A Post-Medi-Spa Skincare Guide

Your complete guide to caring for your skin after receiving a medi-spa treatment.

So, you recently treated yourself to a medi-spa treatment. Great! Whether you’re a total medi-spa rookie or a seasoned veteran of treatments like Botox, lasers, chemical peels and more, it’s incredibly important to be up to date on best practices when it comes to post-medi-spa-treatment skincare. Not only is this the best way to get the most out of your treatment but knowing which skincare products you can—and cannot—use after a treatment ensures you’re safely and effectively caring for your complexion. That’s why we put together a guide to some of the most common post-medi-spa-treatment questions, like the best skincare after microneedling, the best moisturizer after Botox, post-chemical peel care, and more.

Below, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions about how to take care of your skin—including which skincare products to use—after medi-spa treatments.

Can I use niacinamide after microneedling?

Niacinamide, a type of water-soluble vitamin B3, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties; it can improve skin texture, strengthen the protective barrier function of the skin and increase cell turnover to improve aging skin. Simply put: It does a lot, which is why you want to know if you can resume using it after a medical aesthetic treatment such as microneedling. Luckily, the answer is yes. Niacinamide is on the list of safe products to use after microneedling. This is because, like microneedling, niacinamide stimulates collagen production, so it will actually boost the effects of your treatment.

Try: SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense, formulated with 5% niacinamide.

Another excellent option for skincare after microneedling is hyaluronic acid. This is because the absorption levels of hyaluronic acid after microneedling are higher than ever, thanks to the tiny punctures made in the skin during the treatment. Your skin might feel a little tight and dry after microneedling, and hyaluronic acid can restore its supple, bouncy texture.

Try: SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Gel, an oil-free formula featuring vitamins C and B5 and hyaluronic acid.

Can I use a vitamin C serum after microneedling?

When considering vitamin C after microneedling, it’s best to proceed with caution so you don’t aggravate your post-treatment skin. This means holding off on using vitamin C after microneedling for at least two days. When you do use the antioxidant ingredient again, it’s especially important to use medical grade skincare like SkinCeuticals, so you can be confident that you’re treating your skin with safe, effective and clinically proven products. Vitamin C is a must-have for brightening your skin tone, fading acne scars and dark spots and providing skin with a layer of protection from things like pollution, pollen and dust. Plus, layering vitamin C under your sunscreen during the day adds extra protection from the sun’s UV rays, which will be useful after microneedling.

Try SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic if your skin is normal or dry, SkinCeuticals Silymarin CF if your skin is oily, SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF if you have combination skin and SkinCeuticals Serum 10 AOX+ if you have sensitive skin.

Can I use retinol after dermarolling?

While you may be tempted to use retinol after dermarolling to double up on treatments that fight hyperpigmentation, acne scars and fine lines, it’s best to avoid using retinol until advised by your medical practitioner during your dermarolling treatment. When to reintroduce the superstar vitamin A derivative will depend on your specific skin type. When you get the green light, anti-aging, texture-smoothing retinol can extend the results of your dermarolling treatment, which is why it’s important to choose a retinol from a professional grade skincare line like SkinCeuticals.

Try: SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3 when you’re ready to reach for the vitamin A derivative again, post-dermarolling.

Can I use a vitamin C serum after Botox?

Wait at least three days after a Botox treatment to resume the use of vitamin C. Instead, focus on adding intense hydration to your complexion. A great moisturizer after Botox is SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2, thanks to its ability to nourish dry skin and refill essential cellular lipids: natural cholesterol, ceramides and fatty acids. In fact, your choice of face cream after Botox can even enhance the procedure’s effects, so opt for the best medical grade moisturizer, SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2.

Can I use glycolic acid after an AHA peel or a BHA peel?

After getting a chemical peel (such as a lactic-acid, glycolic-acid or salicylic-acid peel), you may be tempted to amp up your instant glowing results even more by using glycolic acid at home. But this can be too harsh on your skin, so focus instead on selecting the best moisturizer after a chemical peel to add hydration, which is likely missing after your chemical peel (which sloughs off dead skin cells).

Try: SkinCeuticals Emollience, formulated with an exclusive combination of natural extracts and essential oils, making it a gentle and restorative face moisturizer for dry and sensitive skin.

Can I use a vitamin C serum after laser treatment?

Vitamin C after laser hair removal should be avoided for three to five days post-treatment. Once you get the go-ahead from your medical practitioner, you can resume using vitamin C to help reduce any redness or bumps in the area, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties.

Try SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic if your skin is normal or dry, SkinCeuticals Silymarin CF if your skin is oily, SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF if you have combination skin and SkinCeuticals Serum 10 AOX+ if you have sensitive skin.

What can I put on my skin after IPL hair removal?

Wondering about post-IPL skincare? Avoid any chemical exfoliants for one week post-IPL treatment. The best skincare after IPL treatment involves gently cleansing your skin with cold or lukewarm water, patting it dry instead of rubbing it with a towel and avoiding heat.

Try SkinCeuticals Gentle Cleanser, a creamy and hydrating formula that removes impurities and excess oil while soothing and calming your sensitive post-IPL skin.