The Gist: After the micro-channels close (18-24 hours):
- Hydrate, nourish, soothe, and protect the skin
- Treat your skin as an open wound
- Keep skin hydrated/mousturized as much as possible
- NO direct sun exposure for 4 weeks
- Wear SPF 30+ every day & re-apply
Day 0: Immmediately After Treatment
- Do not put anything on the skin for 18-24 hours (no SPF, no lotions/creams/serums, no make-up)
- Do not touch treated areas with fingers/hands, cellphones, glasses, hats, or any other foreign object. (Be mindful arount pets)
The greates risk of infection is during this time (open wounds). Make sure anything that touches these areas has been properly sanitized and pillowcases & sheets are freshly cleaned.
Day 1: Next Day After Treatment
- After the alloted time has passed (18-24 hours) you may gently wash your face with lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser, 2x/day. Use your fingers only. Do not scrub, rub, or use a washcloth. Pat dry.
- Immediately apply a gentle but extremely hydrating/barrier-nourishing moisturizer (moisturize 3-4 times a day, do not let your skin dry out). The barrier is compromised. Only use gentle yet hydrating products for sensitive skin, that are fragance-free.
- You may wear SPF 30+. Mineral/physical based, not chemical.
- The dryness is due to the barrier being temporarily compromised and to an increased turnover of skin cells.
Day 2: 48 Hours After Treatment
- Keep the skin moisturized as much as possible.
- You may add topical growth factors & other nourishing serums as long as they don't irritate the skin
- Wear SPF 30+ at all times. Mineral-based. Re-apply every 2 hours if exposed to the sun, sitting nect to an open window, or even while running errands in the car.
- You may apply makeup, if necessary. Only mineral-based powder (Ideally is better to wait another day or two if possible; due to the dry skin, it may not look as good). Make sure all make-up brushes, applicators, and sponges have been cleaned/sanitized before use.
Day 3: 72 Hours After Treatment
- You may resume a very basic, soothing, hydrating routine (unless the skin is still too sensitive, then wait another day or two).
- Keep skin hydrated and nourished with non-irritating, non-clogging, and no harsh ingredients.
- Wear SPF 30+ at all times. Mineral-based. Re-apply every 2 hours if exposed to the sun, if sitting next to an open window, or even driving when running errands in the car.
- For acne-prone clients: no occlusives and non-comedogenic products
Day 4-7: 96+ Hours After Treatment
- You may wear your normal makeup, as long as it's not irritating.
- Wear SPF 30+ at all times, if outdoors, sitting next to an open window, or even driving while running errands in the car. Reapply every 2 hours as needed.
- Keep skin hydrated as much as possible
- Around day 5 you may use a gentle exfoliator, like a gentle enzyme mask (no acids), to help get rid of the flaky skin.
Information source: The Anti-Aging Pro