First and foremost: with the diversity of cosmetic dermatology treatments using a variety of different technologies available, always follow your doctor or the practitioner’s advice on how to maintain your skin. 

The following are some general suggestions but your doctor’s and practitioner’s advice always override should there be any contradictions.

      1.      What are some skincare ingredients to avoid right after treatments? 

Choose products that are fragrance-free (in opposed to just scent-free); avoid strong actives; absolutely no at-home exfoliation.

      2.     What are some ingredients that help with skin recovery after treatments?

Used on first 5-7 days after treatment unless explicitly asked not to use any skincare: humectants such as Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin B5; barrier protecting ingredients or emollients such as ceramides, phospholipids, squalane; healing ingredients such as growth factors and beta-glucan. 

      3.     After all wounds have healed, what are some ingredients that can optimize treatment results? 

• collagen stimulating peptides to boost effects 

• Vitamin C as an essential collagen maturation factor

• retinoids to trigger gene expression that promotes healthy cellular differentiation

• potent anti-oxidants such as retinoids, Vitamin C, ferulic acid, Vitamin E, co-enzyme Q-10 to prevent ROS induced aging to prolong treatment results

• collagen stimulating peptides to boost effects 

• Vitamin C as an essential collagen maturation factor

• retinoids to trigger gene expression that promotes healthy cellular differentiation

• potent anti-oxidants such as retinoids, Vitamin C, ferulic acid, Vitamin E, co-enzyme Q-10 to prevent ROS induced aging to prolong treatment results

      4.     Why are sunscreens essential after treatments?

Not only essential after treatments but essential for everyday use, even indoors! 

• sunscreen is a must not only after treatments but as daily anti-aging defense to guard the skin against sunburns, reactive oxygen species, inflammation, and DNA mutation

• choose at least SPF 30 broad spectrum protection sunscreen; best if tinted to optimize results; best using zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as these are the only two sunscreen active ingredients that the US FDA recognizes as “generally safe and effective”

      5.     What should I do if I experience skin sensitivity after treatments? 

Notify your doctor or practitioner right away. When confirmed condition to be a normal reaction to the treatment, use clean, fragrance-free, hypoallergenic formulas that are rich in humectants, emollients, and barrier protecting ingredients to promote skin healing. Stay away from exfoliants and potentially irritating ingredients. 

      6.     When can we use makeup after treatments? 

It varies and depends on the treatment, as some treatments such as IPL and lower energy RF provided there is no wound, redness, swelling should generally be ok. However, if possible, makeup products should generally be avoided and if not, choose those that are free of fragrance, stripping denatured alcohol, comedogenic ingredients, waterproof that require strong surfactants to remove, products that contain paraben or formaldehyde releasers. Be sure to maintain proper hygiene when using makeup tools.