Post-Treatment Skin Care: A Practical Aftercare Guide for Medical Aesthetic Treatments
- Grace Li
- Jan 16
- 14 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
You’ve booked in the time. You’ve prepared and prepped. You’ve done the work and committed to the care. So why does it feel like the real work begins the minute you step back out into real life? Do you ice? Or is it best to leave it alone? Can you exercise tomorrow? Should you be continuing with your normal skincare routine or let your skin rest? For many, the routine-but-practical questions that crop up later on can be the most important.
The days (and sometimes weeks) after a treatment is when consistency and good practice pay off. It’s not about doing more. It’s about doing the right things at the right time. Knowing when to let your skin rest and recharge, when to protect it and when to gently support your recovery will help you feel more confident and comfortable as your skin settles and recovers.
At My Body Vibes, post-treatment skincare is not an afterthought. It’s an important part of the experience. Every client is provided with guidance to support their skin’s recovery and well-being. Recommendations are personalised based on individual needs and lifestyle, as well as assessment by the practitioner who sees you.
If you’re considering a treatment or have questions around skincare, your best starting point is a consultation with one of our qualified practitioners. This ensures suitability is assessed and you are provided with aftercare guidance that’s relevant to you.
*All medical procedures have risks and must be performed by a qualified practitioner following a consultation to assess suitability. Results vary from person to person.
If you’re wondering what supportive, post-treatment skincare looks like on a day-to-day basis, we’re breaking it down. From what to do (and what to avoid) in the first 24–48 hours, how to care for your skin in the weeks following, and the products and lifestyle factors that can help support the process — we’re giving you the low-down so you can make informed decisions for your unique situation.
Table of Contents
Why Post-Treatment Skin Care Matters
Skin care after treatment isn’t about reaching a perceived standard of perfection or chasing quick results, it’s about allowing skin time and space to heal properly. After many aesthetic and skin treatments, skin can be more sensitive, reactive or temporarily vulnerable. Thoughtful post-treatment care can support the body’s natural processes and aid healing. It can also allow the skin to settle more comfortably in the days and weeks that follow.
Good advice can also help minimise the risk of unwanted side effects or complications. Simple measures can support skin as it recovers. Most reactions are temporary and part of the normal healing process but knowing what to expect and how to care for your skin can make you feel more confident and informed at every stage.
Keep in mind that everyone’s outcomes will vary. Skin type, lifestyle factors, general health and overall constitution, the area treated, and the specific treatment itself all play a role in how the skin reacts and responds. Post-treatment care isn’t one-size-fits-all either, something that works well for one person may not be appropriate for someone else. That’s why it’s so important to have tailored guidance.
Practitioner-specific advice always remains the most important source of guidance. Your practitioner will have recommended a course of treatment based on an individual assessment, the treatment itself, and the patient’s medical history. If the advice ever seems unclear or the skin response changes, it’s recommended to contact the clinic for a follow-up.
The First 24–48 Hours: Do’s and Don’ts
The first 24–48 hours post-treatment are some of the most important for setting the tone and direction for healing. During this period, your skin is often more sensitive and vulnerable to changes in its environment, so less is usually more when it comes to skincare and activities.
Simple, calming routines are almost always beneficial during this time. Hydration, a gentle cleanser, and avoiding potential irritants are usually the best way to support the skin barrier while allowing the body and skin to acclimatise.
What to Do in the First 24–48 Hours
Focus on gentle care and being present. Cleansing the skin with lukewarm water and a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser and patting dry is recommended. If your practitioner has provided post-treatment recommendations, apply those with confidence as your practitioner has tailored them to your individual consultation and the treatment they have performed.
Ensuring that you are well hydrated and that you are able to rest are also extremely helpful during the first 24–48 hours. Many people report that a more calm and predictable routine is useful during this period, avoiding long days, sun exposure or environments which could cause flushing and/or discomfort.
Try to focus on how your skin feels during this time rather than how it looks, as this will usually be a good indicator of what it needs and help you recognise normal fluctuations in the recovery process.
