Before your visit
- Stop retinol, vitamin A, glycolic or AHA/BHA acids, exfoliants and scrubs on the area for 5 to 7 days before.
- Never stop a prescribed medicine for a cosmetic treatment. If you are on prescribed blood thinners, they stay exactly as your doctor set them unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
- Aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil and vitamin E thin the blood too. If you take those by choice rather than on prescription, leaving them for 48 hours before means less bruising. Skip alcohol for 24 hours.
- Tell us if you have been on Roaccutane (isotretinoin) in the last 12 months. We usually leave at least 6 months after the last dose.
- No waxing, threading or hair removal cream on the area for 72 hours before.
- Tell us about any peel, laser, IPL, injectable or previous needling in the area, and when it was. How long we leave between those and needling depends on the treatment and on your skin, so we will work it out with you.
- Stay off sunbeds and out of heavy sun for a week before. We cannot needle sunburnt or very irritated skin.
- If you get cold sores, tell us before any work around the mouth and ask your GP or pharmacist about an antiviral beforehand.
- Come with clean skin and no makeup. Eat beforehand and drink water so you are comfortable.
Aftercare
Keep it gentle and give your skin time to recover. Follow this guide alongside the personalised instructions from your appointment. Recovery varies with your skin and the intensity of your treatment.
What to expect
Temporary redness, warmth, mild swelling, tightness and tenderness can occur, similar to mild sunburn. These should gradually improve over the following days.
Your skin may also feel dry or slightly rough, with light flaking as it recovers. Do not pick, scratch, scrub or peel away loose skin.
The first 24 hours
- Use only the post-treatment products we have provided or approved. Leave out your usual cleanser, serums, creams and sheet masks.
- If needed, rinse gently with cool or lukewarm water. No rubbing, washcloths or cleansing brushes. Pat dry with a clean, soft towel.
- Avoid touching the treated area unnecessarily, and always wash your hands before applying approved aftercare products.
- No makeup for at least 24 hours. Wait longer if your skin is still irritated or has any broken areas.
- Keep out of direct sunlight. Sunscreen is paused for now, so use shade, a wide-brimmed hat and protective clothing.
- Use a fresh pillowcase and clean towels. Keep your phone screen clean, and keep pets off the treated skin.
From 24 hours
Once your skin can comfortably tolerate skincare:
- Introduce a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser and a simple moisturiser approved by us. Use cool or lukewarm water.
- Keep your routine minimal, and do not introduce new products while your skin recovers.
- Makeup can go back on if your skin is intact and comfortable. Use clean brushes or sponges and remove it gently.
- Apply a gentle broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen. Reapply according to the label, and keep using shade, a hat and protective clothing.
- If sunscreen stings or irritates, rinse it off gently, protect the area from the sun and contact us for advice.
The first 48 to 72 hours
- No strenuous exercise, heavy sweating, saunas, steam rooms, hot baths or hot showers. Wait longer if your skin is still red, warm or sensitive.
- No swimming pools, spas or hot tubs for at least 72 hours, and until the treated skin has healed.
The first 7 days
Leave these out for at least 7 days, and longer if redness, sensitivity or flaking remains:
- Retinol, retinoids and other vitamin A products.
- AHAs, BHAs, exfoliating acids and peels.
- Vitamin C serums and other potentially irritating active products.
- Scrubs, cleansing brushes and exfoliating devices.
Bring them back gradually once your skin has recovered and we have said it is fine. Ask your prescriber before changing any prescribed skincare or medication.
The first 7 to 10 days
Avoid direct sun, and keep taking extra care for as long as your skin is sensitive. No tanning or sunbeds.
Until your skin has healed
- No waxing, threading, depilatory creams or shaving over irritated skin.
- Check with us before booking another facial, peel, laser, IPL, injectable or skin treatment.
Your follow-up
We will recommend when to return based on your skin's recovery and treatment goals. Let your skin recover fully before further treatment.
When to seek advice
Contact us if you are unsure about your recovery or a product you would like to use.
Seek prompt medical assessment if you develop increasing pain, spreading redness or warmth, worsening swelling, pus, yellow crusting, blistering, cold-sore-like lesions or fever. Let us know as well, but do not delay medical care while waiting for a reply.
For difficulty breathing, swelling of the lips or tongue, or another severe or rapidly developing reaction, call 000.
