcare provider to determine when it's safe to resume your regular exercise routine.

5. Use Gentle Skincare Products

• Opt for gentle skincare products that are free from harsh chemicals, fragrances, and abrasive ingredients. Your skin may be more sensitive after cosmetic treatments, and using mild products can prevent irritation and promote a smooth recovery. Consult with your aesthetician or skincare professional to create a personalised skincare routine that complements your treatment.
  

What not to do after a cosmetic treatment 

After Botox, filler and other invasive treatments 

The affected area may be a bit red, sore and swollen. Any swelling or bruising should settle down in a few days.

• Do not rub or massage the treated areas for 24 hours.

• Try not to lie down for 2 to 4 hours after getting the shots. 

Following this advice helps prevent the toxin from spreading to an area where it isn't needed. 

• Avoid wearing make-up immediately after the procedure

• Do not drink alcohol, or coffee immediately after the procedure

(This could cause inflammation and any additional swelling can make the recovery process more painful and potentially affect your results.) 

• Stay out of direct sun, do not go on a sun bed and always wear SPF.

What to do after a facial (Microdermabrasion, peel etc.) 

• Avoid picking at your skin - if you have any blemishes that form from the deep cleanse of a facial try and resist playing with your skin by picking

• Try not to apply heavy make-up immediately after or on the day of 

• Be gentle when cleansing your skin - your skin has had a deep and intensive cleanse already, so a gentle wash will be enough and avoid any cotton wool that could scratch your skin

• Skip the active ingredients in your night-time routine - your skin will be sensitive right now, and any active ingredients may irritate or inflame the skin

• Give yourself a day away from the gym - sweating is a no-go after a facial, try to avoid any heavy cardio, weight training or heat immediately after

How to adapt your skincare routine for regular facials and treatment 

Regular facials, when chosen correctly and maintained at the right pace, may help combat the toll that stress, the environment, and some of our daily habits take on our skin. Many aestheticians recommend them, whilst some believe that not everybody needs them when they have the right personalised skincare routine available. 

It’s also worth noting that facials can be expensive when they are relied on consistently, and as Renude strongly believes that consistency is key with any routine, we recommend considering your budget before jumping in and making an in-clinic appointment. 

That being said, there are a few very gentle facials that are nice to try as a treat, test the facial waters and can be appropriate for all skin types. These include: 

• Classic Deep Cleansing Facial: An intensive deep clean using recommended skincare that will aim to unclog pores, exfoliate the skin, hydrate and protect 

• Hydro facial: Hydrofacials are intensely moisturising and often heavily incorporate ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and ceramides after deeply cleansing the skin.

For personalised advice from an aesthetician, take our skin quiz and book a consultation for free!