What to Avoid During Early Recovery
During the early days after a medical aesthetic or skin treatment, avoiding unnecessary stress to the skin is recommended. This includes hot environments like saunas, steam rooms, or hot showers, as well as activities which could increase redness, flushing or sensitivity. For most, this includes strenuous exercise and active skincare ingredients or exfoliation, as well as skincare products you aren’t used to using on your skin.
Try not to touch, massage, or pick at the treated area during this time, even if the skin may feel slightly sore or uneven, as this is usually a temporary sensation which is completely normal and part of the process. If you have any concerns that a sensation or change in skin texture is unusual or you aren’t sure if a product is safe to use, the best course of action is to contact your clinic for advice rather than risk irritating your skin further.
In some cases, practitioners may recommend LED light therapy to help calm the skin and soothe early recovery reactions. If your practitioner has suggested this as part of your aftercare plan, then it can be beneficial as a non-invasive form of care to support comfort.
Ongoing Care: Guidelines for Weeks 1–2
Weeks one and two aren’t as sensitive, once the initial sensitivity decreases, it’s less about protection and more about gentle support. Even though your skin may be feeling like itself, it’s not out of the woods yet and requires maintenance to promote skin recovery. Continuing your skincare routine from the first week can be beneficial in establishing consistency to maintain skin stability.
Let’s take a deeper look at this phase of healing.
Supporting Skin Healing Over Time
The importance of maintaining a simple, consistent skincare routine can last beyond the first week. This time, using gentle skincare that supports the skin barrier while delaying the reintroduction of other skincare products until your practitioner has recommended otherwise is optimal. Your skin is more vulnerable in the weeks after treatment, and unexpected changes to product ingredients, routine, or overcorrection can add additional stress to already adjusting skin.
Like with the first week, listening to your skin during this time is key. Some minor tightness, sensitivity, or altered texture are common as the skin recovers, and these usually resolve over time with consistent supportive care rather than additional intervention. In most cases, a gentle and consistent skincare routine is more than enough, but if something does feel off or not improving over time, seeking guidance from your clinic is preferred to self-management.
As the skin continues to settle, some people may be suitable for gentle, non-invasive skin treatments designed to support hydration and overall skin comfort. Options such as Glow-N-Go or HydraBoost Facial may be discussed during follow-up or consultation, depending on individual skin needs and practitioner assessment.
Activities and Habits to Modify Temporarily
Although many normal activities can begin to be resumed, certain habits may still need to be limited in the weeks one to two. If you still find sensitivity to be a problem, exercise and activities that are high intensity or lead to prolonged heat exposure (especially sun exposure) can also continue to influence skin recovery. Modifying these activities by avoiding peak sun hours or reducing the intensity or frequency of activities may also help reduce avoidable irritation.
The role of other lifestyle factors such as sleep, hydration, and stress management can also have an effect on the skin over time. Supporting your body, in addition to the skin itself, is a part of the healing process. If you have any questions on whether a certain activity or habit is best to be limited during treatment, your practitioner will be able to advise and guide you in ways to support your treatment and individual skin response.
Skincare Products: What to Use and What to Avoid
The products you use in the days and weeks after your treatment can have a major impact in maintaining your skin’s comfort, balance, and hydration, but it’s not about “fixing” anything or using more products than normal.
In fact, it’s all about simplicity, consistency, and most importantly, following the advice of your practitioner. Each skin type is different, so personalisation is key.
Gentle Products That Support Skin Recovery
During recovery, your skincare should be focused on gentle, non-irritating products that help maintain your skin’s natural barrier. Fragrance-free cleansers and light moisturisers with hydrating ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, or glycerin are usually well-tolerated and can help keep your skin hydrated.
Mineral sunscreens are another good staple during recovery as they offer broad-spectrum protection without any potential chemical irritation. If you use serums or targeted treatments in your routine, slowly introducing these (and only if your practitioner has given the all-clear) can help minimise the risk of irritation or sensitivity.
Ingredients and Products to Avoid Temporarily
On the flipside, some active ingredients can place extra stress on your skin after a treatment and are usually best avoided during the initial recovery period, unless your practitioner has given specific guidance or introduced them during treatment. This might include retinoids, strong exfoliants like AHA/BHAs, high-concentration vitamin C serums, or physical scrubs.
