# A Guide to Periprocedural Skin Care Regimen for Injectable and Nonenergy Cosmetic Procedures Based on a Consensus of 6 Aesthetic Practitioners

## TL;DR

This paper provides skincare guidelines before and after injectable and non-energy cosmetic treatments to improve outcomes and reduce recovery time.

## Contribution

It introduces a consensus-based periprocedural skincare algorithm from six aesthetic practitioners for injectable and surface-active procedures.

## Key findings

- A preprocedural skincare routine with cleanser, moisturizer, and SPF 50+ sunscreen is recommended 2-4 weeks before treatment.
- Post-procedural use of antioxidants, hyaluronic acid, and bland skincare is advised to optimize recovery and reduce side effects.
- Avoiding toners and exfoliants post-procedure may help minimize irritation and improve treatment outcomes.

## Abstract

The use of injectable aesthetic treatments (including fillers, neurotoxins, polynucleotides, and biostimulators) and nonenergy surface-active aesthetic treatments (such as chemical peels, microneedling, and microdermabrasion) is increasing. To date, little guidance is available in the literature concerning periprocedural skincare for these aesthetic procedures. The aim of the authors of this study is to provide periprocedural skincare recommendations and an algorithm to guide holistic skincare that will enhance and retain procedural effects and optimize skin health in the longer term. A panel of 6 Australian aesthetic practitioners (5 dermatologists and 1 plastic surgeon) developed generalized periprocedural skincare recommendations for injectable and surface-active aesthetic treatments. Recommendations were stratified into 2 categories: skin barrier nondisruptive procedures (fillers, threads, neuromodulators, and polynucleotides) and skin barrier disruptive procedures (nonenergy surface-active procedures). Establishing a good preprocedural basic skincare routine (cleanser, moisturizer, and broad-spectrum sun protection factor 50+ sunscreen) 2 to 4 weeks before a procedure is recommended. Actives including vitamin A, vitamin B3, antioxidants, hyaluronic acid, and lipids may also be advised and tailored to an individual's skin condition. It is suggested that toners and exfoliants can be avoided, whereas antioxidants, tranexamic acid, and growth factors can be used immediately following needling procedures. Hyaluronic acid and antioxidants may be used immediately following chemical peels along with bland skincare. Postprocedural makeup and skincare actives should be avoided immediately post surface-active procedures. The implementation of periprocedural skincare regimens may improve treatment-related outcomes and reduce recovery time. Furthermore, frequency and severity of potential side effects may be reduced.

Level of Evidence: 5 (Therapeutic)