{"id":867484,"date":"2025-12-05T15:43:51","date_gmt":"2025-12-05T12:43:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=867484"},"modified":"2025-12-05T15:43:51","modified_gmt":"2025-12-05T12:43:51","slug":"post-procedure-skincare-doesnt-need-to-be-complicated-10-expert-approved-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=867484","title":{"rendered":"Post-Procedure Skincare Doesn\u2019t Need to Be Complicated: 10 Expert-Approved Tips"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\n
\n

Post-Procedure Skincare Doesn\u2019t Need to Be Complicated: 10 Expert-Approved Tips<\/h1>\n
\n
\n
\n
By<\/span><\/p>\n
Celia Shatzman<\/p>\n
\n
\n
\n
\"Celia\"Celia<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\nCelia Shatzman\n<\/div>\n
\nCelia Shatzman is a Brooklyn-based writer who covers beauty, fashion, celebrities, entertainment, and other lifestyle topics. Her work has appeared in Cosmopolitan, Teen Vogue, Marie Claire, and more.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\nByrdie’s Editorial Guidelines\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Published on October 05, 2025 08:00AM<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\"Woman\"Woman<\/div>\n<\/div>
<\/p>\n

Death to Stock<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\n

Seeing a derm for practically any procedure used to be a big deal. But thanks to more and more people getting microneedling, lasers, and peels, to name a few, in-office procedures are more popular than ever\u2014and people are getting open about them, including what happens after they visit the dermatologist\u2019s office.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

\u201cPatients today want transparency,\u201d says Ariel Ostad, M.D., Board-Certified Dermatologist & Dermatologic Surgeon. \u201cSeeing real recoveries online helps set realistic expectations, reduces anxiety, and shows that temporary redness, peeling, or swelling is normal. It also makes cosmetic dermatology feel more approachable and less intimidating.\u201d\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

But just because influencers are taking to TikTok to share their step-by-step recovery doesn\u2019t mean that their tips work for everyone. \u201cIt is best to look for board-certified dermatologists or professionals when looking for trustworthy advice,\u201d says\u00a0Marisa Garshick, M.D., board-certified dermatologist at\u00a0MDCS Dermatology\u00a0and Clinical Assistant Professor of Dermatology at\u00a0Weill Cornell Medicine. \u201cRegardless of what you see online, it is always best to speak with your doctor regarding the recovery process and how to manage expectations. Social media can be helpful to get a general sense of what to expect, but it is still just one person’s experience. For personalized recommendations, it should be based on the individual and the specific procedure being performed. Everyone has different skin and may respond differently and require a different post-procedure plan.\u201d\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

To maximize results and ensure your skin heals properly and safely, we asked Dr. Garshick and Dr. Ostad to share a foolproof routine. Below, find 10 dermatologist-approved post-procedure skincare tips.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n
01<\/span>of 10<\/span><\/div>\n
\n

Always Listen to Your Derm <\/span><\/h2>\n

It might be tempting to go rogue and copy that tip you saw on TikTok, but it\u2019s crucial to follow post-procedure instructions shared by your dermatologist or provider to help maximize results and minimize downtime and complications. \u201cMany procedures can leave the skin more sensitive than usual, and often with a weakened skin barrier, so using proper skincare as directed is key,\u201d Dr. Garshick says. \u201cFor example, if someone uses a product that is too harsh for the skin while healing, it can lead to irritation, scarring, or pigmentation.\u201d\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

Be sure to ask your derm which products to use, which ones to avoid, and the expected overall downtime. It\u2019s also helpful to ask when you can safely resume your regular skincare routine, including active ingredients like retinoids or exfoliants.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n
02<\/span>of 10<\/span><\/div>\n
\n

Doubt the Dunk <\/span><\/h2>\n

Influencers have gone viral for dunking their faces in Aquaphor post-procedure, but this is only good for likes. \u201cOver-applying heavy ointments can clog pores or trap heat,\u201d Dr. Ostad says. \u201cA thin layer for barrier support is fine; I recommend lighter, medical-grade moisturizers instead, depending on your procedure.\u201d\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n
03<\/span>of 10<\/span><\/div>\n
\n

Cleanse Carefully <\/span><\/h2>\n

\u201cIt is best to use a gentle, hydrating cleanser that won\u2019t strip or dry out the skin,\u201d Dr. Garshick says. \u201cHarsh soaps or exfoliating washes can interfere with the healing process and should be avoided.\u201d Don\u2019t use hot water and pat\u2014not rub\u2014the skin dry to avoid disrupting healing.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n
04<\/span>of 10<\/span><\/div>\n
\n

