A treatment does not begin the moment you sit in the chair, and it does not end the moment you leave the clinic. What happens either side of that appointment, how your skin is prepared beforehand and how it is cared for afterward, has a direct bearing on how well it responds and how long the results last.
At All Saint Clinic, our Doctors and Dermal Therapists treat preparation and aftercare as part of the treatment plan itself, not an optional add-on. Below, we answer the questions we are asked most often before and after an appointment.
How should I prepare my skin before a treatment?
Preparation is less about following a long list and more about giving your skin the best possible starting point. Well-hydrated, well-informed skin tends to respond more predictably to most in-clinic treatments.
- Be honest with your Aesthetic Doctor or Dermal Therapist about your skin history, current medications and any recent treatments, so your plan can be adjusted accordingly.
- Book with your calendar in mind. If you have an event coming up, leave enough time beforehand for any redness or sensitivity to settle.
- Drink plenty of water and keep your skin hydrated in the lead-up to your appointment.
- Arrive with clean skin, free of makeup, so your practitioner is working with a clear canvas.
What should I avoid before a treatment?
- Active skincare ingredients. Retinoids, exfoliating acids and other actives can increase sensitivity. Most practitioners recommend pausing these in the days before treatment. Ask your clinic for your specific timeline, as it varies by treatment type.
- Sun exposure. Sunburnt or recently tanned skin is more reactive and increases the risk of complications with laser and light-based treatments.
- Strenuous exercise on the day. Raising your body temperature and heart rate right before treatment can increase inflammation in skin that is about to be treated.
- Alcohol, which can increase sensitivity and affect how your skin responds on the day.
Why does aftercare matter as much as the treatment?
Most in-clinic treatments, laser, skin needling, radiofrequency, work by prompting the skin to repair and rebuild over the days and weeks that follow. The treatment itself is the trigger. The result is built during recovery. How you support that process, through hydration, gentle skincare and following your practitioner's advice, has a real effect on how the outcome plays out and how long it lasts.
What should I do after a treatment?
- Stay hydrated and keep your skincare routine gentle. Hydration supports the healing process and helps maintain skin health while it recovers.
- Pause active ingredients again. Your skin barrier needs time to repair before retinoids, acids or exfoliants are reintroduced.
- Avoid intense exercise, saunas and hot baths in the first 24 hours. High temperatures and prolonged sweating can worsen swelling, redness and inflammation.
- Follow your practitioner's specific advice. Every patient responds differently, and the aftercare you are given is tailored to your skin and your treatment, not a generic checklist.
How long should I wait to exercise after a facial or laser treatment?
As a general guide, avoid strenuous exercise for at least 24 hours after most in-clinic treatments. Your Aesthetic Doctor or Dermal Therapist will confirm the exact timeframe for your specific treatment, since this varies depending on how invasive the procedure is and how your skin responds.
Can I wear makeup after a treatment?
This depends on the treatment. Some, like a light facial, allow makeup soon after. Others, such as laser or needling, require the skin to be left clean and untouched for a period to support healing. Always check with your practitioner before applying anything to freshly treated skin.
The standard we hold ourselves to
A treatment plan at All Saint Clinic includes how you prepare beforehand and how you care for your skin in the days that follow. It is not a checklist to get through before or after the part that counts. It is part of what makes a treatment work.
Reserve your private consultation with one of our Aesthetic Doctors or Dermal Therapists, who will talk you through a personalised pre and post-treatment plan for whatever you have booked.
