A Photofacial, whether through Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) or BroadBand Light (Brazilian Buttock Lift) technology, is a powerhouse treatment for rejuvenating your skin. It targets sun damage, removes unwanted pigmentation, minimizes redness, and evens out your skin tone. It’s one of the most popular ways to achieve that coveted “Plano glow” without significant downtime.
However, the days immediately following your treatment are just as important as the procedure itself. During this time, your skin is actively healing and pushing up pigment to the surface. If you don’t follow the proper aftercare, you risk irritation, hyperpigmentation, and undermining your beautiful results.
To ensure you get the absolute best outcome from your investment, VIVA MedSpa provides this essential guide to Photofacial aftercare. Follow these six tips religiously, and you’ll love the final result
Tip 1: Strict Sun Avoidance is Mandatory
This is the golden rule of Photofacial recovery and the single most important factor determining your results. The IPL/Brazilian Buttock Lift laser works by creating a controlled injury to your skin cells. Immediately following treatment, your skin is highly photosensitive and vulnerable to sun damage.
What to do:
- Wear SPF 30+: Apply a broad-spectrum, physical sunscreen (containing Zinc Oxide or Titanium Dioxide) every single morning.
- Reapply: Reapply sunscreen religiously every two hours, especially if you are near windows, driving, or spending time outdoors.
- Cover Up: Wear a wide-brimmed hat and large sunglasses whenever you step outside for at least two weeks post-treatment. Direct sun exposure can cause new dark spots to form or worsen your current pigmentation issues, completely undoing the Photofacial’s work.
Tip 2: Manage the Heat and Redness
Your skin will likely feel warm, similar to a mild sunburn, for a few hours after your Photofacial. This heat sensation can last up to 48 hours. Excessive heat exposure can prolong redness, increase inflammation, and even lead to unwanted hyperpigmentation.
What to do for 48 hours:
- Avoid Strenuous Exercise: Skip the gym, hot yoga, and any intense physical activity that causes you to sweat heavily or raise your core body temperature.
- Skip Hot Environments: Avoid saunas, steam rooms, hot tubs, and very hot showers. Use lukewarm water when cleansing your face.
- Use Cold Compresses: Apply a cool, clean cloth or a small ice pack (wrapped in a thin towel) to the treatment area in 10-15 minute increments to soothe the redness and swelling. This is particularly helpful on the evening of your procedure.
Tip 3: Hydration and Healing:
The Right Moisturizer
During the healing phase, your skin’s natural protective barrier is temporarily compromised. Your skin will be thirstier and more sensitive than usual. Using the correct products is essential to promote healing and maintain comfort.
What to do:
- Keep it Simple: For the first few days, use only gentle cleansers and soothing, non-comedogenic moisturizers. Look for ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramides, or Aloe Vera.
- Avoid Irritants: Steer clear of any moisturizers or serums that contain heavy fragrances, dyes, or essential oils, as these can easily irritate the compromised skin barrier.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water! Hydration from the inside out supports cell turnover and recovery.
Tip 4: Let the "Coffee Grounds" Flake Naturally
This tip relates specifically to patients treating sun spots and hyperpigmentation. Immediately after your Photofacial, your treated pigmented spots will darken significantly, often resembling tiny coffee grounds or pepper flakes. Medically, these dark spots are called MENDS (Microscopic Epidermal Necrotic Debris).
What to do:
- DO NOT PICK: It may be tempting to pick, peel, or scrub these dark flakes off, but doing so is the number one cause of scarring and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (dark spots that are new and even harder to treat).
- Allow Flaking: The flakes will naturally lift and shed over the next 7 to 14 days. Let your body do the work! If you must touch your face, use light, gentle motions.
Tip 5: Pause Active Ingredients
Many highly effective skincare ingredients—the ones that keep your skin looking young and fresh—are too potent for freshly treated skin. Using these products too soon after a Photofacial can lead to severe burns, irritation, and damage.
What to stop
(for at least 5-7 days) :
- Retinoids/Retinols: (Including Tretinoin and prescription retinoids)
- AHA/BHA Acids: (Alpha Hydroxy Acids like Glycolic Acid and Beta Hydroxy Acids like Salicylic Acid)
- Physical Exfoliants: (Scrubs, brushes, or abrasive tools)
- Vitamin C: Even Vitamin C serums can be irritating immediately post-treatment.
Check with our MedSpa professionals before reintroducing any of these potent ingredients into your routine.
Tip 6: Schedule Your Follow-Up (and Next Treatment)
A single Photofacial treatment can deliver visible results, but maximum skin clearance and the full benefit of collagen stimulation require a series of sessions. Pigment is layered deep within the skin, and a course of 3 to 5 treatments is typically needed to clear the skin completely.
What to do:
- Book Your Consultation: Plan to see our MedSpa staff in about four weeks to assess your results. We can take “after” photos, evaluate how your pigment has lifted, and recommend the timeline for your next session.
- Consider a Maintenance Plan: Once you achieve your desired results, a maintenance treatment every 6-12 months is highly recommended to keep your skin clear and stimulate collagen production.
Ready for Your Skin Transformation in Plano?
Photofacials are a powerful and safe way to revitalize your skin, provided you pair the expert treatment with expert aftercare. By following these six tips, you are protecting your investment and ensuring a smooth, beautiful healing process.
If you are ready to address sun damage, redness, or textural issues, VIVA MedSpa is here to guide you.
Contact our office today or fill out the form below to schedule your Photofacial consultation!
