How to Prep (and Care for) Your Skin Before and After a Treatment

Whether you're booked in for a peel, LED, microneedling, or IPL — knowing how to care for your skin before and after your treatment makes a huge difference to your results, comfort, and recovery.

Here’s what we recommend at Skinovate Clinic to help you get the most out of your skin journey.

BEFORE YOUR TREATMENT

1. Pause active skincare ingredients

Stop using retinoids, exfoliants (like AHA/BHA), and vitamin C 3–5 days before your treatment, unless directed otherwise. This reduces the chance of irritation and helps maintain your skin barrier.

2. No fake tan or waxing

Avoid tanning (natural or fake) and waxing the treatment area for at least a week before your appointment — especially for IPL and laser-based treatments, which require untanned skin for safety and effectiveness.

3. Keep skin calm and hydrated

Use gentle, nourishing skincare in the lead-up. Think fragrance-free cleansers, barrier-supportive serums, and moisturisers to ensure your skin is in its best condition before treatment.

4. Avoid alcohol and excessive sun exposure.

These can make your skin more reactive. Come to your appointment with clean skin and no makeup (if possible).

5. Let us know about any changes

If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medication, or have had recent changes in your skincare or health, please let us know — we’ll always tailor your treatment safely and appropriately.

AFTER YOUR TREATMENT

1. Follow your post-care instructions carefully

You’ll be given personalised aftercare based on your treatment — please follow it closely to support healing and avoid complications.

2. Keep skincare minimal and calming

Stick to gentle cleansing and a fragrance-free, nourishing moisturiser. Avoid active ingredients, scrubs, and exfoliants until your skin is fully recovered (we’ll tell you when it’s safe to resume).

3. Absolutely no picking or peeling

Even if your skin flakes or pigmentation begins to lift, resist the urge to touch it. Let it slough off naturally to avoid marks or irritation.

4. Avoid heat, sweat, and sun exposure

Skip saunas, hot showers, intense exercise, and direct sunlight for at least 48 hours post-treatment (longer for some treatments). UV exposure can interfere with results and increase the chance of irritation or pigmentation.

5. Wear SPF daily — no excuses!

This is non-negotiable. A broad-spectrum SPF 30+ or 50+ is essential to protect your freshly treated skin and maintain your results.

Every treatment is a partnership — your home care and preparation are just as important as the work we do in clinic. When we work together to prep and protect your skin, your results are not only better — they last longer.

Not sure what’s safe for your skin type or treatment plan? We’ll guide you every step of the way.

With love,Maddy

Skinovate Clinic 🤍Gentle care. Real results. Healthy skin.