Post-Procedure Skincare

Post-Procedure Skincare: What You Actually Need After Your Treatment (From a Master Esthetician + Mom of 5)

Let’s be honest—whether you’re a first-time client or a treatment veteran, what to do after your skincare procedure can feel a little overwhelming. As a master esthetician and mom of five (yes, five!), I get it. Between juggling kids, work, and everything in between, you don’t have time to guess what’s best for your skin once you leave the treatment room.

So today, I’m breaking it down simply: what your skin really needs after professional treatments like microneedling, chemical peels, or laser—and just as importantly, what to avoid.

1.

Your Skin Barrier is Sacred—Treat it Like a Newborn

After a procedure, your skin is basically in healing mode. Think of it like your skin just ran a marathon—it’s tired, vulnerable, and needs support.

That means:

• Skip the actives (retinol, exfoliating acids, benzoyl peroxide, vitamin C in some cases)

• Say yes to barrier-repairing ingredients like niacinamide, ceramides, panthenol, and hyaluronic acid

Some of my go-to post-procedure products?

• Hydrinity’s Restorative HA Serum – Ultra-hydrating and calming

• Epionce Enriched Firming Mask – A dream for compromised skin

• Skinbetter Science’s Trio Rebalancing Moisture Treatment – Especially good for dry or reactive skin types

2.

Sun is Not Your Friend (For Now)

This isn’t the time for patio brunches without a hat or long walks without SPF. Your skin is more photosensitive after treatments, which means sun = hyperpigmentation risk.

Tips from the trenches:

• Reapply broad-spectrum SPF 30+ every 2 hours (yes, even if you’re just doing school drop-offs)

• Use a physical sunscreen like Colorescience Flex or Even Up

• Invest in a cute wide-brim hat or baseball cap (trust me, it makes a difference)

3.

Don’t Panic If You Peel or Purge

It’s totally normal to see:

• Mild flaking or peeling (especially after peels or microneedling)

• Breakouts that seem to “come to the surface”

• Redness or tightness for a day or two

Do NOT:

• Pick, scrub, or exfoliate

• Layer on 10 products thinking you can “speed up” healing

Your skin is doing what it’s supposed to do—let it do its thing.

4.

Less is More—for at Least 5–7 Days

After a procedure, your skincare routine should be as simple as your toddler’s bedtime story. Stick to:

• A gentle cleanser (nothing foamy or stripping)

• A hydrating serum

• A rich, non-fragranced moisturizer

• SPF (always)

I often tell clients: If it doesn’t feel like a hug for your face, skip it for now.

5.

Listen to Your Skin (And Your Esthetician!)

Every skin is different—just like every kid in my house. So while one client may be totally fine by day 3, another might need a full week before their skin settles. That’s okay!

This is why I always provide customized post-care instructions after every treatment, and I encourage clients to check in with me if they have any concerns.

Final Thoughts: Be Kind to Your Skin—You Just Invested in It

You just did something amazing for your skin. Don’t sabotage those results by rushing the healing process or skipping sunscreen. Trust the process, give yourself grace, and know that you’re doing something beautiful for yourself—and that matters.

If you’re unsure about what to use post-treatment or need help building a routine, I’m always happy to help (even if I’m answering you between soccer games or carpool pickups).

With love and SPF,

Amanda M. | @theridgefieldaesthetician

Master Esthetician | Skincare Educator | Mom of 5