How To Pair At-Home Skincare With Professional Treatments

professional facial treatment

After an amazing facial treatment, it might be instinctual to seal the results with strong skincare. But, it can often be too much and overwhelm your skin with harmful ingredients. But to maintain that renewed skin, we want to use certain products that will lock in the results without compromising your skin.

In this guide, we’ll walk through what your skin needs post-treatment and which ingredients you should consider.*

*While we’re suggesting ingredients that will work for specific goals, please consult with your aesthetician after treatment to ensure the best results for your skin.

Why Does This Matter?

After a facial session, your skin will be slightly more sensitive. Professional skin care services often encourage skin renewal. This means that your skin barrier has its doors open more than usual. During this time, what you apply matters significantly.

Your post-treatment routine should focus on soothing, hydrating, and protecting. Harsh exfoliants, actives like retinoids, or fragranced products can harm the results. Instead of trying to further your skin’s turnover, go for gentle ingredients and nourishment. This supports the skin in its healing journey after finishing your facial!

Step 1: Cleansing

Cleansing is one of the most underrated parts of skincare after professional treatments. After a facial treatment, your skin doesn’t need a deep cleanse. It might prefer a gentle refresh that doesn’t strip or irritate.

Some types of cleansers that fall under this category are:

  • Cream cleansers with calming ingredients
  • Micellar water for a lightweight cleanse that involves no cleansing
  • Milk cleansers that protect and lock in moisture levels

Cleanse with lukewarm water, not hot. Avoid using washcloths or scrubbing tools for at least a few days. Your goal is to maintain the skin’s pH and moisture barrier while keeping it clean from pollutants and buildup.

cleansing after professional skincare treatment

Step 2: Soothing and Hydrating

The first 24 to 48 hours after a treatment session are crucial. During this period, your skin is vulnerable and most open to absorbing ingredients.

Ingredients that may help with this are:

  • Aloe Vera: Calms inflammation and helps skin retain moisture.
  • Centella Asiatica (Cica): Supports skin repair and reduces redness.
  • Hyaluronic Acid: Binds water to the skin without clogging pores or causing irritation.

Choose a lightweight, fragrance-free moisturizer that focuses on barrier repair. A thermal water mist or a calming hydrating serum can also help cool and soothe the skin throughout the day. Stick to simple, clean formulas with minimal ingredients.

soothing skincare after professional treatment

Step 3: Barrier Repair

Your skin barrier is like your body’s natural armour. It protects against pollution, allergens, and water loss. Facial treatments often works deep within the skin, so your post-treatment routine should help strengthen the shield.

Ingredients that may help with this are:

  • Ceramide-rich creams: Ceramides help rebuild and maintain the skin’s natural barrier.
  • Squalane oil: A light oil that mimics skin’s natural oils and restores moisture.
  • Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5): Known for its healing and anti-inflammatory properties.

Apply these ingredients in the evening after cleansing. This allows your skin to recover while you sleep so the ingredients can do all the hard work while you catch up on your beauty sleep.

Step 4: Sun Protection

If there’s one step you cannot skip after any professional skincare treatment, it’s sunscreen. Even if you don’t spend a lot of time outdoors, indirect or accidental exposure (like walking the dog or sitting near a window) can impact your skin’s healing,

While you should always wear sunscreen, some tips to keep in mind after treatments are:

  • Mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide
  • SPF 30 or higher, even on cloudy days
  • Formulas with added antioxidants, like Vitamin E or niacinamide

These help defend your treated skin against UV damage and environmental stress. Apply every morning, even if you’re indoors. If you want to go outdoors, reapply frequently.

sunscreen after facial treatments

When Can I Use My Normal Skincare Routine?

If your usual routine includes exfoliating acids or retinoids, hold off on them for at least 3 to 5 days post-treatment. Let your skin guide the timeline. Your skin is great at communicating so listen when it tells you it’s still sensitive from treatment. This slow approach supports the long-term success of skincare after professional treatments while minimizing the risk of irritation or barrier disruption.

Final Takeaway

If you’re ever unsure, contact a professional at Reforme Lab for further personalized advice on at-home skincare.

The results of a professional facial treatment are just the beginning. With the right post-care, you can see great results for several months. Support your skin by understanding and using ingredients that hydrate, repair, and protect.