When it comes to treatments like CO2 laser, Chemical Peels, Microneedling, or any other skin rejuvenating treatment, the skincare products you use prior to your treatment can make a HUGE difference in the quality of your results. A skin prep routine can help you bring your skin to its most optimal state in order to maximize benefits, effectiveness, and duration.
A skin prep utilizes specific ingredients, over a designated time course prior to your treatment. PIH (Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation), an overproduction of melanin in the dermis or epidermis, can occur on any skin type, however darker skin types are at a higher risk. By talking to your provider about a skin prep, planning ahead, and using strategic ingredients you can help to reduce your risk of PIH. Some treatments, like CO2 laser, are incredibly effective at resurfacing skin, achieving skin tightening and removing sun damage and sun spots, but are inherently higher risk for PIH.
Pairing each individual's skin type with the most optimal skin treatment is also KEY. There are many factors that come into play when we make recommendations at PFAM. A skin prep lineup may be recommended solely to get you the best results possible (if you’re low risk for PIH) or it may be recommended in order to bring the risk of PIH down so we can match you with a treatment that will give you great results.
The following lineup is an example of a skin prep routine from PFAM:
Use a gentle cleanser that won’t aggravate or strip your skin before treatments, while still removing dead skin, dirt and makeup paving the way for your skin to receive the benefits of the products you use after. Cleanse has a special non-comedogenic formula without parabens or dimethicone, making it an ideal first step for your skin prep.
BUY CLEANSE
As mentioned, the ingredient hydroquinone is particularly effective for the treatment and prevention of PIH. Not only will our Perfect Tone Pads check this box, they will help to ensure that you get the most optimal brightening results possible for you. With brightening power from hydroquinone along with the most effective botanical brightening agents, this pad formulation makes it super easy to deposit the medication on the skin after cleansing in the morning.
Moisturizing is essential to protect the skin as it helps the outer layer function optimally while adding hydrating deeper layers. Dew is packed with hyaluronic acid and coconut milk that provides the skin with light weight hydration.
Like the ingredient hydroquinone, retinol also helps with lowering the risk of PIH. Use it for 2-4 weeks prior to treatments for better and brighter results from your treatment. With 3 different options of increasing potency: 0.5% Retinol Serum, 1% Retinol Serum, Perfect Change Serum there is no excuse not to start this skin-changing ingredient. Afterall, there is no other anti-aging ingredient that is more well studied or well proven to turn back the hands of time.
Sunburned skin is red, angry, inflamed, and not suitable for most treatments. Avoid prolonged sun exposure for at least a few days before your treatment, and make sure that your skin does not get sunburned in the week leading up to your appointment. Stay fully protected by using Perfect Protection SPF 50+ physical sunscreen, suited for face, neck, chest and body protection. Other PFAM favorites are Shade, a tinted mineral cream SPF, and Perfect Powder, a mineral powder formulation available in 5 different colors.
I want you to have the absolute best benefits from our skin treatments, so don’t skimp on the “prep” to get the most out of your investment!
XO,
Dr. Zoe
