Pre & Post Care Information
Learn how to prepare for your service and get all of your treatment after-care recommendations here.
AESTHETICS INSTITUTE
Pre & Post Care Information
Many of our services and treatments have specific protocols, requirements, and recommendations prior to even coming into the school.
In addition, for optimal results and the quickest healing, we also have recommendations about how best to take care of your skin after your treatment.
Your student esthetician will go over all of these protocols and this information with you during your consultation and service, and these recommendations are not meant to supersede any variations of instructions given directly to you during your service. These are general pre and post-care treatment protocols and do not apply to all skin conditions, treatments, or people.
If at any time you have questions or concerns or simply need additional guidance before or after your treatment, please do not hesitate to call the school at (503) 238-1793 to speak with us.
Laser Treatments
Laser treatments, including hair reduction services and IPL treatments, deploy a pulsed-light and laser system that delivers a precise pulse of light energy absorbed by a chromophore in the skin.
The treated area may be red and swollen for 2–24 hours after the treatment or longer. Cooling the area after the treatment (for example, a cool towel or topical gel) may help reduce discomfort and swelling.
Common side effects include temporary redness (erythema) or a mild sunburn-like effect that may last a few hours to 3-4 days or longer.
Other potential side effects include but are not limited to blistering, crusting, irritation, itching, pain, burns, scabbing, swelling (edema), broken capillaries, bronzing, and acne or herpetic breakouts.
There also is a risk of resulting unsatisfactory appearance and failure to achieve the desired result.
Pre-Treatment Instructions
- No tanning (self-tanner, tanning bed, etc.) 3-4 weeks prior to appointment.
- No lotions, body oils, perfumes, or make-up in the areas to be treated.
- No photo-light sensitive medications for at least ten days before treatment.
- Skin products to stop using: Retin-A for at least one week; TCN for at least one week; Accutane for a full year. It is recommended to take herpetic antiviral medication prior to treatments, if applicable.
Pre-Laser Hair Removal Only
- No waxing or tweezing 3-4 weeks prior.
- You may shave prior to treatment.
- The skin is cleaned and shaved.
The use of a topical anesthetic is optional. It is up to the client to purchase any anesthetic they prefer to use, and the client must apply the anesthetic prior to the treatment. In a school environment, we are not able to administer or apply any topical numbing agent to clients.
Post-Treatment Instructions
- No heat, no sun, no sweating.
- Avoid hot showers, soaking in a hot tub, whirlpool, or sauna, or excessive exercise the day after treatment.
- We recommend using a gentle cleanser and moisturizer morning and evening on clean skin for 4-5 days after treatment in cases of tenderness or irritation.
- Speak to your student esthetician for product recommendations.
- Mild soap and cool water should be used if a shower is necessary.
- If excessive itching occurs, an antihistamine such as Benadryl may be taken as directed for 1-3 days as necessary.
- Do not tweeze, pick or rub the area on the day of treatment.
- Makeup should be avoided for 24 hours after treatment. Mineral makeup is the only makeup permitted immediately after treatment.
- No direct sunlight for one week after treatment. Be sure to apply sunscreen SPF 30 or higher.
- Vascular lesions may darken and can take up to 3 weeks to heal.
If the skin in the treated area develops a brown crust, do not rub it; allow it to fall off naturally. In some cases, you may have areas that develop blisters. Do not pick or remove the scab. Apply antibiotic ointment (Polysporin, Bactroban, Fucidin, or Hydrocortisone) twice daily until healed.
Cover the site with a non-stick dressing such as Telfa pads if you go into the sun or cold. The area will heal in 5-7 days.
Post-Laser Hair Removal Only
3-5 days after treatment, the hair left under the skin will begin to fall out.
When the area is no longer sensitive, wash the area with a washcloth or loofah brush to help the dead hair work its way out of the skin. This helps remove dead skin cells so that the hair can be shed out of the follicle more easily.
Dead hairs may take 1-3 weeks to shed out the follicles.
Do not shave the area during the first three days.
Disclaimer:
The information being provided is intended for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute providing medical advice. The information provided on this website should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, and those seeking personal medical advice should consult with a licensed physician.
Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.
Microneedling
Immediately after your microneedling treatment, you will look as though you have a moderate to severe sunburn, and your skin may feel warm and tighter than usual. This is normal and will subside after one to two hours and will typically diminish within the same day or within 24 hours. You may see slight redness after 24 hours but only in minimal areas or spots.