Prioritize Sun Protection <\/span><\/h2>\n

Rain or shine, be sure to wear SPF and reapply it regularly because many procedures make skin more sensitive to the sun. Plus, UV exposure may lead to post-procedure hyperpigmentation and scarring. \u201cFreshly treated skin is more prone to sunburn and pigmentation,\u201d Dr. Ostad says. \u201cA broad-spectrum SPF 30+ with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide (physical blockers) is safest. Opt for fragrance-free, mineral-based sunscreens formulated for sensitive skin.\u201d\n<\/p>\n

Even brief sun exposure can lead to dark spots, delayed healing, or uneven results. \u201cIt is important to limit sun exposure as much as possible during the healing phase,\u201d Dr. Garshick says. \u201cThe skin is more sensitive to the sun, and even minimal sun exposure can increase the risk of irritation and hyperpigmentation. UPF clothing, wide-brimmed hats, and seeking shade are just as important as sunscreen during this time.\u201d\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n
05<\/span>of 10<\/span><\/div>\n
\n

Stick to Gentle Hydration <\/span><\/h2>\n

This is key to restoring moisture and supporting the skin barrier during the healing process. \u201cSome key ingredients include ceramides to support the skin barrier, hyaluronic acid to draw moisture in, niacinamide to soothe the skin, or petrolatum to lock moisture in,\u201d Dr. Garshick says. \u201cThese ingredients reduce dryness and minimize discomfort during recovery while calming and soothing the skin.\u201d\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n
06<\/span>of 10<\/span><\/div>\n
\n

Avoid Fragrance <\/span><\/h2>\n

Leave the fragrance for your perfume and opt for fragrance-free skincare. \u201cFragrance can trigger irritation, redness, or dermatitis, especially when the skin barrier is weakened,\u201d Dr. Ostad says. \u201cStick with gentle, fragrance-free formulas.\u201d Since skin is already more compromised post-procedure, it\u2019s best to minimize added ingredients when possible.\u00a0\u00a0\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n
07<\/span>of 10<\/span><\/div>\n
\n

Skip Active Ingredients <\/span><\/h2>\n

Exfoliants, retinoids, and other harsh ingredients can irritate and aggravate the skin while healing. \u201cIn some cases, vitamin C may be okay to introduce post-procedure, but it is always best to speak with your board-certified dermatologist to see what is recommended for you, depending on your skin and the procedure,\u201d Dr. Garshick says. \u201cThe skin should recover before reintroducing active ingredients to minimize sensitivity, but once healed, the products can be gradually added back into a routine.\u201d\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n
08<\/span>of 10<\/span><\/div>\n
\n

Go Barefaced <\/span><\/h2>\n

Don\u2019t wear makeup for at least the first few days after a procedure\u2014applying and removing makeup can irritate the skin. \u201cMakeup can clog pores, introduce bacteria, or cause irritation,\u201d Dr. Ostad says. \u201cOnce the skin barrier has recovered, non-comedogenic, mineral-based makeup may be safe.\u201d\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n
09<\/span>of 10<\/span><\/div>\n
\n

Don\u2019t Touch Your Face <\/span><\/h2>\n

Remember in the early days of Covid when everyone stressed how bad it was to touch your face? Channel that advice again. \u201cHands carry bacteria and oils that can lead to infection or inflammation,\u201d Dr. Ostad says. \u201cTouching, rubbing, or picking at treated skin can also damage results.\u201d\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n
10<\/span>of 10<\/span><\/div>\n
\n

Steer Clear of Sweat Sessions <\/span><\/h2>\n

Right now, exercise and saunas are not your friend.While it may vary based on the specific procedure, Dr. Garshick advises that it is best to avoid sweating for 2-5 days after a procedure, as sweat can contribute to irritation and breakouts.\u00a0Dr. Ostad explains, \u201cHeat, sweat, and increased circulation can worsen swelling, cause irritation, and delay healing.\u201d\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n
Read more:<\/div>\n
    \n
  • Skin<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Skin Concerns<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Skin Treatments<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n

    Source URL: https:\/\/www.byrdie.com\/post-procedure-skincare-11816638<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    Post-Procedure Skincare Doesn\u2019t Need to Be Complicated: 10 Expert-Approved Tips By Celia Shatzman Celia Shatzman Celia Shatzman is a Brooklyn-based writer who covers beauty, fashion, celebrities, entertainment, and other lifestyle topics. Her work has appeared in Cosmopolitan, Teen Vogue, Marie Claire, and more. Byrdie’s Editorial Guidelines Published on October 05, 2025 08:00AM Death to Stock […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":867485,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[83],"class_list":["post-867484","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-politics","tag-byrdie-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/867484","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=867484"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/867484\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/867485"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=867484"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=867484"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=867484"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}