The Dos And Don’ts Of Post-Procedure Skin Care

We’re all constantly on a quest to get our best skin ever, there’s no doubt. And it’s not always an easy journey. Because as much as we rate the results of superficial skin procedures (think medical grade peels and laser treatments), the post-procedure period can be a tricky one.

You basically need to be on high alert for any potential threats to your skin. The stakes (and your face’s nourishment needs) are higher than ever, and your aftercare efforts will directly affect how your skin heals (and feels/looks when all is back to normal).

So how do you protect your post-procedure skin to ensure you can reap the results without too much trouble? We spoke to Dermatologist Dr Cara McDonald to find out…

DO allow time for your skin to recover

After any superficial skin procedure, your complexion is going to need some downtime – so no, don’t go booking any must-attend events in for the days following.

“Most skin procedures employ the use of controlled skin damage to activate rejuvenation and repair,” Dr McDonald explains. “In order to stimulate renewal in the skin and a long-term improvement, we are creating some short-term damage. For this reason, after any skin procedures the skin is somewhat compromised, often with decreased barrier function and some degree of inflammation. This causes increased sensitivity and if not managed well can slow down healing and increase the risk of complications after skin procedures.”

Slow is smooth and smooth is fast, right? Right. You’ll be out of the woods quicker if you follow our tips and give your face a little grace than if you try to rush it through recovery.

DON’T use actives or fragrances

The general ‘give skin time to recover’ theme stands strong in the ingredient sector too. The only topicals you should be turning to in this time are the gentlest ones available (more on those in a minute), and ‘strong’ or ‘active’ ingredients are definitely in the ‘off limits’ column.

“Avoid any irritating or fragranced makeup or skin care products during the healing stage,” agrees Dr McDonald. “Look for products specifically designed for allergic and sensitive skin. Do not recommence active ingredients such as AHAs and retinoids until advised by your treating practitioner.” You’ve been warned!

DO turn to calming ingredients you can trust

The aftercare aims following a superficial skin procedure are pretty standard across the board: you’ll want to soothe, hydrate and nourish skin to the nines. This task calls for a select few skin-soothing products that replenish lost moisture, help build the skin barrier back up and ease any inflammation or itchiness skin is experiencing post-procedure. Luckily, vitamin B5 (and more specifically La Roche-Posay’s incredible B5 range) are well equipped to handle all areas.

“The La Roche Posay Vitamin B5 products are designed to protect and hydrate the skin as well as improve the skin’s ability to self-repair,” shares Dr McDonald. “For this reason, they are ideal to use after procedures and are gentle enough to apply directly after all non-ablative skin procedures. Enhance results with targeted safe anti-ageing ingredients like vitamin B5 to help re-plump and repair the skin.”

The new La Roche-Posay Cicaplast B5 Serum* ($65.95 at La Roche-Posay) is a must-have for anyone caring for post-procedure skin. Packed with an impressive 10 per cent vitamin B5, this silky, soothing serum has been specifically developed for dry, compromised-feeling skin to help counteract signs of dryness, redness and discomfort. We told you it was the product for the job!

DO apply a hydrating, healing balm

‘The more moisture the better’ is the general motto to keep in mind here, so we also suggest doubling down with a second healing, hydrating layer. The skin is extra sensitive and so will require extra help.

“After minor procedures on the skin such as medical grade peels or laser treatments, the skin barrier can be compromised. This means that the skin is less affective at protecting itself and repair than usual. Therefore, the most important thing after a procedure is robust barrier protection and a moist environment to enable fast and effective repair,” says Dr McDonald.

Her barrier-protecting suggestion? A vitamin B5 balm. “Focus on repair with a hydrating, fragrance-free repair balm, specifically designed for compromised skin. Applying a healing, hydrating balm is key, [so try] a thick barrier layer such as the La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 ($19.95 at La Roche-Posay) to soothe and heal the skin. [The] Vitamin B5 [formula] reduces redness and soothes while the balm itself protects and facilitates the repair process.”

It’s basically like wrapping your skin in a big soothing blanket – doesn’t that sound delightful?

DON’T skip sunscreen

So you’ve applied your soothing serum and loaded up on your barrier-supporting balm, but you’re not quite done yet. A solid SPF is a non-negotiable after a superficial skin procedure.

“When the skin is compromised after a procedure, sun protection is vital,” explains Dr McDonald. Like, even more vital than it already is every day. “Sun exposure during this period can lead to complications such a pigmentation and slow healing as well as excess UV damage,” she notes. “Protect the skin from UV rays with a broad-spectrum SPF50+ sunscreen.”

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid SPF50+ ($35.95 at La Roche-Posay) is the lightest sunscreen formula in the Anthelios range and is dermatologically tested for sensitive skin.

DO avoid direct sunlight

Yes, even once you’re protected. Your face is extra fragile right now, so you need to be particularly vigilant with staying out of the sun’s way.

Avoid windows, wear big hats, do whatever you need to do to avoid direct sunlight. If you can book your superficial skin procedure for a time when you can commit to a few full days of downtime (as in, indoors with blinds down, far from the sun), then do it. And if you can’t (plus in the weeks following), it’s vital to make your SPF your very best friend.

“The number one rule after any skin procedure is to avoid exposing your compromised skin to UV rays,” confirms Dr McDonald. “This is particularly important post-laser to avoid rebound hyperpigmentation. For at least four weeks following your laser treatment, extra vigilance is required. Avoiding direct sun, as well as religiously applying very high-SPF broad-spectrum sunscreen throughout the day is key.”

* La Roche-Posay Cicaplast B5 Serum should not be used on broken skin

ALWAYS READ THE LABEL AND FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE.

Apply 20 minutes before sun exposure. Sunscreen is only one part of sun protection so wear protective clothing and seek shade. Avoid prolonged sun exposure.

Reapply every 2 hours and after swimming, towelling and perspiring in accordance with directions.

Have you had a superficial skin procedure before? How was your skin’s recovery process?