Products with heavy fragrances or high alcohol content are also a common source of dryness and irritation during recovery, so those should also be temporarily avoided. Even products that you normally use without issue should be paused until your skin’s barrier has had a chance to stabilise after your treatment.
Other at-home tools like derma rollers, micro-needling, or chemical peels can also be overly aggressive for skin in the immediate recovery period, unless they’re part of the treatment protocol or something your practitioner has specifically recommended. Adding anything new to your routine too soon can also make it more difficult to determine the normal response of your skin.
Sun Protection and Lifestyle Factors
Even as the skin begins to calm down, it may stay somewhat more sensitive to environmental and lifestyle factors for a period of time. Sun exposure and daily habits can impact not just the appearance of the skin, but also comfort levels, sensitivity, and how evenly the skin settles as it continues to heal. Mindful decisions during this time can support skin equilibrium, rather than adding demands.
Why Sun Protection Is Essential After Treatment
Sun protection is an important part of your skincare routine after any treatment. Many skin and medical aesthetic treatments can leave your skin’s natural barrier temporarily more vulnerable. During this time, unprotected sun exposure can contribute to a higher risk of skin tone irregularities or prolonged sensitivity. This is particularly relevant for individuals who are addressing concerns such as pigmentation removal.
It is important to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily and to physically protect your skin with a hat or seek shade, where possible. This is not about limiting your outdoor time completely — it’s about being intentional about it. Incidental sun exposure, such as during short walks or while driving, can accumulate, and this is especially true when the skin is still in its recovery phase.
Lifestyle Considerations That May Affect Healing
Factors such as sleep and hydration can also impact how the skin feels and responds in the weeks after a procedure. Proper rest supports the body’s natural healing mechanisms, while hydration contributes to overall skin comfort and elasticity. If these fundamentals are not addressed, the skin may look more tired or lacklustre, which may lead to dull skin after treatment.
Heat exposure from activities like long showers, saunas, or extended sunbathing can influence skin sensitivity, especially around sensitive areas like the face and necklines. Additionally, resuming strenuous exercise too soon may lead to flushing or discomfort for some people. A gradual return to these activities rather than a full resumption of everything at once may help the skin to acclimatise more comfortably.
If you are uncertain about how any of these lifestyle factors may interact with your skin during the recovery period, it’s always a good idea to consult your practitioner. They will be able to give advice tailored to your specific treatment plan and personal situation.
After Injectable Care: What to Know
Despite the name “after care,” this isn’t a rundown of recovery hacks to achieve instant, picture-perfect results. Rather, it’s to help you manage while your skin adjusts to treatment (if at all) over the days ahead. Having a sense of what to expect, knowing what changes are normal, and understanding when to seek advice can help make the process more predictable and less intimidating.
General Aftercare Principles for Injectable Treatments
The treatments performed with injectables to smooth the appearance of wrinkle lines or enhance and support the facial volume contour are generally non-invasive and require simple and consistent care in the hours and days that follow. As a rule, basic skin care, limiting pressure and rubbing, and following any treatment-specific directions from your practitioner is often all that’s needed to ensure the area is comfortable and has time to stabilise.
You can also take a proactive approach during your consultation by getting a clear explanation of how the volume treatment works and what temporary side effects to expect. Discussing what steps you can take at home to help manage the treatment area so that you can be an active participant in the recovery process without being concerned about achieving a specific result.
Common Temporary Responses and What’s Considered Normal
Mild side effects in the first hours or days are a normal and expected part of recovery for some patients. These include a combination of slight swelling, tenderness, and minor bruising. The timing and degree of typical side effects are specific to each person and their skin type. Paying attention to how your skin is reacting over time and comparing your progress with expected patterns for a specific treatment is a good way to understand what is (and isn’t) typical.
As always, if you notice something that seems unusual or that lingers, it’s best to contact your clinic right away. Your practitioner can review your specific circumstances, address any questions you have, and give personalised advice — even when the concern seems minor and you’re tempted to try to work it out on your own.
*As with all medical procedures, there are inherent risks. Every patient should have a consultation to determine the appropriateness of any procedure or treatment. Results vary from patient to patient.
