Pre and Post-Treatment Skincare: Maximising Your Results
Proper skincare before and after cosmetic treatments can significantly impact your results, recovery time, and overall satisfaction. Australian clinics are increasingly emphasising the importance of treatment preparation and aftercare protocols to optimise outcomes and minimise complications. This comprehensive guide provides evidence-based skincare routines for various cosmetic procedures.
Skincare Routine Timeline
| Treatment Type | 2 Weeks Before | Week Of | First Week After | Ongoing Care |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Botox/Fillers | Avoid retinoids | Gentle cleansing only | No actives, gentle care | Resume normal + SPF50+ |
| Laser Resurfacing | Prep with retinoids | Stop all actives | Healing ointments | Gradual reintroduction |
| Chemical Peels | Condition skin | Discontinue acids | Barrier repair focus | Maintenance acids |
| Microneedling | Hydration focus | No actives | Growth factors | Collagen support |
| IPL/BBL | Sun protection | Clean skin only | Soothing care | Pigment inhibitors |
Pre-Treatment Preparation Protocols
Universal Pre-Treatment Guidelines
Regardless of your planned procedure, these foundational steps apply:
4 Weeks Before:
- Establish consistent SPF 50+ sunscreen use
- Avoid tanning (natural and artificial)
- Begin taking prescribed supplements if recommended
- Discontinue photosensitising medications (consult prescriber)
2 Weeks Before:
- Cease using retinoids and strong acids (unless directed otherwise)
- Switch to gentle, fragrance-free skincare
- Increase hydration focus
- Avoid new product introductions
1 Week Before:
- No waxing, threading, or dermaplaning
- Minimise alcohol consumption
- Increase water intake to 2-3L daily
- Avoid blood-thinning supplements (fish oil, vitamin E)
Injectable Treatments Preparation
Botox and Dermal Fillers:
Two weeks prior:
- Discontinue aspirin and NSAIDs (if medically appropriate)
- Avoid green tea, garlic supplements, and ginkgo biloba
- Begin arnica supplementation (500mg daily)
- Apply vitamin K cream to injection sites
Week of treatment:
- Arrive with clean skin (no makeup)
- Avoid caffeine on treatment day
- Consider bromelain supplements for bruising prevention
- Ice injection areas 10 minutes before appointment
Recommended products:
- SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Gel ($98)
- Aspect Dr Active C Serum ($119)
- La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 ($19.95)
Laser Treatment Preparation
Ablative Lasers (CO2, Erbium):
Four weeks prior:
- Begin prescribed pre-treatment regimen (often includes hydroquinone)
- Use retinoids to prime skin (if tolerated)
- Antiviral prophylaxis for cold sore history
- Strictly avoid sun exposure
Two weeks prior:
- Discontinue retinoids and acids
- Switch to bland moisturisers
- Begin prescribed antibiotics if recommended
- Perform patch test if first laser treatment
Non-Ablative Lasers (Clear + Brilliant, Fraxel):
Two weeks prior:
- Gentle exfoliation to remove dead cells
- Increase barrier-supporting ingredients
- Avoid self-tanning products
- Document skin condition with photos
Essential products:
- Synergie Skin Vitamin B Serum ($79)
- CeraVe Moisturising Cream ($21.99)
- Heliocare 360° Gel Oil-Free SPF 50 ($59.95)
Chemical Peel Preparation
Light Peels (Glycolic, Lactic):
- Condition skin with low-percentage acids
- Ensure skin barrier is intact
- Test patch 48 hours prior
- Avoid over-exfoliation
Medium-Deep Peels (TCA, Jessner's):
- Follow prescribed pre-peel protocol (typically 4-6 weeks)
- May include tretinoin and hydroquinone
- Strict sun avoidance mandatory
- Consider oral antivirals prophylactically
Post-Treatment Recovery Protocols
Immediate Post-Treatment Care (First 24-48 Hours)
Universal aftercare principles:
- Gentle cleansing: Use lukewarm water and mild cleanser
- Minimal touching: Avoid manipulating treated areas
- Cool compresses: Reduce swelling and discomfort
- Elevation: Sleep with head elevated to minimise swelling
- Hydration: Increase water intake significantly
Injectable Aftercare
First Week Post-Injection:
Days 1-3:
- Apply arnica gel 3-4 times daily
- Ice for 10 minutes every few hours
- Avoid strenuous exercise
- No facial massage or pressure
- Sleep on back if possible
Days 4-7:
- Continue gentle skincare routine
- May resume light exercise
- Avoid saunas and steam rooms
- No dental work for 2 weeks (fillers)
- Monitor for any unusual reactions
Recommended recovery products:
- Skinceuticals Hydra Balm ($130)
- Aspect Dr Redless 21 ($105)
- Cancer Council Face Day Wear SPF 50+ ($15.95)
Laser Treatment Recovery
Ablative Laser Recovery Timeline:
Days 1-3: Acute healing phase
- Apply prescribed ointment (often petroleum-based)
- Vinegar soaks as directed (1 tsp to 1 cup water)
- No picking or peeling
- Complete sun avoidance
- Pain management as prescribed
Days 4-7: Re-epithelialisation
- Transition to healing creams
- Gentle, fragrance-free products only
- Continue diligent sun protection
- Begin gentle cleansing routine
- Silicon-based scar sheets if needed
Week 2-4: Regeneration phase
- Gradually reintroduce actives
- Focus on hydration and barrier repair
- Physical sunscreen only
- Consider LED therapy for healing
- Document progress with photos
Non-Ablative Laser Recovery:
First week:
- Mild redness and swelling expected
- Use calming, anti-inflammatory products
