Why Proper Skin Prep & Aftercare Matter for the Best Treatment Results

When it comes to laser treatment, what you do before and after your appointment matters just as much as the treatment itself. Proper skincare, sun protection, and hydration play a crucial role in maximizing results, minimizing downtime, and protecting your skin’s health.

Why Skin Hydration Is So Important Before Treatment

Many advanced laser and energy-based treatments work by targeting water within the skin. If your skin is dehydrated, the laser energy cannot be absorbed effectively, which may reduce results and increase the risk of irritation.

Well-hydrated, healthy skin allows:

• Better energy absorption

• More effective collagen stimulation

• Improved overall treatment outcomes

• Faster recovery

This is why we strongly recommend consistent skincare, sunscreen use, and even a Hydrafacial before your treatment to optimize your skin condition.

Recommended Daily Skincare Routine (Pre-Treatment)

Morning

• Vitamin C serum

• Hydrating moisturizer

• Broad-spectrum sunscreen

Evening

• Retinol 0.5%

• Hydrating night cream

Important notes:

• Avoid sun exposure and reapply sunscreen 3–4 times daily

• Advise to stop smoking

• Stop Vitamin C and Retinol 3–5 days before treatment

• Consider a HydraFacial before your procedure to deeply cleanse, hydrate, and prep the skin

On the Day of Your Treatment

• Come with no makeup

• Stay well-hydrated

• Do not come on an empty stomach

The Importance of Aftercare

Aftercare is essential to calm the skin, support healing, and protect your results. Immediately after treatment, the skin may feel warm, tight, red, this is normal.

Cicaplast Baume B5: A Post-Treatment Essential

We often recommend La Roche Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 right after treatment because it is specially formulated to repair and soothe compromised skin.

Key ingredients include:

• Panthenol (Vitamin B5): deeply hydrates and repairs the skin barrier

• Madecassoside (derived from Centella Asiatica): calms inflammation, reduces redness, and supports skin healing

Cicaplast Baume B5 is ideal for:

• Immediate post-treatment calming

• Sensitive skin

• Acne scar treatments

• Strengthening the skin barrier during recovery

Aftercare by Skin Type

Acne-Prone Skin

• Use Neutrogena® Hydro Boost Niacinamide Serum to help calm inflammation and support the skin barrier

• Follow with a gentle, lightweight moisturizer

• Continue prescribed medication if advised by your provider

Acne Scar / Sensitive Skin

• Keep the routine simple and soothing

• Use Cicaplast Baume B5 to support skin repair and reduce irritation

• Avoid active ingredients until the skin has fully calmed

Other Skin Types

• Apply K Cream to help reduce redness and calm the skin

• Use Cell Cream to support repair and skin recovery

• Maintain hydration and sun protection

General Aftercare Tips

• Use a gentle cleanser only

• Avoid sun exposure

• Apply sunscreen 3–4 times daily

• Avoid active ingredients until advised to restart

The Takeaway

Healthy, hydrated skin responds better to treatments and heals faster afterward. Proper skincare, sun protection, and Hydrafacial prep can significantly enhance treatment results, while the right aftercare products help calm the skin, reduce redness, and support long-term skin health.

If you’re unsure which products or prep steps are right for your skin, our clinic is always happy to guide you.

Reviva Laser Skin Clinic

604-233-0878

150B - 8220 Lansdowne road, Richmond, BC, V6X 1B9