To get the most out of your acne treatment (or facial), follow the steps in this timeline before and after your appointment.
1 week before…
If you have a special event, schedule your treatment 1-2 weeks before the event date.
If you are using a prescription retinol, stop 1 week before treatment.
Be diligent about your SPF before a treatment. We can’t treat your skin if you’re sunburnt!
3 days before…
If you get your eyebrows waxed (or any other facial hair removal), schedule your facial hair appointment removal no closer than 3 days before treatment. After treatment, wait at least 1-week, or else your face will be red!
24 hours before…
Stop your actives (mandelic acid serums and benzoyl peroxide) 24 hours before your treatment. (If you’re dry of sensitive, make that 48 hours.)
Remove or skip makeup before your appointment, especially if you are rocking heavy eye makeup.
Workout beforehand, or skip the gym that day.
If the sun is shining, bring a hat to your appointment. Not only will your skin will be extra sensitive, but the sun-rays will also kill all the active ingredients (a.k.a. the good stuff) in the residual chemical peel.
Be on time, or early, for your appointment. This is especially important if you have an express treatment or chemical peel, which is only 20 minutes. There are often guests booked right after you.
Immediately after…
Prepare to be makeup-free for the rest of the day. After a treatment, you must wait until the next day to wear facial makeup.
Your skin will be sensitive, so wear SPF and hats.
Don’t workout or do hot yoga. After a treatment, you have to wait until the next morning to workout. The heat and blood flowing to your face will be extremely uncomfortable.
3-5 days after…
Heavy to moderate sun exposure should be avoided for 3-5 days post treatment. Plan your vacations, beach parties, BBQ, hikes, and walks around the lake accordingly.
You may experience flaking. Use Aquafor to soothe flaky skin.
Check out How Does Benzoyl Peroxide Clear Acne