Pre and post treatment advice

So, you’ve booked your treatment! What’s next?

Please read this fully prior to your appointment — the details will be discussed with you in full during your appointment, when you sign your consent form for the procedure you are also agreeing to adhere to the advice outlined here.

Get expert skincare advice in Hampshire
  • Avoid Sun Exposure: Please avoid direct sun exposure for 24-48 hours before your facial. This reduces the risk of sunburn or irritation during the treatment.

    No Tanning or Self-Tanners: Please do not apply self-tanners or get a spray tan for at least 5 days before your facial.

    Avoid Harsh Skin Treatments: Refrain from using harsh exfoliants, acids (like AHAs, BHAs), or retinoids for 48 hours before the facial, as they can make your skin sensitive and reactive.

    Hydrate Your Skin: Drink plenty of water before the treatment to keep your skin well-hydrated. This can help make the treatment more effective.

    Clothes: Wear a strappy top or a comfy bra — I’ll be working right down to your shoulders and towards the lymph nodes in your armpits so please make sure it’s easy to access that area.

  • Avoid Sun Exposure: After the facial, avoid direct sun exposure for at least 24 hours. Your skin may be more sensitive, and sun exposure can cause irritation or hyperpigmentation.

    Skip the Gym: Avoid sweating and intense workouts for at least 24 hours. Sweating can clog pores and irritate the skin, especially after extractions.

    Don’t Apply Harsh Products: For the first 48 hours post-facial, avoid using products with active ingredients like retinoids, AHAs, BHAs, or Vitamin C, as they can irritate freshly treated skin.

    Moisturise and Hydrate: Apply a gentle moisturiser, keep your skin hydrated and drink plenty of water to support skin health.

    No Makeup (for at least 24 hours): Avoid applying makeup immediately after your facial, as your skin needs time to breathe and heal. If you must wear makeup, choose gentle, mineral formulas.

    Avoid Touching Your Face: Refrain from touching or picking at your face post-facial, as this can introduce bacteria and lead to breakouts or irritation.

    Be Gentle with Your Skin: Avoid any abrasive physical exfoliation or aggressive cleansing methods for 3-5 days post-treatment. Use a gentle cleanser.

    No Heat or Hot Showers: Avoid hot showers, saunas, or steam treatments for at least 48 hours after the facial to prevent irritation or inflammation.

    Sanitise: If you can, change your pillowcase and wipe your phone with an antibacterial wipe.

  • Avoid Sun Exposure: Limit sun exposure for 24 hours before your treatment. Avoid tanning beds for one week before treatment. If you have an active sunburn, it’s important to wait until it has healed before undergoing any facial treatment.

    Discontinue Retinoids and Strong Actives: Stop using retinoids, Vitamin A derivatives (like Retin-A, Tretinoin), or other strong active ingredients (e.g., exfoliating acids like AHAs, BHAs, Vitamin C, or benzoyl peroxide) 24 hours before your microcurrent facial. These ingredients can make your skin more sensitive.

    Avoid Waxing and Hair Removal: Do not wax, thread, or use depilatory creams in the treatment area for at least 48 hours before the facial. Shave (if necessary) the treatment area, 24-48 hours before treatment.

    Discontinue Certain Skincare Products: Stop using exfoliating products (scrubs, brushes, or tools) for 24 hours prior to treatment, as they can increase the risk of irritation.

    Hydrate Your Skin: Drink plenty of water in the 24 hours before your treatment.

    Consult me About Any Medical Conditions: Let me know if you have any active skin conditions (e.g., eczema, rosacea, psoriasis) or concerns. Roaccutane usage to be stopped at least 3-6 months prior depending on dose. Please consult your GP.

    No Recent Cosmetic Procedures: If you have had any recent cosmetic procedures like Botox or dermal fillers, you should wait for 2-4 weeks before any other facial treatments.

  • Avoid Sun Exposure: After the treatment, your skin will be more sensitive, so it’s crucial to avoid direct sun exposure for at least 24 hours. Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) daily to protect the skin from UV damage, which can accelerate the aging process.

    Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out, which will help keep your skin glowing.

