Evidence-based care instructions for optimal healing and results
Congratulations on completing your facial or chemical peel treatment! The care you provide your skin in the hours and days following your treatment is crucial for maximizing results and minimizing potential side effects.
This guide is based on clinical research and dermatological best practices to ensure your skin heals properly and achieves the best possible outcome. Different treatments require different after-care protocols, so please follow the specific instructions for your procedure type.
Please read through this entire guide carefully and contact us with any questions or concerns. Your commitment to proper after-care significantly impacts your treatment results and overall experience.
Avoid direct sun exposure for at least 7-14 days after your treatment (longer for chemical peels). UV exposure after facial treatments can cause hyperpigmentation and compromise results. When outdoors, wear a broad-spectrum SPF 50 sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and seek shade.
Avoid retinoids, AHAs, BHAs, vitamin C serums, and other active ingredients for 3-7 days after your treatment (timing depends on treatment intensity). These products can irritate freshly treated skin and may lead to inflammation or hyperpigmentation.
Apply recommended moisturizers frequently to maintain hydration. Well-hydrated skin heals faster and more effectively. For chemical peels, use the specific post-peel balm or recovery cream provided by your esthetician, as these are formulated with the appropriate pH and ingredients for healing.
Avoid touching your face unnecessarily for 24-48 hours after treatment. Hands carry bacteria that can cause infection in freshly treated skin with compromised barrier function. If you must touch your face, ensure your hands are thoroughly cleaned first.
Wash your face with cool or lukewarm water only for the first 48 hours. Hot water can irritate treated skin, increase inflammation, and prolong redness. Use gentle, non-foaming cleansers with neutral pH and pat (don't rub) your skin dry with a clean, soft towel.
Try to sleep on your back for the first 1-2 nights after your treatment. This prevents pressure and friction on your skin, reduces the risk of irritation, and minimizes product transfer from your pillowcase.
Different treatments require specific after-care based on their depth and mechanism of action. Follow these evidence-based guidelines for your specific treatment:
When in doubt, always contact us for specific guidance based on your skin's reaction and treatment received!
Mild to moderate erythema is normal after most treatments and typically subsides within 24-72 hours as inflammation resolves.
Expected after chemical peels and some exfoliating treatments as part of the skin's natural renewal process. Usually begins 2-3 days after treatment and lasts 3-7 days.
Increased sensitivity to products, temperature changes, or touch is common after treatments due to temporary barrier impairment.
Temporary purging can occur after deep cleansing facials or certain peels as microcomedones are brought to the surface through increased cell turnover.
Contact us immediately if you experience any of the following: severe or worsening pain, extreme redness or swelling, blistering, unusual bruising, severe itching, or signs of infection (increasing warmth, purulent discharge, or fever). These are not typical reactions and may require medical attention.
For most facials, you can apply makeup after 4-6 hours, though waiting until the next day is ideal to allow serums to fully absorb. For chemical peels, wait at least 24-48 hours depending on the peel depth to prevent irritation and infection.
When you do resume makeup, use clean brushes/applicators and consider mineral-based products which are less likely to cause irritation or clog pores. Avoid makeup with potential irritants like fragrance, alcohol, or heavy oils until your skin has fully recovered.
For most facials, wait at least 24 hours before resuming strenuous exercise. For chemical peels, wait 48-72 hours depending on the peel depth. Increased body temperature and sweating can intensify inflammation and potentially lead to complications.
Sweat contains sodium chloride, urea, and lactic acid that can irritate freshly treated skin and potentially lead to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. When you do resume exercise, cleanse your face immediately afterward with a pH-balanced cleanser and apply appropriate moisturizer.
For most facials, wait 2-3 days before reintroducing retinoids. For chemical peels or microdermabrasion, wait at least 5-7 days or until all peeling and sensitivity has completely resolved. Premature reintroduction of retinoids can compromise barrier repair and increase risk of irritation.
When reintroducing retinoids, start with a lower concentration (0.025% instead of 0.05%) or reduced frequency (every third night instead of nightly) than your pre-treatment routine and gradually build back up over 1-2 weeks. If you experience any irritation, discontinue use and wait a few more days before trying again.
Yes, some tightness or dryness is normal, especially after chemical peels or deep cleansing facials. This occurs due to temporary disruption of the skin's lipid barrier and natural moisturizing factors. This typically resolves within 2-5 days as your skin completes its barrier repair process.
Increase the frequency of moisturizer application with products containing ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids in a 3:1:1 ratio for optimal barrier repair. Consider using a humidifier at night to maintain ambient humidity between 40-60%. Avoid using hot water which can strip lipids and further compromise barrier function.
For the first 48-72 hours after treatment, moisturize more frequently than usual, typically 3-4 times daily or whenever your skin feels tight or dry. Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) is increased after many facial treatments, requiring more frequent hydration.
Apply a thin layer each time rather than one thick application to optimize absorption. For chemical peels, follow your provider's specific instructions regarding post-peel balms or recovery creams, which are formulated with specific ingredients for each healing phase. As your skin returns to normal (usually within a week), you can gradually return to your regular moisturizing schedule.
Results vary by treatment type based on their mechanism of action and depth. For hydrating facials, you'll see immediate improvements in skin hydration and radiance that last 5-7 days due to increased water content in the stratum corneum.
For deep cleansing facials, your skin may go through a purging phase before clearing up, with optimal results in 7-10 days as microcomedones resolve. Chemical peels typically show the most dramatic results after the peeling phase completes (7-10 days post-treatment) when new skin cells have fully emerged.
For all treatments, a series of sessions provides cumulative benefits and more significant, longer-lasting results due to progressive changes in dermal collagen and elastin.
Avoid swimming in pools, hot tubs, or natural bodies of water for at least 48-72 hours after facials and 5-7 days after chemical peels. Chlorine, salt, and microorganisms in water can irritate freshly treated skin and potentially cause infection or inflammation when the skin barrier is compromised.
Additionally, the pressure of water against your face can increase blood flow to sensitive post-treatment skin, potentially exacerbating redness and inflammation. When you do resume swimming, apply a physical (mineral) waterproof sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, limit exposure time, and cleanse your face immediately afterward with a pH-balanced cleanser.
Uneven peeling is normal after chemical peels due to variations in skin thickness and penetration of the peeling agent. The most important rule is to never pull, pick, or force the skin to peel, as this can cause scarring or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Instead, increase your moisturizer application to the areas that are peeling using products with humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin. Apply moisturizer with clean hands using gentle, patting motions rather than rubbing to avoid disrupting the healing process.
For stubborn areas where skin is hanging but not fully detached, you may gently trim it with clean, sterilized scissors, but never pull. If you're concerned about the appearance, a mineral-based tinted moisturizer with SPF can help camouflage the peeling temporarily while providing protection.
To maximize and extend your results, follow these evidence-based practices:
Optimal treatment frequency depends on your skin type, concerns, and the specific treatment received:
Your esthetician will provide personalized recommendations based on your skin's response to treatment, your specific goals, and any underlying skin conditions. For best results, committing to the recommended treatment series (typically 3-6 sessions) before transitioning to a maintenance schedule yields optimal outcomes.
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