The desire for smooth, evenly toned, soft, blemish-free skin is one of the most common wishes patients have.
It’s no surprise then that non-surgical skin procedures are amongst the most popular non-surgical cosmetic procedures doctors perform in the U.S. In fact, three of the top 5 cosmetic minimally-invasive procedures are skin treatments: laser skin resurfacing, chemical peels, and intense pulsed light therapy.
In this article, skincare expert and industry-leading Facial Plastic Surgeon Dr. Jose Barrera discusses how patients should care for their newly treated skin after a non-surgical procedure.
What Happens During a Non-Surgical Skincare Procedure?
Skin concerns, namely dry skin, acne scars, sunspots, fine lines, and uneven skin tone, result from damaged skin cells that stay on the face’s external layer of skin.
There are numerous causes for these damaged cells, but generally, acne, poor moisturization, an inconsistent skincare routine, and over-exposure to the sun are the primary candidates causing damaged facial skin.
As such, non-surgical skincare treatments aim to eliminate the damaged skin cells and reveal the underlying layers of young, new, healthy cells.
While these treatments vary in application and primary purpose, their main goal is to remove damaged tissue and expose healthy cells.
Chemical peels achieve this via the application of a solution to the whole face. Thus, it has a large treatment area. IPL and laser resurfacing focus on more minor, more localized treatments but achieve the same thing.
Once new skin cells are revealed, they are delicate and need to opportunity to mature and protect themselves, which is a healing process. This is the stage after your skincare treatment and is when you must take great care to nurture your new skin cells for optimal healing and exceptional results.
How to Care for New Skin
Taking care of your skin after a non-surgical treatment is relatively straightforward – avoid makeup, avoid sunlight, and keep the area well hydrated.
Depending on your treatment, you might wish to entirely stay out of the sun for 1-2 weeks or simply wear a broad-brimmed hat. Unless the doctor prescribes the formula to help your skin heal after your treatment, it’s also best practice to avoid putting anything on your skin until it has fully healed. Moisturizing lotion is the exception here, but discuss it with your practitioner before applying anything.
Also, avoid alcohol and smoking, and eat plenty of greens and nuts. This helps prime your body for healing and recovery.
Skincare in San Antonio, TX
Skincare treatments are a fantastic way to get a quick refresh and look and feel your best in no time at all. If you’re concerned about a slightly “used” feeling to your facial skin, then a skincare treatment is perfect for you.
Dr. Barrera prides himself on his patient satisfaction and the personalized, caring approach he takes with each and every patient. Simply call (210) 468-5426 or fill out Dr. Barrera’s online form to discuss how we can improve your life today.
