How to Care for Your Skin After a Photofacial

Photofacials, also known as intense pulsed light therapy (IPL), renew your skin from the inside out. Gentle bursts of energy penetrate the layers of your skin and break up clumps of melanin that cause visible dark spots, trigger the production of collagen to plump your skin and smooth out wrinkles, and stimulate new cell growth. 

At Gago Wellness in Brighton, Michigan, we offer photofacials using the industry’s leading technology: Forever Young BBL™ (BroadBand Light). Our experienced team of master aestheticians treats wrinkles, fine lines, age spots, sun damage, acne, and broken blood vessels in a painless, 30-minute session that requires no downtime. 

The results of your photofacial begin to appear in about a week to 10 days, and then they gradually improve for the next several weeks and months. That’s because it takes a little time for your body to respond to the light treatment and turn over new cells. You can support these changes by taking care of your skin after your photofacial treatment.

What to do after your photofacial

To maximize the results of your photofacial and protect your skin as it undergoes its transformation, follow these aftercare tips:

Ice it

While your photofacial is painless, it may cause some redness and minor inflammation. These symptoms typically fade away after a few hours, but you can soothe your skin with cool compresses to give it a hand. 

Keep it clean

The broadband light energy has prompted your skin to go to work clearing away bacteria and debris, so do your part by keeping the surface clean. Use a gentle cleanser twice a day. 

Moisturize it

Hydrated skin is healthy skin. Use a quality moisturizer that supports the healing process. We can recommend specific products.

Protect it

The sun’s ultraviolet rays are your skin’s worst enemies, and they can be particularly damaging after your photofacial. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 to deflect the UV rays and keep your skin safe.  Our Avene noncomedogenic makeup with spf 50 if water and smudge resistant and provides excellent protection.  Plan to grab a few of these every summer and use regularly after BBL treatments.

What not to do after your photofacial

One of the best things about photofacials is that there’s no need to clear your schedule and isolate yourself while you heal. That said, there are a few precautions you should heed if you want to optimize your results.

Stay cool

Even if you’re wearing sunscreen, you should still avoid hanging out in direct sunlight for too long. In addition to the UV rays, sun exposure heats up your skin and your body, causing you to flush and sweat.

Staying cool also includes avoiding super-hot baths and showers. Keep the water warm or cool for the first two days after your treatment.

Skip strenuous activities

Change up your exercise routine for a couple of days, and switch out sprints and weight lifting for strolls and stretches. This helps you avoid overheating and causing your skin to become flushed.

Don’t pick

After a photofacial, it’s normal to see blemishes rise to the surface as your skin pushes out impurities. You may be tempted to help that process along by scraping, scratching, or picking at them, but that may cause a dark spot or scar to form.

Choose products wisely

The wrong skin care product can undo the effects of your photofacial. Specifically, you should avoid products that contain glycolic acid, retinoic acid, or tretinoin. We can help you find the right products for your skin. 

To learn more about our Forever Young BBL photofacial and what it can do for your complexion, schedule an appointment today. 

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