Your student esthetician will discuss post-procedure skincare following the treatment to help soothe, calm, and protect the skin. Continue to treat the skin gently for three days. Your regular skincare can be resumed again after day three.
Pre-Microneedling Treatment
- No Retin-A products or applications 12 hours prior to your treatment.
- No auto-immune therapies or products 12 hours prior to your treatment.
- No prolonged sun exposure to the face 24 hours prior to your treatment. Treatment will not be administered on sunburned skin.
- It is recommended to take herpetic antiviral medication prior to treatments, if applicable.
If you have received a microneedling treatment elsewhere, you may have experienced the application of a numbing cream. In a school environment, we are not able to administer or apply any prescribed topical numbing agent to clients.
Post-Microneedling Treatment
Clean. Use a gentle cleanser and tepid water to cleanse the face for the following 72 hours after treatment and gently dry the treated skin. Always make sure that your hands are clean when touching the treated area.
Heal. Serum antioxidants are recommended post-treatment as their properties are ideal for helping heal the skin. These products can help soothe the skin and lessen irritation. Speak to your student esthetician for more information about these serums and for product recommendations.
Hydrate. Following your microneedling treatment, your skin may feel drier than normal. Hyaluronic Acid is an ideal ingredient to hydrate and restore the skin to perfect balance. Speak to your student esthetician for product recommendations.
Stimulate. In the days following your treatment, and as the skin starts to regenerate, collagen-stimulating peptides are ideal to continue the stimulation. Speak to your student esthetician for product recommendations.
Makeup. It is recommended that makeup should not be applied for 24 hours after the procedure. After 24 hours, you may use mineral makeup (use a clean brush).
Protect. Immediately after the procedure, apply a broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen with an SPF 25 or greater. A chemical-free sunscreen is highly recommended. Speak to your student esthetician for product recommendations.
What to Avoid
- For at least three days post-treatment, do not use any Alpha Hydroxy Acids, Beta Hydroxy Acid, Retinol (Vitamin A), Vitamin C (in a low pH formula), or anything perceived as ‘active’ skincare.
- Avoid intentional and direct sunlight for 24 hours. No tanning beds.
- Do not go swimming for at least 24 hours post-treatment.
- No exercising or strenuous activity for the first 24 hours post-treatment. Sweating and gym environments may promote bacteria growth and may cause adverse reactions.
- No hot tubs for the first 24 hours
Disclaimer:
The information being provided is intended for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute providing medical advice. The information provided on this website should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, and those seeking personal medical advice should consult with a licensed physician.
Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.
Dermaplaning
More sensitive skin may experience some redness after the first couple of sessions of dermaplaning. This normally goes away after 2 to 3 hours. You may experience excessive dryness or even some peeling between sessions, which may or may not be normal. Always contact the school if you have any concerns.
Dermaplaning may cause minor superficial abrasions, which may not appear until a day or two following your treatment. If this should occur, please contact the school so that we can schedule a post-treatment follow-up with you.
After your treatment, SPF 30+ MUST be worn at all times. Tanning beds should never be used.
You are investing in your skin; therefore, it is beneficial to continue to protect it long after your series of treatments is completed.
Pre-Dermaplaning
- No Retin-A products or applications 12 hours prior to your treatment.
- No auto-immune therapies or products 12 hours prior to your treatment.
- No prolonged sun exposure to the face 24 hours prior to your treatment. Treatment will not be administered on sunburned skin.
- It is recommended to take herpetic antiviral medication prior to treatments, if applicable.
Post-Dermaplaning
- Aerobic exercise or vigorous physical activity should be avoided until all redness has subsided.
- Direct sunlight exposure is to be completely avoided immediately following the treatment (including any strong UV light exposure or tanning beds). Although SPF 30+ should already be a part of your daily skincare, after dermaplaning, SPF 30+ must be applied daily to the treated area for a minimum of two weeks.
- Twice daily, cleanse the treated area with a post-treatment cleanser, followed by a serum or treatment cream, and follow with SPF 30+ sunscreen. Speak to your student esthetician for more information about product recommendations.
Disclaimer:
The information being provided is intended for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute providing medical advice. The information provided on this website should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, and those seeking personal medical advice should consult with a licensed physician.
Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.
Body Contouring & Skin Tightening
There is no downtime associated with radiofrequency body contouring and skin tightening treatments, but it is recommended that you drink plenty of water to help your lymphatic system move through the body.
Your metabolism may be elevated for a few days following your treatment, so don’t be surprised if you feel extra hungry.
