Post-Treatment Care 101

What you do after a session affects how your skin heals and, over time, how your results develop. Here is what I tell every client.

For the First 24 Hours

• Do not touch the treated area. Fingertips carry bacteria, and freshly treated follicles are open. Leave the skin alone.
• No makeup on treated areas. If we worked on your face, skip foundation, concealer, or powder until the next day. Mineral makeup can be used lightly if necessary, but only after the skin has cooled completely.
• No sun exposure. Treated skin is temporarily more photosensitive. Stay out of direct sun, and apply SPF 30 or higher before going outdoors — even briefly.
• Avoid heat. Hot showers, saunas, steam rooms, and intense exercise that causes significant sweating can aggravate the skin. Keep things cool for at least 24 hours.
• No swimming. Pool chemicals and bacteria in natural bodies of water are not things you want near freshly treated follicles.

What to Apply

A fragrance-free, alcohol-free aloe vera gel is my standard recommendation. It is soothing, anti-inflammatory, and will not clog the follicles or cause reactions. Apply it sparingly to the treated area once it has cooled.

If I have prescribed a specific aftercare product or antibiotic cream, use that instead and do not add anything else unless we have discussed it.

What You Will See

Some redness is normal. Small raised bumps — similar to what you would see after threading — are also expected. These typically resolve within a few hours. Slight swelling is common in sensitive areas like the upper lip. On rare occasions, small scabs or whiteheads may form over treated follicles; these resolve on their own and should not be picked or squeezed.

If you experience significant swelling, spreading redness, or warmth that persists beyond 48 hours, contact me directly. These are uncommon but worth addressing promptly.

Between Sessions

Once the skin has healed — usually within 24 to 72 hours — your skincare routine can return to normal. You can shave as needed between appointments. Do not wax, tweeze, thread, or use an epilator. These methods remove the hair from the follicle, and I need the hair to be in the follicle to treat it effectively.

Wear SPF daily. Sun protection is always important, but especially during an active treatment plan. Protecting the skin between sessions helps ensure it is in optimal condition for each appointment.

The Long View

Good aftercare is not just about comfort — it is about results. Skin that heals cleanly between sessions responds better to treatment. Over the course of your treatment plan, taking care of yourself between appointments is one of the most meaningful contributions you can make to your outcome.