When dermatology patients make the decision to invest in skin-improving procedures like injectables, fillers, or chemical peels, they may not be expecting some of the after-effects that can sometimes occur during healing like skin discoloration, swelling, and other concerns related to the health and appearance of skin. After all, most people seek out these cosmetic dermatology procedures to improve the health and appearance of their skin, which leaves them wondering if there are ways to heal the skin more quickly and enjoy the benefits of their treatments sooner. In this blog, we’ll go through some changes patients can make to their skincare routine to promote healing after procedures, and we’ll discuss our most recommended products to care for skin after any cosmetic or dermatologic treatments.

How Should You Change Your Skincare Routine After Dermatologic Procedures?

Following your dermatologic procedure, there are several changes you should make to your skincare routine to allow your skin to heal, avoid causing additional irritation, and reduce the risk of scarring, including:

• • Skip cosmetics – Unless your dermatologist tells you otherwise, it’s typically beneficial to forego your daily cosmetics routine as you heal. This will prevent irritation and infection risk. It also ensures you’ll notice possibly concerning changes in coloring or skin texture right away.
• • Forego treatments and serums (unless they’re healing serums) – For the most part, you can skip the application of your treatments and serums following dermatologic procedures. Any dermatologist-prescribed skin treatments or serums provided as part of the healing process are exceptions.
• • Use a gentle cleanser – You’ll want to use a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser. Avoid exfoliant cleansers and those that contain potentially drying or irritating ingredients like isopropyl alcohol.
• • Apply a good moisturizer –To heal, your skin needs to be hydrated. So, make sure you use a good moisturizing product. Thick, heavy, cream-based moisturizers may congest skin and pores. Choose a lighter moisturizing gel or lotion instead.
• • Protect skin from sun damage – While it’s important to protect skin from sun damage every day, photosensitivity is significantly increased after dermatologic procedures, so sun protection becomes even more essential. Whenever possible, avoid or limit sun exposure for the first few days to a week after your treatment. When your skin will be exposed to the sun’s damaging UVA and UVB rays, make sure to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.

What Are the Best Products to Use After Receiving a Skincare Treatment?

As your skin is healing following skincare treatments, you may be wondering if any products can accelerate the healing process. Below, we’ve curated a list of our top eight recommended products for post-procedure skincare routines. Each of these products offers unique healing benefits to help patients restore the health and vitality of their skin more quickly after dermatologic treatments.

ALASTIN Restorative Skin Complex with TriHex Technology

ALASTIN’S line of skincare products was developed by skincare researchers to promote healing and rejuvenation after dermatologic treatments, and their product line also helps to boost the efficacy of skincare procedures. The ALASTIN Restorative Skin Complex with TriHex Technology is one of these unique and effective products for improving the results of skin treatments and promoting post-procedure healing. This product should be used in the morning and evening after cleansing the skin and before moisturizing. With regular application, ALASTIN Restorative Skin Complex with TriHex Technology increases the body’s natural production of collagen and elastin. These elements are essential to skin healing. In addition to promoting healing, collagen, and elastin also give our skin a smooth, youthful appearance. As we age, collagen and elastin production slows, leading to fine lines and wrinkles. With daily use, ALASTIN Restorative Skin Complex with TriHex Technology can improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and prevent the formation of new fine lines and wrinkles.

ALASTIN Skin Nectar with TriHex Technology

In addition to producing new collagen and elastin, the body needs to clear out damaged collagen and elastin in order to look great and heal quickly. The ALASTIN Skin Nectar with TriHex Technology helps to clear out damaged collagen and elastin and encourages the production of healthy, new collagen and elastin to accelerate the body’s ability to heal following procedures and improve the overall appearance of the skin. Follow your dermatologist’s instructions, but ALASTIN Skin Nectar with TriHex Technology is typically recommended for use leading up to your procedure and immediately after skin treatments. The product is a spot treatment. It should be used before procedures to prepare the skin for treatment. Following the procedure, ALASTIN Skin Nectar with TriHex Technology should be applied twice a day to the treated area. In addition to prepping the skin for procedures and promoting healing after, ALASTIN
Skin Nectar with TriHex Technology has also been shown to enhance and prolong the effects of dermatologic treatments.

Following dermatologic procedures, it’s essential to protect the skin from the sun’s damaging UVA/UVB rays. For those who are looking for a good, broad-spectrum sunscreen that will prevent sun damage and encourage skin healing, ALASTIN Hydratint Pro Mineral Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 36 is the ideal option. The lightweight, universal solution blends seamlessly with most skin tones, and it can be used on all skin types and body areas. This sunscreen will keep skin safe from the sun’s rays as well as protect against chemicals, pollutants, and other potentially damaging environmental factors.

SkinCeuticals HA Intensifier

The SkinCeuticals HA Intensifier is a uniquely formulated product that helps replenish the skin’s natural hyaluronic acid levels to support the skin’s hydration. Hyaluronic acid is an essential nutrient in keeping skin healthy, supple, and youthful. Not only is it important for post-procedure healing, but hyaluronic acid also helps to keep skin looking smooth and firm.

Sente Dermal Repair Cream

Sente Dermal Repair Cream uses unique Heparan Sulfate Analog (HSA) technology to improve the appearance of aging and photo-damaged skin. While this product was specifically made for aging and sun-damaged skin, it also works well to accelerate healing after dermatologic procedures. Additionally, Sente Dermal Repair Cream can also help to prevent scarring or other changes or irregularities in skin texture that can occur after treatment.

EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser

It’s important to keep areas that receive dermatologic treatments clean and free of any environmental allergens or irritants that can cause concern. However, you don’t want to use cleansers that could unintentionally irritate the skin. EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser is an ideal solution. The gentle ingredients and oil-free, pH-balanced formula are safe and effective for all skin types. The foaming cleanser gently lifts impurities, dirt, oils, and other unwanted residue away from the skin.

EltaMD Skin Recovery Toner

While most people would be tempted to skip potentially drying toners in their skincare routine after dermatologic treatment, the EltaMD Skin Recovery Toner offers calming relief from any irritation or dryness to healing skin. This is a great product to alleviate redness related to chemical peels, microdermabrasion, laser therapy, and other popular dermatologic procedures. EltaMD Skin Recovery Toner calms and soothes post-procedure skin. It’s also packed with antioxidants that protect healing skin against free radical damage. Safe for all skin types, even acne, and rosacea-prone skin, EltaMD Skin Recovery Toner is free of oils, dyes, fragrances, and paraben. It's also pH-balanced and includes essential nutrients that deliver increased hydration to the skin as well as help the skin better absorb moisture.

Epionce Medical Barrier Cream

This product was created specifically for sensitive, very dry, and scaly skin. Safe for all skin types, Epionce Medical Barrier Cream may be recommended to protect skin and promote healing for individuals who are experiencing flare-ups in chronic skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea. Epionce Medical Barrier Cream offers a boost of hydration that repairs the skin’s natural protective barrier. This moisture boost instantly improves the health and appearance of the skin, and by strengthening the skin’s protective barrier, Epionce Medical Barrier Cream protects post-procedure skin as it heals.

Want to Learn More About Skincare Procedures or Skincare After Treatment?

If you’re interested in learning more about skincare treatments and post-procedure care, the knowledgeable dermatologists at U.S. Dermatology Partners have you covered. These skilled professionals have selected the products available from the DermSkincare shop, and they can help you find the best treatment options for your unique skin health needs. Getting started is quick and easy. You’ll simply need to complete our online scheduling request to get in touch with a local U.S. Dermatology Partners practice.