Post-Procedure Care: Tips & Product Recommendations For Healing Your Skin Barrier

Beloved by both patients and professionals for their accelerated results, in-clinic procedures are an important part of maintaining skin health. Considered an essential fraction of any comprehensive skincare routine, these treatments should be incorporated following the 80/20 rule — making up about 20% of an annual regimen, with daily at-home care making up the bulk of your efforts. Today’s professional-grade offerings range from superficial chemical peels, microneedling, and laser and light treatments, to radiofrequency and ultrasound, utilizing advanced technologies and ingredients to penetrate deeper than their topical skincare counterparts. These technologies can target specific concerns such as collagen production, skin tightening, and pigmentation correction at a much more effective level.

In-clinic treatments can also enhance the effects of at-home products. For example, treatments like microneedling or laser resurfacing create microchannels within the skin, helping to increase product absorption, and making topical serums and moisturizers even more efficacious. But while they can provide more significant improvements in skin texture, tone, and signs of aging, they can also require more downtime and attention to healing. Prioritizing proper post-procedure care can be the difference between poor and exceptional results.

The Importance of Post-Procedure Care

Professional treatments can be much more expensive than over-the-counter or consumer options and, as such, are an investment in your long-term skin health. Having the right post-procedure care during recovery helps protect that investment. Carl R. Thornfeldt, MD, FAAD and Epionce Founder confirms, “As skin care professionals, we know the impact effective post-treatment care has on patient outcome.” It can help accelerate healing, minimize downtime, and get you back out in public showing off your beautiful skin.

It’s important to remember that post-procedure skin is in a wounded state. After a resurfacing treatment, for example, the skin has many micro wounds and is susceptible to infection. If it doesn’t heal properly, patients can experience side effects like post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Without healthy habits and gentle post-procedure skincare, you can hinder the results you are looking for.

What Type of Post-Procedure Skincare Should You Use?

Dr. Carl recommends botanically based formulas, launching the Epionce Essential Recovery Kit specifically for post-procedure care. Common drug store names often come to mind when we think of healing ointments, but he notes that these do not always provide everything wounded skin needs post-procedure. “This all-in-one kit meets the needs of the skin while also addressing the needs of my patients. Many post-treatment products are greasy and sticky, or sting and are very uncomfortable,” explains Thornfeldt.

The Epionce Essential Recovery Kit, like the rest of the brand’s gentle skincare products, helps reform and repair the protective skin barrier, providing antioxidant-rich, antimicrobial benefits. The collection soothes redness and stinging, calms itchy skin, restores hydration and improves the appearance of aging, as well as overall treatment outcomes.

Dos and Don’ts After A Procedure

After any professional procedure, you’ll want to follow your provider’s instructions carefully. This generally includes things like keeping the treated area(s) clean and hydrated, and avoiding anything that could potentially irritate the skin further.

Do…

• Apply sunscreen

Sunscreen is non-negotiable at all times of the year, but especially post-treatment. You should start using sunscreen as soon as your provider allows. A broad-spectrum SPF like Epionce Daily Shield Tinted SPF 50 is perfect for all skin types, even sensitive skin. The water-resistant formula is enhanced with botanical ingredients for added antioxidant benefits.

• Moisturize regularly

During this time, it’s important to prevent the skin from drying out. Using a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer helps maintain moisture without clogging pores. Epionce Renewal Calming Cream contains colloidal oatmeal to soothe and calm skin, nourishing the skin barrier to help accelerate post-procedure recovery.

• Stay hydrated

You’ll want to drink plenty of water to support the skin’s recovery process from the inside out. In addition, you can boost hydration levels with emollient-rich products like the Epionce Enriched Firming Mask or the Intensive Nourishing Cream. The former includes a proprietary blend of barrier lipids to help calm visible redness and irritation post-procedure, while the latter is filled with nourishing and barrier-rejuvenating ingredients.

Avoid…

• Direct sunlight

Before you get the sunscreen green light, avoid direct sunlight whenever possible and aim to use barrier protection. This can include items like sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat.

• Touching or picking at the treated skin

Doing either of these while the skin is still healing can lead to clogged pores, infected skin, or even scarring. Although it’s impossible to completely avoid touching the face altogether, you can avoid hitchhiking bacteria by keeping your hands clean, washing or sanitizing regularly, and especially before applying any other skincare.

• Harsh products and exfoliants

You’ll want to skip the retinols and actives, opting for skincare products formulated for sensitive skin. Post-procedure skin can be extremely reactive, so simple formulas like Epionce Milky Lotion Cleanser can help alleviate potential discomfort and adverse reactions.

• Hot showers, saunas, or activities that cause excessive sweating

Steer clear of anything that heats the skin for the first few days to avoid excess irritation, blisters, or rashes. Aim to keep your skin comfortable and cool.

Focusing on skin safety, good hygiene, and a post-procedure routine that gently nourishes the skin barrier without causing irritation will aid in a speedy recovery.

The Role of Professional Guidance

Consistent in-clinic treatments and check-ins provide the benefit of professional monitoring of your skin’s progress. A licensed professional can assess not only the superficial concerns but also any underlying skin issues, such as skin laxity, dehydration, or sensitivity. By addressing these concerns in a professional setting, you enhance the overall health of your skin, complementing your at-home regimen.

Your skincare professional can also guide you on how to transition back into your normal skincare routine and advise you on long-term maintenance. They can customize and adjust your procedures as your skin evolves, ensuring you’re applying the best approach for your skin’s current condition. This ongoing guidance can help prevent misuse of products or treatments that could lead to irritation or damage.

The inclusion of in-clinic treatments in your skincare regimen allows for a holistic approach to skin health. These treatments not only correct existing skin concerns but also offer preventative benefits, and by incorporating in-clinic procedures into your skincare routine early on, you can prevent more serious skin issues from developing later.

The synergy between professional treatments, post-procedure skincare, and your daily routine ensures that your skin is always in its best shape. The Epionce line was designed to help you navigate post-procedure care with ease. As Dr. Carl puts it, “I wanted a solution that patients would be more likely to use, would effectively help wounded skin, and would ultimately provide better results.”

Interested in creating or expanding your custom skincare routine? Contact one of our Epionce Pros — trained skincare professionals who will provide in-person guidance tailored to your needs. Find an Epionce Pro Near You