    Avoid Heat and Sweating: Avoid hot showers, saunas, steam rooms, and intense physical activity (which induces sweating) for 24 hours after your facial. Excessive heat can irritate your skin and cause inflammation.

    No Makeup for 24 Hours: Avoid applying makeup for at least 24 hours post-treatment to allow your skin to breathe and to prevent introducing bacteria to freshly treated skin.

    Avoid Harsh Skin Care Products: For at least 24 hours, avoid using harsh skincare products, especially those containing active ingredients like retinoids, acids, or exfoliants. These can irritate the skin post-treatment. Stick to gentle cleansers and moisturisers that are hydrating and calming.

    Don’t Massage or Rub the Treated Area: Avoid rubbing or massaging the treated area excessively for 24 hours. Your facial muscles are already stimulated, and over-massaging could lead to irritation or disrupt the effects of the microcurrent.

    Be Gentle with Your Skin: After a microcurrent facial, your skin will typically feel firmer, but it's still essential to be gentle with it. Avoid vigorous scrubbing or using abrasive tools for 48 hours after treatment.

    Expect erythema: Mild redness or warmth on the skin is common immediately after a microcurrent treatment and usually subsides within a few hours. This is normal and temporary. If you experience any pain, irritation, or persistent redness, contact me for further advice.

    Avoid Chemical Peels or Other Treatments: Avoid other invasive skin treatments, such as chemical peels, lasers, or microdermabrasion, for at least 2 weeks after a microcurrent facial. This ensures your skin is not over-stimulated.

    Consistency Is Key: For optimal results, it’s often recommended to initially undergo a series of treatments, typically spaced 1-2 weeks apart. Regular treatments help maintain muscle tone and skin firmness.

    Home Care Devices: If you're using any microcurrent devices at home, resume use after one week or according to manufacturers guidelines.

  • Avoid Sun Exposure: Limit sun exposure for 1-2 weeks before your treatment, as your skin will be more sensitive after the peel. Use sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every day, even if you’re not spending a lot of time outdoors. Avoid tanning beds for 2 weeks before treatment. If you have an active sunburn, it’s important to wait until it has healed before undergoing a peel.

    Discontinue Retinoids and Strong Actives: Stop using retinoids, Vitamin A derivatives (like Retin-A, Tretinoin), or other strong active ingredients (e.g., exfoliating acids like AHAs, BHAs, Vitamin C, or benzoyl peroxide) 5-7 days before your chemical peel. These ingredients can make your skin more sensitive to the peel and increase the risk of irritation or peeling.

    Avoid Waxing and Hair Removal: Do not wax, thread, or use depilatory creams in the treatment area for at least 48 hours before the peel. Shave (if necessary) the treatment area, 24-48 hours before treatment.

    Discontinue Certain Skincare Products: Stop using exfoliating products (scrubs, brushes, or tools) for 1-2 weeks prior to treatment, as they can increase the risk of irritation. Avoid using alcohol-based toners or astringents in the week leading up to the peel, as these can dry out the skin and make it more vulnerable to irritation.

    Hydrate Your Skin: Start using a hydrating moisturiser in the days before your peel to ensure that your skin is well-hydrated. Proper hydration will help reduce irritation and enhance the peel’s effectiveness. Drink plenty of water in the 24 hours before your treatment.

    Consult me About Any Medical Conditions: Let me know if you have any active skin conditions (e.g., eczema, rosacea, psoriasis) or any concerns about how your skin will react. Roaccutane usage to be stopped at least 3-6 months prior depending on dose. Please consult your GP.

    Avoid Certain Facial Treatments: Do not undergo facials, microdermabrasion, or other invasive skin treatments (like laser) 2 weeks before your chemical peel, as your skin may be too sensitised from these procedures.

    No Recent Cosmetic Procedures: If you have had any recent cosmetic procedures like Botox or dermal fillers, you should wait until the area has fully settled before getting a chemical peel (2-4 weeks).

