By Dr Stephanie Barnard; General Practitioner & Aesthetics Specialist in Cairns
When you invest in professional doctor-administered aesthetics treatments, proper aftercare is essential for optimal results and to give your skin the time it needs to heal and regenerate. As a Cairns doctor specialising in aesthetics, I always emphasise that what you do post-treatment is just as important as the procedure itself.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to protecting and nourishing your skin after aesthetics treatments.
1. Prioritize Sun Protection ☀️
Cairns’ tropical climate means we’re exposed to intense UV radiation year-round. Post-treatment, your skin is even more vulnerable, so using a broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen with a high PA rating (PA+++ or PA++++) is non-negotiable.
• Why? Treatments like microneedling, chemical peels, and laser make your skin more sensitive to sun damage, increasing the risk of pigmentation, redness, and irritation.
• Best Practice: Apply sunscreen daily, even when it’s cloudy, and reapply every two hours if you’re outdoors.
2. Post-Microneedling Care: Keep It Gentle
Microneedling stimulates collagen production but also leaves your skin temporarily compromised. To aid healing:
• Avoid makeup for 24 hours to prevent irritation and clogged pores.
• Use a gentle cleanser with no harsh chemicals or exfoliants.
• Hydrate with a barrier-repairing serum.
• Skip active ingredients (like retinol, AHAs, or BHAs) for at least 5-7 days.
• No touching or picking! Your skin is healing—let it do its thing.
3. Stay Hydrated Inside and Out
Drinking plenty of water and using hydrating skincare products will support skin repair. Look for ingredients like niacinamide, and peptides to strengthen the skin barrier.
4. Avoid Intense Heat & Sweating
For at least 24-48 hours, avoid:
• Saunas and hot showers
• High-intensity exercise
• Direct sun exposure
Heat can increase inflammation and prolong healing, so keep things cool.
5. Stick to Your Aftercare Plan
Every treatment has a specific recovery period. As your aesthetics doctor in Cairns, I always provide personalised post-treatment advice based on your skin type and the procedure performed. Following these guidelines ensures the best possible outcome.
Final Thoughts
Caring for your skin after an aesthetics treatment is all about protection, hydration, and patience. Whether you’ve had microneedling, wrinkle reduction, bruxism, volume enhancement, peels, or laser therapy, following the right aftercare routine will enhance your results and keep your skin looking its best.
Want to know the best skincare routine tailored to your treatment? Book a consultation with, Dr Stephanie Barnard, a qualified Cairns doctor for expert advice!
Leave a Reply