Skin care after the procedure is essential.
Whether you have a laser treatment, a chemical peel, an injectable, or another type of treatment, what you do after you get home can mean the difference between being happy or dissatisfied with your results.
Let’s take a look at what happens to the skin during a cosmetic procedure, and how you can support the healing process and restore your youthful glow.
Skin care after the procedure: what happens during treatment
Cosmetic procedures, while aimed at improving your appearance, often involve intentional damage to the skin to stimulate healing and regeneration. The damage can manifest itself in different forms, depending on the type and intensity of the procedure.
The types of damages caused during a procedure may include one or more of the following.
Inflammation and redness
Many procedures cause an inflammatory response in the skin. If you undergo a chemical peel, laser resurfacing, or microdermabrasion, these procedures cause intentional controlled damage to the surface layers of the skin. That triggers an inflammatory response as the body rushes immune cells to the site of damage to start repair processes.
Signs of inflammatory damage include temporary redness, warmth, swelling and discomfort.
Epidermal disruption
Procedures such as chemical peels, laser treatments, and intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy target the outer layer of the skin (epidermis) to remove damaged cells and stimulate cell turnover. This controlled damage causes the skin to shed its outer layers, revealing fresher, smoother skin underneath.
This disruption of the outer layer is essential for improving the texture and tone of the skin, but requires careful care after the procedure to minimize discomfort and support healing. You may notice flaking, dryness and an increased sensitivity to irritation.
Collagen remodeling
Treatments such as microneedling, fractional laser therapy and radiofrequency treatments cause controlled micro-injuries in the deeper layers of the skin (dermis). This stimulates the production of new collagen and elastin fibers, which are essential for maintaining the skin’s firmness, elasticity and resilience.
These treatments often produce improvements in skin texture and tightness over time, but may initially cause redness, swelling and mild discomfort as the skin remodels. Patience and good skin care are essential to maximize benefits while minimizing downtime and potential side effects.
Hyperpigmentation
Certain cosmetic procedures, especially those involving heat or light energy, can cause changes in skin pigmentation. For example, laser treatments that target dark spots can lead to temporary darkening or lightening of the skin, also known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation.
Aftercare for these types of procedures includes careful sun protection to minimize the risk of uneven skin tone or discoloration.
Skin care after the procedure: the process of wound healing
After undergoing a cosmetic procedure, the skin enters a dynamic phase of wound healing. The process usually goes as follows:
Homeostasis
The first phase of wound healing begins immediately after tissue damage, with the aim of controlling bleeding and preventing further blood loss. The blood vessels constrict to minimize blood flow, while platelets collect at the site of the injury to form a temporary clot. This is the body’s first line of defense against blood loss and infection and usually lasts from minutes to hours depending on the extent of the injury.
Inflammation
Although inflammation was mentioned as part of the damage above, it is also part of the healing process. Immune cells gather at the site of injury and remove debris, pathogens, and damaged tissue, while releasing other cells that help initiate tissue repair.
Angiogenesis
This refers to the formation of new blood vessels that help supply the wound with oxygen, nutrients and immune cells. By improving blood flow, angiogenesis promotes the supply of essential growth factors and nutrients needed for recovery. This process typically reaches its peak within the first week after the injury.
Epitheliation
This involves the migration and proliferation of epithelial skin cells from the wound edges to resurface the injured area. This helps restore the skin’s outer barrier, protects against infections and minimizes moisture loss from the wound. The newly formed epithelium gradually thickens and matures, eventually becoming similar in appearance and function to the surrounding skin.
Collagen formation
Collagen gives strength and resilience to tissues. Fibroblasts migrate to the wound and begin to synthesize new collagen fibers, which restore tissue integrity, promote wound closure and minimize scar formation. The proper alignment of collagen fibers strengthens the skin and makes it look smooth and tight.
Contraction
Gradually the wound edges come closer together. Proper care after the procedure helps minimize scarring during this process.
Post-Procedure Skin Care: Steps to Support Skin Recovery
How do you ensure that your skin recovers properly?