Treatment-Specific Variations in Aftercare
When it comes to aftercare following a skin treatment, there is no “one size fits all”. While there are common themes for all types of aftercare, your experience and healing may differ depending on a number of factors, including the skin treatment you had, your unique skin needs and the advice given to you by your clinician. Remember, your recovery care is specific to you, so the best you can do is be mindful and be present with your skin, knowing exactly what to do.
Why Aftercare Can Differ Between Treatments
As all treatments are slightly different and interact uniquely with the skin, this is the first reason why recovery methods can vary. A carbon laser peel, for example, can make you more sensitive to UV rays in the short-term, while a CO2 laser may have its own specific length of time to avoid adding certain ingredients back into your skincare regimen.
Energy-based devices like Ulfit HIFU target deeper layers of the skin, which may also impact how your skin surface reacts and responds, such as how long redness or tenderness may last. In the case of more minimally invasive RF Micro-Needling Treatment, this can still result in micro changes below the surface that can be supported by a specific aftercare routine.
So, it’s important to remember that these aren’t about which treatments are “better” than others but how the skin can uniquely and naturally respond. Being specific with your recovery and aftercare can help to ensure comfort and support your skin’s natural healing process while also setting the right expectations for recovery.
When to Contact Your Clinic
Although we have tried to anticipate your needs and provide you with information and products that are appropriate for your skin after each treatment, sometimes it can be difficult to differentiate between what is considered to be normal and what requires a call to the clinic.
A helpful tip is to think of the first few days as a monitoring phase: observe trends in how your skin feels and behaves, as opposed to overreacting to a temporary feeling or sensation. You may find it helpful to keep a short journal or take progress photos (without implying outcome) in order to help you identify changes that should be addressed.
Expected vs Unexpected Reactions
Mild reactions, such as temporary redness, slight heat and/or mild tenderness can be expected and are often part of the settling-in process. These symptoms usually subside on their own over time and typically do not require treatment. On the other hand, unusual and unexpected reactions can include prolonged irritation, swelling that is not what you were expecting, or sensations that intensify or develop over time, rather than plateauing and gradually improving.
As a note of caution, sometimes it can be difficult to differentiate between the two. For this reason, we recommend that you feel free to stay in touch with your practitioner for as long as you desire. If you have even the slightest question or concern, do not hesitate to contact us; what may seem inconsequential to you may be important when considering your overall skin and health history.
Why Early Communication Matters
Patients should always choose to contact their clinic early when they encounter any concerns to ensure safety. This will allow your practitioner to assess your situation and determine if any further guidance is required. Early intervention can prevent unnecessary concern, offer support and comfort, and help you to make appropriate adjustments to your daily activities or skincare routine.
At this stage, we are gaining a better understanding of how your skin is behaving and how to ensure your treatment and care remain appropriate and safe for you. In fact, many clients feel reassured knowing that they can directly contact their practitioner during the recovery phase.
*All medical procedures carry risks and require a consultation to determine suitability. Results vary.
The Role of Professional Guidance in Post-Treatment Care
At My Body Vibes, we can’t overstate the value of our Medical Team as you move through your recovery and support the ongoing health of your skin. Check-ins provide an opportunity to discuss progress, address questions, and fine-tune advice based on how your skin is responding – because everyone’s experience is unique.
For different types of treatment, the nuances of depth, energy application, and tissue interaction become important when considering recovery. For instance, comparing the Ultraformer-III vs Ultherapy, recovery considerations may differ due to these nuances. Professional guidance ensures that these distinctions are considered, and your post-care plan is personalised to your treatment modality, skin, and comfort.
Above all, your post-treatment care decisions should be informed and consultation-led. Your practitioner’s recommendations will consider your individual assessment, ongoing observations, and specific activities or routines appropriate to your care plan. Regular, open communication helps your recovery remain both safe and appropriate every step of the way.
Book a Consultation for Personalised Aftercare Advice
Everyone’s skin and circumstances are unique which is why one-on-one consultation is so important. By booking a consultation with a qualified practitioner, you can be confident your aftercare will be specific to you, your lifestyle and your personal recovery. Here at My Body Vibes, your practitioner will outline what to expect, answer any questions you may have and advise according to your skin and circumstances.
To book a consultation, please call us on 1300 722 911 or book online.
All medical procedures carry risks and require a consultation to determine suitability. Results vary.
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