  • Treatments may cause the following for up to 24 hours (these are normal, expected outcomes and are not reason for concern):

    • Redness / Tightness / Itchiness / Sensitivity / Slight Swelling

    Specific treatments may cause the following for three to five days (these are normal, expected outcomes and are not reason for concern):

    • Temporary Dryness / Skin Peeling / Flaking

    The treated area may or may not actually peel as each treatment is individual.

    It may take two or more treatments to target the deeper layers of skin to loosen and 'peel'. The degree of peeling does not necessarily reflect the efficacy of the procedure. Refrain from removing peeling skin by any means including picking, peeling and exfoliating as it could result in discolouration or scarring.

    Avoid Sun Exposure: After the peel, your skin will be more sensitive to the sun. Stay out of direct sunlight for at least 7 days, and avoid tanning beds altogether. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) every day, reapplying every 2 hours, especially if you're outdoors.

    Avoid Heat and Sweating: Avoid hot showers, saunas, steam rooms, and intense physical activity (which induces sweating) for 48 hours after your peel. Excessive heat can irritate your skin and cause inflammation.

    Avoid getting the area wet: For 8 hours.

    No Makeup for 24 Hours: Avoid applying makeup for at least 24 hours post-treatment to allow your skin to breathe and to prevent introducing bacteria to freshly treated skin.

    Skin care: You will be given a Post Peel aftercare kit that will contain 3 products. Use as directed for 5-7 days in replacement of any and all your other skin care products.

    Avoid Picking or Scratching: Do not pick at or scratch the skin during the peeling process, as this can cause scarring or irritation. Let your skin naturally shed. Avoid manual exfoliation (like scrubs, brushes, or loofahs) for 5-7 days post-peel.

    Avoid Other Skin Treatments: Refrain from any other exfoliating treatments (like microdermabrasion, lasers, or peels) for at least 2 weeks following the chemical peel. Do not undergo other invasive skin treatments during the healing period.

    Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out, which will help in the healing process and keep your skin glowing.

    Watch for Any Adverse Reactions: If you notice any prolonged redness, swelling, blistering, or irritation beyond what is expected, contact me immediately. This may indicate an allergic reaction or over-exfoliation.

    Long-Term Results: While you may notice improvement after one peel, multiple sessions (usually 3-6) spaced 4-6 weeks apart are often recommended for optimal results, depending on your skin goals and concerns.

  • Please note, microneedling is not suitable for those that:

    • Have active skin cancer in the treatment area(s)

    • Have open wounds, sores, or irritated skin in the treatment area(s)

    • Have an allergy to stainless steel or anaesthetics

    • Have a hemorrhagic (bleeding) disorder or hemostatic (bleeding) dysfunction

    • Are pregnant or nursing

    • Are currently taking drugs with the ingredient isotretinoin (such as Accutane)

    Avoid Sun Exposure: Treatment cannot be provided to clients that are recently tanned or sunburnt, therefore please stay out of the sun and avoid the use of tanning beds and self-tanning creams for a minimum of 2 weeks prior to treatment.

    Other treatments: Before microneedling treatments please avoid electrical facials, microdermabrasion or any fillers or injectable treatments for four weeks prior. Avoid chemical peels, laser treatments, or facials at least 2 weeks before your SkinPen treatment. These treatments can make your skin more sensitive or alter your skin’s response to microneedling.

    Avoid Harsh Skin Treatments: Refrain from using harsh exfoliants, acids (like AHAs, BHAs), or retinoids for 3-5 days before your microneedling appointment, as they can make your skin sensitive and reactive. Avoid any irritants to your skin including glycolic and salicylic acids, benzyl peroxide, astringents and Vitamin C and any medication or cream that thins the skin or makes it sensitive.

    Roaccutane: Roaccutane usage to be stopped at least 3-6 months prior depending on dose. Please consult your GP.

    Communicate: Let me know about any active skin conditions (e.g., eczema, psoriasis, rosacea) or recent treatments (like Botox or fillers) that could affect the safety and effectiveness of microneedling. Please make me aware of any changes in medication or medical history prior to treatment.

    Hydrate Your Skin: Drink plenty of water before the treatment to keep your skin well-hydrated. This can help make the treatment more effective and can minimise any post treatment dryness.

