Optimize your outcome from aesthetic procedures
Appropriate skin care prior to and after a procedure can greatly improve the outcome. The goal of many aesthetic procedures is the production of collagen.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an essential cofactor in the production of collagen. Vitamin C can be taken orally or applied to the skin or both. Vitamin C is sensitive to light and air exposure, so it should be stored appropriately. Vitamin C does not penetrate the skin well unless it is formulated at a ph of 2-2.5. Keep in mind that the cleanser used prior to the application of vitamin C should also be acidic. This acidic ph will sting broken skin. It should not be used post procedure until the skin has completely healed. Vitamin C serum is recommended before and after procedures involving fillers, toxins, skin tightening and non-ablative lasers. I would recommend using it prior to, but not after microneedling or ablative procedures until the skin is well healed.
Hydroxyacids
Pretreatment of the skin with hydroxyacids also promotes collagen synthesis.
Retinoids
Compounds such as adapalene, retinol, tazarotene, trifarotene, and tretinoin are derived from Vitamin A. Retinoids should be used for at least 2-4 weeks prior to procedures to improve outcomes. Multiple studies have shown acceleration of wound healing with retinoid use prior to treatment. Use of retinoids after a procedure however slows wound healing. Retinoids should not be used after a procedure until re-epithelialization of the skin is complete.
