What happens after is just as important
So you just had a laser or microdermabrasion treatment with the goal of achieving more youthful, healthier skin overall. After the treatment, your face may look red, feel sore, and be sensitive. What should you do afterward, and does post-treatment care matter?
As any dermatologist will tell you, post-treatment is just as important as what happens during the treatment. While great results depend on the type of treatment you had, your skin can reap even more benefits when you pay attention to caring for your skin afterward as well.
- Better and longer-lasting results. As your skin is healing from the treatment, improper care for your skin may only cause further irritation and sensitivity, and may disrupt the healing process. When you follow proper aftercare, it can help you achieve your desired results.
- Faster healing process. Post-treatment care means avoiding anything that can cause further damage or irritation to the skin. Aftercare can hasten the healing process as it will allow the skin to regenerate properly.
Here are some general tips post-treatment to help your skin heal quicker:
- Avoid the sun. Because your skin has just undergone treatment, it is extra sensitive to heat and sun exposure. Wear sun protection (broad-spectrum SPF lotion, hats, sunglasses) to protect your newly-treated skin. Sweating is also not advised as it can make your skin irritated as well.
- Use gentle products. The goal after treatment is to soothe and hydrate your skin as it heals. In the meantime, avoid using harsh products such as scented skincare products that contain retinoids, Vitamin C, AHA/BHA or any ingredient that causes peeling or exfoliation. Depending on the treatment, it is also highly discouraged to apply make-up.
- Do not scratch or peel away the skin. If there is visible flaking, it is best to leave it as is. Scratching or peeling the skin may cause scars and further damage the skin.
One of the products that can improve your skin post-treatment or as part of your skincare is the Calecim Professional range of products. They are the world’s only skincare that uses active proteins and growth factors of stem cells to accelerate healing and skin regeneration. It includes the Calecim Professional Serum which helps the skin heal quicker for patients who have undergone treatments such as microdermabrasion, peels, lasers, and IPL; the Professional Multi-Action Cream that helps lift and tighten the skin while addressing signs of aging; and Calecim Restoration Hydration Cream that contains hyaluronic acid for that boost of hydration.
Since lasers and facial treatments vary, from radiofrequency to Botox, so does aftercare. Aside from the general tips above, there may be additional instructions provided by your dermatologist. Remember to follow their advice and be consistent in your skincare routine and follow-up checks to be able to achieve the best results.