- Avoid heat and sweating
- Mineral makeup after 24 hours
- Maintain simple routine
Recovery essentials:
- Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Cream ($34.99)
- Colorescience Sunforgettable Brush-On SPF 50 ($89)
- Dermeze Treatment Ointment ($11.99)
Chemical Peel Aftercare
Light Peel Recovery:
- Expect mild flaking days 3-5
- No manual exfoliation
- Hydrating serums twice daily
- Avoid acids for one week
- Gradual activity resumption
Medium-Deep Peel Recovery:
- Follow specific post-peel kit instructions
- Expect significant peeling days 3-7
- Petroleum jelly application as directed
- No picking or assisting peeling
- Indoor recovery recommended
Product Recommendations by Skin Type
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Pre-treatment:
- Medik8 Clarity Peptides ($89)
- Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid ($42)
- Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel ($24.99)
Post-treatment:
- Avène Tolerance Extreme Emulsion ($39.99)
- The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% ($11.90)
- Ultra Violette Supreme Screen SPF 50+ ($49)
Dry/Sensitive Skin
Pre-treatment:
- QV Intensive Cream ($19.50)
- Weleda Skin Food ($19.95)
- Alpha-H Vitamin B Serum ($69.95)
Post-treatment:
- Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré ($38)
- First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream ($58)
- Invisible Zinc Sheer Defence SPF 50 ($29.99)
Mature/Anti-Ageing Focus
Pre-treatment:
- SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic ($250)
- Ultraceuticals Ultra C Firming Serum ($159)
- Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream ($49.99)
Post-treatment:
- IS Clinical Youth Complex ($235)
- Rationale Essential Six Cream ($188)
- Sunsense Anti-Ageing Face SPF 50+ ($19.95)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Pre-Treatment Errors
- Starting new products too close to treatment
- Inadequate sun protection leading up
- Not disclosing all medications/supplements
- Over-exfoliating before treatment
- Unrealistic recovery planning
Post-Treatment Mistakes
- Picking at peeling skin
- Resuming actives too quickly
- Inadequate sun protection
- Using makeup too soon
- Ignoring unusual symptoms
Long-Term Maintenance Strategies
Building Your Post-Treatment Routine
Month 1-3: Foundation Phase
- Gentle cleanser + moisturiser + SPF
- Introduce one active at a time
- Monitor skin response carefully
- Professional follow-up appointments
Month 3-6: Enhancement Phase
- Add targeted treatments (retinoids, acids)
- Consider supportive procedures
- Adjust based on results
- Maintain treatment diary
6+ Months: Maintenance Phase
- Full skincare routine established
- Regular professional treatments
- Seasonal adjustments
- Annual skin assessments
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear makeup after injectable treatments?
Wait at least 4-6 hours after injections before applying makeup. Use clean brushes and avoid pressure on injection sites. Mineral makeup is preferred for the first 24 hours. Remove gently with micellar water.
How long should I avoid retinoids after laser treatment?
For ablative lasers, wait 4-6 weeks before reintroducing retinoids. Non-ablative treatments typically require 1-2 weeks. Always follow your practitioner's specific advice and start with lower concentrations when resuming.
What SPF should I use after cosmetic treatments?
Use broad-spectrum SPF 50+ after all cosmetic treatments. Physical (mineral) sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are preferred immediately post-treatment. Reapply every 2 hours when outdoors.
Can I exercise after cosmetic treatments?
Avoid strenuous exercise for 24-48 hours after injectables and up to 1 week after laser treatments. Heat and sweating can increase swelling and affect results. Light walking is usually acceptable after 24 hours.
What ingredients should I avoid mixing post-treatment?
Avoid combining vitamin C with retinoids, benzoyl peroxide with retinoids, and multiple acids together. Space active ingredients by 12 hours or alternate nights. When in doubt, keep routines simple during recovery.
Professional Product Lines Available in Australia
Medical-Grade Skincare Brands
- Ultraceuticals: Australian-made, available through clinics
- Synergie Skin: Clean science approach, practitioner-only
- Aspect Dr: Evidence-based formulations
- Medik8: UK brand, widely available in AU clinics
- SkinCeuticals: Premium antioxidants and correctives
Where to Purchase
- Authorised clinics and med spas
- Adore Beauty (selected brands)
- Dermatologist offices
- Mecca (limited medical brands)
- Direct from brand websites
Medical Disclaimer
This guide provides general skincare advice for cosmetic treatments. Individual requirements vary based on treatment type, skin condition, and medical history. Always follow your practitioner's specific instructions, which supersede general guidelines. Consult your treating professional if you experience unexpected reactions or have concerns about your skincare routine.
Optimise Your Treatment Results with Evolou
Ready to enhance your cosmetic treatment results with professional skincare guidance? Evolou connects you with experienced practitioners across Australia who provide comprehensive pre and post-treatment care protocols. Find clinics that prioritise your skin health and treatment success.
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