Skin care after the procedure: follow your dermatologist’s instructions
Your dermatologist or skin care specialist will provide you with specific post-procedure guidelines tailored to your individual needs. Adhere to these instructions to ensure a smooth recovery.
Redness, dryness, itching, irritation, swelling, tightness, peeling, and scabbing are some of the side effects you may experience after a procedure. By choosing the right products you can reduce these effects.
Many dermatologists recommend our CV Skinlabs products before and after care. Your dermatologist will likely suggest an occlusive ointment such as Restorative Skin Balm, a healing ointment without petroleum jelly.
Skin care after the procedure: Embrace gentle cleansing
Choose mild, non-abrasive cleansers to gently cleanse the skin without stripping its natural oils or aggravating sensitivity. Use a creamy cleanser and gentle movements with lukewarm or warm water to avoid damaging your sensitive skin.
Skin care after the procedure: keep the skin hydrated
Good hydration is essential for a successful and quick recovery. It can also help maintain skin barrier function, prevent moisture loss and support cellular repair and regeneration.
After cosmetic procedures, the skin’s natural moisture barrier can be compromised, leading to dryness, flaking and increased susceptibility to irritation.
Using gentle, moisturizing skin care products helps replenish lost moisture, soothe inflammation and promote a healthy skin barrier. Be especially careful here: the last thing your skin needs is to come into contact with products or ingredients that could further irritate your already sensitive skin.
CV Skinlabs products are ideal for use after cosmetic procedures. As mentioned above, many dermatologists recommend our products before and after care because they are so gentle and safe.
Calming Moisture has a high antioxidant effect and is designed to soothe the skin, reduce redness and soothe throbbing areas. It is designed to repair, nourish and protect sensitive, injured skin, helping to support its natural ability to produce new, healthy elastin and collagen. Use it after the procedure and add it to your regular routine to maintain healthy, glowing skin.
Skin care after the procedure: soothes itching and burning
If your skin is inflamed, itchy or burning, be careful not to scratch or rub it. Instead, use our Rescue + Relief Spray mist for an instant cooling sensation. Water lily and aloe reduce swelling and help suppress itching almost immediately.
This solution is easy and comfortable to apply and helps reduce the risk of infection. It also provides extra soothing hydration to the skin.
Post-Procedure Skin Care: Address cracked, dry, and inflamed areas
You may want to stock up on our Restorative Skin Balm before your treatment. It is an occlusive, moisturizing and healing ointment, ideal for sensitive skin and skin after a procedure. It creates a breathable protective barrier to help prevent water loss and promotes rapid healing for optimal recovery. It is a great option after laser treatments because it protects the skin from environmental influences without clogging the pores.
Dermatologists advise Restorative skin balm instead of products that contain petroleum jelly or other potentially harmful ingredients. Restorative Skin Balm is not only Vaseline-free, it also contains many healing ingredients to quickly nourish, soothe and repair the skin, reducing recovery time.
Apply immediately and regularly after procedures such as laser treatments, microdermabrasion and chemical peels for faster and healthier recovery.
Skin care after the procedure: Protect against UV exposure
Protecting your skin from the sun is crucial after the procedure, as UV rays can worsen inflammation and compromise healing. Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily and avoid prolonged exposure to heat and sun.
Skin care after the procedure: Avoid harsh exfoliation
Stay away from abrasive scrubs or exfoliants, as well as acids or chemicals, until your skin has completely healed. These can worsen the irritation and disrupt the healing process.
Post-Procedure Skin Care: Stay hydrated and nourished
Drink plenty of water and eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and healthy fats to support overall skin health and repair.
Skin care after the procedure: be patient and consistent
Please note that skin healing takes time and results may not be visible immediately. Be patient, stay consistent with your skin care routine and trust the body’s innate ability to regenerate and rejuvenate.
By implementing these practices and prioritizing self-care, you can optimize the results of your cosmetic procedures and reveal radiant, youthful-looking skin.
Have you had a cosmetic procedure that required careful care after the procedure?
Featured image by Cottonbro Studio via Pexels.
