While facial peels and lasers have gained momentum and offer incredible results, it is important to maintain a top-notch skincare regimen that prepares your skin for such treatments. Facial peels and lasers assist in efficiently exfoliating the surface to improve the look and feel of skin while also treating wrinkles, preventing acne, and improving the appearance of scars, age spots, and dark patches. All these results are enhanced when skin cells are healthy ensuring optimal results. Below are five important steps to take to better prepare your skin for cosmetic treatments with lasers, peels, and more!
CLEANSING
“Cleansing your face is the best way to remove dirt, oil, make-up, and dead skin cells from the skin,” explains Bridget Raymond, a licensed medical aesthetician and certified laser technician at Sanova Dermatology in Metairie, Louisiana. By regularly cleansing the face, the skin maintains its natural pH balance while also keeping oil at bay. It is important not to over-cleanse or aggressively exfoliate the skin as this can lead to dry patchy skin. Choose a gentle cleanser if your skin is sensitive or a cream cleanser if you tend to be dry. The advantages of cleansing the face are numerous, but the most crucial is that the skin is thoroughly prepared and therefore helps any treatments work properly.
RETINOL
To further rid the skin of any dead cells, retinol (vitamin A) works as an exfoliator. Retinol is often used for several weeks or even months before a procedure. “Vitamin A is essential for keeping skin healthy and plump,” assures Raymond. Retinol increases collagen production and softens fine lines and wrinkles while at the same time eliminating all dead cells from the surface of the skin.
MOISTURIZING
It is crucial to moisturize the skin both morning and night. Moisturizer is applied after cleansing to lock in hydration and prevent extreme dryness. “Use moisturizers containing Vitamin A and Vitamin B5 to increase firmness and vitamins C and E to help protect skin and fight environmental damage,” suggests Raymond. This is even more important when considering skin treatments such as facial peels and lasers. Other moisturizing ingredients to look for are hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides. These powerhouse ingredients help lock in moisture and keep the skin barrier intact.
ANTIOXIDANTS
Antioxidants provide advanced environmental protection. They neutralize damaging free radicals that occur with exposure to UV light and pollution. Antioxidants also improve skin tone and soften fine lines and wrinkles. Antioxidants come in many forms, including vitamin C, vitamin E, resveratrol, and phloretin just to name a few. To give yourself that extra layer of protection, apply antioxidants under a broad-spectrum sunscreen.
SUNSCREEN
You’ve heard it from your mom, your dermatologist, and just about everyone else! “Sunscreen is the most important way to protect your skin every day,” urges Raymond. “As much as we may love the way we feel in the sun, it is important to practice sun protection including daily use of sunscreen and sun avoidance during the peak hours of the day,” she continues. Rays from the sun rapidly increase wrinkles, age spots, dark patches, and skin cancer. A broad-spectrum sunscreen that blocks UVA and UVB with an SPF of 30 or higher is recommended for daily use and should be applied to the neck and face.
Contact Us
By following these three essential skincare steps, your skin will be properly prepared for the treatment of lasers and peels. If your skin is prepared for any of these treatments, don’t hesitate to contact us to book an appointment!