You are free to work out moderately following your treatment which can also help the lymphatic system move quicker. You may notice some swelling and tenderness in the treated area that will return to normal within a few days.
Pre-Body Contouring & Skin Tightening
- Avoid eating heavy meals and fatty foods one hour before treatment.
- Avoid caffeine two hours before treatment.
- Avoid any alcohol 24 hours before treatment.
- Avoid having any laser treatments on the area two weeks before treatment.
- Avoid excessive sun exposure 48 hours prior to treatment.
- It is recommended to take herpetic antiviral medication prior to treatments, if applicable.
Pre-Skin Tightening to the Face
- Avoid injectables two weeks before treatment.
- Avoid any facial peels four weeks before treatment.
- Avoid microdermabrasion two weeks before treatment.
- Avoid skin care containing active ingredients 3-5 days before treatment (i.e. Vitamin A, Vitamin C, AHAs, and BHAs).
Post-Body Contouring & Skin Tightening
- It is normal for the area to feel warm immediately after the procedure.
- The treated area may be flushed, red, and feel tingly. If the skin feels hot or sensitive, apply aloe vera or a cold compress to the area.
- Showering and cleansing the skin are allowed. A gentle cleanser may be used on the treatment area. Refrain from vigorous rubbing of the skin. Apply product to the fingertips with tepid water and use gentle, circular motions on the skin.
- Continue with your regular skin care regime; however, discontinue the use of Retin-a (tretinoin), Renova, Differin, Tazorac, Ziana, Veltin, Atralin, or any exfoliating agents with harsh abrasives or acids for seven days.
- Apply SPF 30 daily.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours.
Disclaimer:
The information being provided is intended for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute providing medical advice. The information provided on this website should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, and those seeking personal medical advice should consult with a licensed physician.
Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.
Chemical Peels
The Aesthetics Institute offers clients a variety of both basic and advanced chemical peels.
The information provided here covers generic recommendations for all of our chemical peels offered at the school, but the instructions you receive from your student esthetician may be different based on the specific chemical peel service you received.
As always, please feel free to call the school if you have any questions or concerns about your treatment or service.
Pre-Chemical Peel
- Do not have another treatment unless recommended.
- Avoid any skin irritants, including retinoids and retinol, glycolic and salicylic acids, benzoyl peroxide, astringents, and some Vitamin C.
- Do not wax, tweeze, or use depilatory creams.
- Do not tan.
- Do not schedule a procedure if you are pregnant or think you are pregnant.
- Continue to use other skincare products, including hydroquinone or lightening agents.
- It is recommended to take herpetic antiviral medication prior to treatments, if applicable.
Day of Chemical Peel
- Wash your face and apply moisturizer.
- Do not apply makeup.
- At home, have Benadryl and aspirin or Tylenol available if desired.
Post-Chemical Peel
- Immediately after the treatments, you should apply a sterile cool compress, if desired, as there may be mild swelling. It is normal for the treated area to feel like a sunburn for a few hours.
- Avoid any trauma to the skin for up to 2-5 days, such as bathing with very hot water, strenuous exercise, or massage.
- Avoid picking or scratching the treated skin to achieve your best results. If there is any crusting, apply antibiotic cream, you may apply some aloe vera gel or other after-sunburn treatment, such as Desitin, if that is a product you have used in the past.
- Mineral makeup may be used after the treatment unless there is epidermal bleeding. Using new or disinfected makeup brushes is recommended to reduce the possibility of infection.
- Keep the area moist. Any moisturizer without alpha-hydroxy acids will work. Speak to your student esthetician for product recommendations.
- Avoid tweezing, waxing, bleaching, or laser services during the course of the treatment. Do not use any irritants such as Retin-A, Benzoyl Peroxide, or astringents.
- You may shower directly after the procedure in tepid water. The treated area may be washed gently with a mild cleanser. The skin should be patted dry and NOT rubbed. Speak to your student esthetician for product recommendations.
You will experience redness and flaking from 5 to 14 days after the treatment.
Avoid direct sun exposure and tanning beds for 1-2 months and throughout the course of the treatment so as to reduce the chance of dark or light spots. Use sunscreen SPF 25 or higher at all times throughout the treatment when going outside.
Below are general guidelines of what may be expected each day after your chemical peel service. These are meant as an overall baseline, and your specific experience may vary depending on the treatment you received and the condition of your skin prior to the service.
Day 1 Post-Chemical Peel
Do not apply anything to the skin. Your skin will appear sunburned today and will continue to look redder as the day continues. It will begin to feel tight, like you have a sunburn.