    No Makeup: Ideally, come with a clean face.

    Clothes: Please wear a loose clean t-shirt that isn’t tight on your neck (v neck is ideal) so that after the treatment you don’t have anything touching the treated areas — such as your neck and décolletage, and it’s not hard to get a t-shirt over your face without touching it! Bring a cardigan so again you’re not pulling something over your face.

    No Waxing or Hair Removal: Do not wax or use depilatory creams on the treatment area at least 72 hours prior to your microneedling session. These can cause irritation and interfere with the treatment.

    Discontinue Use of Blood Thinners: If you are taking blood thinners (e.g., aspirin, ibuprofen, or other medications), you may need to stop taking them 3-5 days before treatment, but please consult your GP.

    Shave the Treatment Area (if applicable): If you’re having microneedling on areas with facial hair (e.g., beard area), you may be asked to shave the area beforehand to ensure smooth treatment.

  • The micro-channels in your skin will remain open for 24 hours post procedure — during this time it is imperative that you don’t put anything on your skin other than the LiftHG that I give you. I’ll give you an aftercare pack with clear instructions and the exact time you can put other products on your skin.

    Laundry: Use a clean pillowcase the night of your treatment, and also sanitise your phone screen with an antibacterial wipe. You want to avoid introducing bacteria to the treated area while you sleep so use clean, soft pillowcases for at least a few days after your treatment.

    Avoid Sun Exposure: Protect your skin from sun exposure for at least 2-3 weeks post-treatment. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30, and reapply every 2 hours, especially if you’re outdoors. Your skin will be more sensitive to UV rays after microneedling.

    Avoid Heat and Sweating: Avoid sweating, exercise, hot tubs, saunas, or steam rooms for 48 hours after treatment, as the heat and sweat can irritate freshly treated skin and cause complications (like breakouts or inflammation).

    Gentle Cleansing: For the first 24 hours, only use the LiftHG I give you. For the 24 hours following that (so 48 hours) use only gentle, non-irritating cleansers. Do not use any exfoliating products or scrubs, as your skin will be more sensitive. Pat your skin dry with a soft towel, don’t rub it.

    Avoid Makeup: Do not wear makeup for 24 hours after the procedure, and longer if possible.

    Refrain from Touching Your Face: Do not touch, pick, or scratch the treated area for 24 hours to avoid introducing bacteria or causing damage to the skin. Longer if possible. Don’t pick at all actually!

    Hydrate Your Skin: After the first 24 hours (where you will only use the LiftHG), use the recovery balm and drink lots of water. Continue to avoid products with alcohol or harsh chemicals, as they can cause dryness or irritation for the first 72 hours.

    Avoid Retinoids and Active Ingredients: Do not use retinoids, Vitamin C, or exfoliating acids for at least 5 days post-treatment, as they can irritate the skin and interfere with the healing process.

    Be Aware of Temporary Redness and Swelling: It’s normal to experience some redness, swelling, and mild sensitivity immediately after the treatment. This typically subsides within 24-48 hours. If you experience prolonged redness or swelling, or if you have any concerns, contact me. I always feel very red for 4 hours, and then look like I have sunburn for 24-36 hours.

    Expect Flaking or Peeling: You may notice some mild flaking or peeling for 2-4 days after the treatment. This is a normal part of the healing process, as your skin sheds dead cells and you experience trans dermal water loss. Do not pick or peel your skin manually. Let it flake off naturally to avoid scarring.

    Avoid Chemical Peels or Other Treatments: Avoid chemical peels, laser treatments, or other skin resurfacing procedures for at least 2 weeks following SkinPen microneedling.

    Stay Away from Swimming Pools and Saltwater: For at least 72 hours, avoid swimming in pools, hot tubs, or saltwater. Chlorine and salt can irritate freshly treated skin.

    Follow-Up Treatments: Microneedling is best as a series of treatments so make sure you book in for your next one within the recommended timeframe.

    Expect Results Over Time: Collagen production takes time. You may start to see improvements in 4-6 weeks after the treatment, with optimal results visible after 3-6 months, with further sessions building on its effectiveness.