Post-Facial Aftercare: What to Do When You Get Home

Skip actives for 48 hours, stick to gentle cleansing and moisturizing, and let your skin recover without interference.

1. First 24 hours: hands off. Your skin is essentially wounded and healing. Cleanse only with lukewarm water and a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser. Pat dry with a clean towel and apply a basic moisturizer.
2. 48-hour active holiday. No retinol, AHA, BHA, or vitamin C for two full days. These will irritate freshly treated skin and can cause inflammation or hyperpigmentation. Stick to the basics: cleanse, moisturize, SPF.
3. Sun protection protocol. Your skin is more photosensitive after a facial, making SPF 30+ non-negotiable for at least a week. Reapply every two hours if you're outside, and consider wearing a hat.
4. Week one maintenance. Gradually reintroduce your active ingredients after 48 hours, starting with every other day. Monitor for any increased sensitivity and scale back if needed.