By When planning skin smoothing treatments or skin volumising treatments, many people think that intensive skincare treatments will enhance their results. However, treatments like chemical peels, laser resurfacing, or aggressive exfoliation can actually hinder the process. If you’re considering a procedure with a cosmetic doctor in Melbourne, it’s important to prepare your skin properly for the best possible outcome.
In this article, we’ll explore why certain skincare treatments should be avoided before cosmetic procedures, how over-exfoliation can impact your results, and what you should do instead to keep your skin in optimal condition.
Why Harsh Skincare Treatments Can Cause Problems
Your skin is a delicate ecosystem that requires balance. Treatments such as chemical peels, microdermabrasion, or laser resurfacing cause controlled damage to the skin to stimulate healing and rejuvenation. While beneficial in the right context, these treatments can make your skin more sensitive, irritated, or even damaged if done too close to skin smoothing treatments or skin volumising treatments.
Increased Sensitivity and Irritation
Harsh treatments can strip away the skin’s natural protective barrier, leaving it more vulnerable to irritation. When the skin is already inflamed or peeling, adding cosmetic procedures into the mix can intensify discomfort and slow the healing process. This may lead to extended downtime, increased redness, or even complications.
Risk of Uneven Results
Over-exfoliated or compromised skin does not respond to treatments as predictably as healthy skin. For example, when your skin is inflamed from a recent chemical peel, a cosmetic doctor in Melbourne may struggle to achieve even, natural-looking results from a skin volumising procedure. This could lead to patchiness, increased bruising, or prolonged swelling.
Delayed Healing
Post-procedure healing is essential for achieving long-lasting, high-quality results. If your skin is already in a state of repair from a strong exfoliation treatment, it will take longer to recover after a cosmetic procedure. This means you could experience extended redness, irritation, or even a higher risk of complications.
Skincare Do’s and Don’ts Before Your Appointment
To prepare your skin for the best possible results, follow these doctor-recommended skincare guidelines:
What to Avoid
- Chemical peels and laser treatments – These should be avoided at least four weeks before a cosmetic procedure to allow the skin to fully heal.
- Strong exfoliants (AHAs, BHAs, and retinoids) – Stop using these at least 7-10 days before your appointment to prevent irritation.
- Harsh physical scrubs – Abrasive scrubs can create micro-tears in the skin, increasing sensitivity.
- Tanning or excessive sun exposure – UV exposure can cause inflammation, making cosmetic procedures riskier and less predictable.
- New or untested skincare products – Avoid experimenting with new active ingredients in the weeks leading up to your treatment to prevent unexpected reactions.
What to Do Instead
- Keep your skincare routine simple – A gentle cleanser, hydrating serum, and SPF are all you need in the lead-up to your procedure.
- Use a nourishing moisturiser – Keeping your skin barrier strong will help support a smooth recovery.
- Stay hydrated – Drinking plenty of water and maintaining a good diet rich in vitamins can enhance skin resilience.
- Wear SPF daily – A broad-spectrum SPF 50+ is essential to protect your skin before and after your treatment.
- Consult your doctor – A cosmetic doctor in Melbourne can provide personalised advice on how to prep your skin for the best results.
The Best Way to Prep for Your Skin Treatment
To achieve the best results from skin smoothing treatments or skin volumising treatments, it’s essential to avoid harsh skincare treatments that could compromise your skin’s health. Over-exfoliation, irritation, and inflammation can interfere with your treatment outcomes, leading to extended downtime or uneven results.
A cosmetic doctor in Melbourne will always recommend a gentle, protective approach to skincare in the lead-up to your procedure. By following these do’s and don’ts, you’ll ensure your skin is in the best possible condition to receive treatment—helping you achieve smooth, natural-looking results with minimal recovery time.