You may also experience itching or mild burning as the peel penetrates deeper into the skin. You can help to alleviate this sensation by taking Benadryl or Zantac (for itching) and aspirin or Tylenol (for discomfort), as needed.
You will want to avoid wearing makeup or tight-fitting glasses for the first day or two. Pressure from the nosepiece may cause the deepening of the peel in that area.
Day 2 Post-Chemical Peel
Your skin will continue to feel very tight. The top layers of the skin are dehydrating. You will look like you have an uneven sunburn/tan.
You may still feel comfortable in public today. By the end of the day, your skin may begin to flake, usually starting between your eyes, around your mouth, and nose. Sun-damaged spots may turn darker prior to peeling.
Rinse your face with water today. Use only your hands. Cool or tepid water generally feels best. Do not use a cleanser or moisturizer.
DO NOT PEEL THE SKIN. You may reapply Circadia’s Post Peel lotion, mild hydrocortisone cream, or Aquaphor if any area is irritated. Speak to your student esthetician for other product recommendations.
Day 3 Post-Chemical Peel
Your skin will flake, peel and feel very tight today. DO NOT peel the skin at any time. If you were to peel skin that is not ready to come off, you could cause scarring. You may carefully use manicure scissors to clip any hanging skin if necessary.
Today and tomorrow, you may want to avoid making social plans if you feel self-conscious about how your skin appears while healing.
Begin using a gentle cleanser today and a strong hydrating cream. Speak to your student esthetician for product recommendations.
If you go outside, use sunscreen with an SPF 25 or higher. Avoid using retinoids, retinol, acids, and astringents. You must completely avoid the sun during this time. This is the last day you may use hydrocortisone on the irritated areas.
Day 4 Post-Chemical Peel
The majority of peeling takes place between days 3 and 4. Continue with cleansing and moisturizing. Some areas will have completely peeled, and other areas may not have peeled at all. This is normal.
Days 5-6 Post-Chemical Peel
Your skin may be tender for a few days. Continue to avoid sun exposure for the next two weeks. You may wear SPF, but only if it is not irritating.
Day 7 Post-Chemical Peel
Today, you may want to be seen at the school for a microdermabrasion treatment to remove the remaining flaking skin. Ease back into your skincare products. Wear sunscreen at all times following your microdermabrasion treatment if you receive one.
Between Week One and Week Two Post-Chemical Peel
You may resume waxing, tweezing, or depilatory creams during this week. By the end of the second week, you should be able to tolerate glycolic, salicylic, and retinol or retinoid products. Speak to your student esthetician for product recommendations. You will notice your skin is pink for about one more week.
Disclaimer:
The information being provided is intended for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute providing medical advice. The information provided on this website should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, and those seeking personal medical advice should consult with a licensed physician.
Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.
Tattoo Removal
After your laser tattoo removal service, the treated area may be red, swollen, bruised, or blistered, with a crust or scab.
Cooling the area after the treatment (for example, a cool towel or topical gel) may help reduce discomfort and swelling.
Other potential side effects include but are not limited to crusting, irritation, itching, pain, burns, scabbing, swelling (edema), broken capillaries, bronzing, and acne or herpetic breakouts.
There also is a risk of resulting unsatisfactory appearance and failure to achieve the desired result.
Pre-Tattoo Removal
- No tanning (self-tanner, tanning bed, etc.) 3-4 weeks prior to appointment.
- No lotions, body oils, perfumes, or make-up in the areas to be treated.
- No photo-light sensitive medications for at least ten days before treatment.
- Skin products to stop using: Retin-A for at least one week; TCN for at least one week; Accutane for a full year. It is recommended to take herpetic antiviral medication prior to treatments, if applicable.
- It is recommended to take herpetic antiviral medication prior to treatments, if applicable.
- No waxing or tweezing 3-4 weeks prior.
- You may shave prior to treatment.
- The skin is cleaned and shaved.
Post-Tattoo Removal
- Wash with water and a mild cleanser.
- Do not scrub the treated area.
- You may apply a very thin layer of antibiotic ointment. We recommend bacitracin.
- If a crust or scab forms, do not pull away. It will naturally fall away as your skin heals.
- Apply a loose dressing until a crust has formed.
- Avoid contact with water on the day of the treatment.
- No sun exposure for 72 hours.
- No sweating for 24 hours.
- Apply sunblock.
Disclaimer:
The information being provided is intended for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute providing medical advice. The information provided on this website should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, and those seeking personal medical advice should consult with a licensed physician.
Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.