Aesthetic skincare treatments are more popular than ever. Whether we’re looking to achieve a more vital glow or to address a specific skin condition such as hyperpigmentation or acne, there are options to suit a wide range of skin types. Beyond products that help keep our skin hydrated and balanced, many of us are having dermatological procedures such as chemical peels, laser, dermabrasion and microneedling.
Dr Kate DeAmbrosis is a dermatologist with Valley Plastic Surgery in Brisbane. She says many popular treatments are designed to improve skin texture and luminosity by altering the skin barrier. While they can have great results, that means a little extra TLC is required while things settle down.
Here’s what you need to know about treating your skin with kindness after your procedure.
What kinds of treatments need aftercare?
“The ones that are really in fashion at the moment are things like chemical peels, microneedling and microdermabrasion,” DeAmbrosis says. “There’s a lot of radiofrequency and moving towards even more ablative treatment – like laser treatments that are focused on even more destruction to the upper layer of the skin.”
Getting inked also requires extra care. “It’s a disruption in a different way,” she says. “There’s a penetration of dye into the upper layers of the skin, which alters the barrier and completely interrupts the microbiome. Aftercare there can maximise the life of the tattoo, the vitality, the colours and the health of the surrounding skin, too.”
What are the signs my skin is thirsty for aftercare?
“The premise is that they’re taking away the top layers of the skin, enabling a rejuvenating vibe or glow,” DeAmbrosis says. “The downside of that is that it does disrupt the skin barrier. The stratum corneum [the outer layer] and the upper layers of the skin are integral to forming a strong barrier to outside impacts, and a lot of these treatments do compromise that.”
She says there are signs we can look out for that indicate our skin needs some extra attention. “The feel of the skin is a great clue. Skin that feels tight or irritated can be a sign that there’s too much dehydration, too much injury, not enough structure to support restoration.”
Another tip is to simply look closely at our skin’s appearance. “Any degree of erythema, which is redness, particularly spreading beyond the [treated] area, can be a sign that we need to add some support systems that help skin restore itself.”
How can I take proper care of my skin while it recovers?
What we do after treatment can make all the difference to the long-term result.
The first job is to keep the skin maximally hydrated, DeAmbrosis says. “That’s often finding a product that you like using, then using it an appropriate number of times. In the aftermath of a skin barrier disruption, that’s quite a lot. You can’t overdo this step. Putting it on five times a day is completely appropriate.”
(If you’re trying a new product, try it on intact skin that hasn’t been compromised first, such as the inside of your forearm.)
We can increase the hydration even further, she suggests, by using occlusive techniques, such as an air- and water-tight dressing. “A crepe bandage or tight cotton sock that’s been dampened can really help the humectants penetrate the skin and accelerate the restoration process.”
Are there ingredients that can give my skin what it needs to recover and glow?
DeAmbrosis recommends using non-fragranced ointments and creams to maximise hydration, and says taking a close look at the ingredients list can help you achieve a better result. Look for ingredients that suit your skin type and the recovery process.
“If you’re quite eczema prone, paraffin or liquid paraffin – things that have a strong water-binding capacity – can work really well. Panthenol is a fabulous ingredient. It works well particularly with zinc oxide and they’re not irritating ingredients. They work to promote collagen regrowth and barrier repair.”
Also known as Vitamin B5, panthenol works against irritants or pollutants that can cause inflammatory cascade – when the body experiences a system-wide inflammation response. “[It’s] important in a protective sense,” DeAmbrosis says, “to build a strong, healthy skin barrier.”
La Roche-Posay’s head of medical relations, Rachel McAdam, says a product such as Cicaplast Baume B5+ Balm Cream can help support skin recovery after a cosmetic procedure. “[It provides] intense hydration and soothes and balances even the most dry skin with its microbiome science,” she says.
Panthenol, prebiotic ingredients, madecassoside and La Roche-Posay’s thermal spring water, with its abundance of the antioxidant selenium, round out the hydrating and soothing properties of the balm.
Is there anything I should avoid after an aesthetic treatment?
The focus should be on avoiding anything that leads to dehydration, DeAmbrosis says, such asUV rays from the sun. “Any excess sunlight can strip the skin of hydration, but once the skin has undergone some of these treatments, you lose an element of protection, so put the skin at even greater risk of carcinogenesis.”
She recommends avoiding general skin irritants such as sand, salt, water, chlorine and extreme hot or cold, all of which can compromise the skin while it’s recovering.
Ultimately, DeAmbrosis says, it’s about taking the time to give your skin what it needs to make the most of your aesthetic treatment and achieve that luminous, healthy look and feel. “It can be dangerous if it’s not paired with the right aftercare,” she cautions. “But the post-aesthetic treatment regime is aimed at restoring that in the quickest and best possible way.”
Support your skin with the La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5+ Balm Cream.
