Investing in your appearance isn’t new and also isn’t going anywhere. The global cosmetic laser market was $1.64 billion in 2020 and is expected to reach $3.28 billion in 2025. More and more skincare shoppers are turning to professional treatments to help maximize their skin’s potential.
Professional procedures like lasers, microneedling treatments or even injectables are investments in the appearance of your skin, both financially and in recovery time, and shouldn’t be entered into without due diligence. The average cost of a chemical peel was $519 in 2020. While results from an aesthetic procedure can make you look and feel amazing, poor post-procedure skincare can mean you aren’t getting the most out of your investment.
Different Aesthetic Procedures Help With Different Concerns
Aesthetic procedures are designed to reduce the appearance of various skin concerns, so your priorities will help inform what treatment you undergo.
Microneedling: This involves small needles of varying lengths attached to a device to create precise micro puncture wounds in the skin. This controlled damage stimulates skin’s natural repair responses to help stimulate healing and renewal to help alleviate signs of aging, hyperpigmentation (sun damage), reduce scar tissue and improve the firmness of the skin. While results may not be as dramatic as with other types of procedures, it has the benefits of being minimally invasive, is well-tolerated by different skin types and has a shorter recovery time.
Laser treatments: These involve using a laser to apply light and heat on the facial area to reduce the appearance of age spots, wrinkles, fine lines and scars. The lasers used can be ablative (wounding) or non-ablative, with the ablative lasers producing more significant results, but more side effects and recovery time. The amount of time it takes to fully heal is based on how invasive the laser is—where ablative lasers lead to vaporization of tissue and a wound-healing response.
Peels: Chemical peels use acids to help remove dead or damaged skin cells and reveal healthier skin underneath. These peels range from light—which you may be able to do at home—to deep chemical peel procedures conducted by skin care professionals. Deep peel procedures with phenol or trichloroacetic acid can create more side effects than a more mild peel procedure. Patients who undergo moderate or deep peels may experience swelling, redness, inflammation and irritation along with multiple weeks of recovery time.
Injectables: Those who undergo filler procedures can expect to see a reduction in the appearance of wrinkles and will have different steps to take post-procedure than someone who may have had microneedling or laser treatment. Patients who receive filler may potentially experience bruising although it is uncommon.
Focus on Restoring Skin Post-Procedure
After different procedures, make sure you follow your provider’s instructions, which often will include gentle products.
“If I use something like the HALO® hybrid fractional laser on a patient, I would recommend the Biopelle Tensage Intensive Serum 40 twice a day for five days after treatment to expedite the healing process,” says Dr. Joel L. Cohen, MD, a.Board-Certified Dermatologist. “I also recommend this product for post Eclipse Evo microneedling and fractional lasers (both ablative and non-ablative). These ampoules contain specific snail secretions that have been clinically proven to contain growth factors. These growth factors can help activate cells and pathways to facilitate healing.”
Cohen also recommends a mild retinol like Retriderm Serum Mild 10 days after HALO® and two to three weeks after fractional laser.
When choosing post-procedure skincare, generally focus on gentle, well-crafted products that will promote healing and not irritate the skin. Cohen says patients should be aware of their skin sensitivity when choosing post-procedure skincare.
“If someone is suffering from acne and has an ablative type of procedure, they should use non-comedogenic moisturizers and cleansers post procedures,” Cohen said. “Oftentimes, doctors will recommend very oily petroleum products after these procedures but for those with acne, these products will only worsen the acne. Skin sensitivity is dependent on each patient’s unique skin.”
Biopelle For Post-Procedure Skin Care
Biopelle provides a portfolio of post-procedure skincare products to help promote healing and reduce downtime after aesthetic procedures.
“Biopelle Intensive Serum 40 is a preferred product for myself, my patients and my wife due to the high concentration growth factors,” Cohen says. “The ampoule delivery system also works well and it really helps the healing process.”
Beyond Tensage Intensive Serum 40, Biopelle offers soothing moisturizers and gentle cleansers to help protect the investment in your skin. Shop post-procedure care now.