Facial redness is a common side effect that goes with many skin care procedures. However, don’t let it scare you away from trying them.
It is a common side effect that affects all skin types. If you have dry skin or skin sensitivity, you might think you’d be more susceptible but in all cases, your aesthetic provider will recommend the best procedure for your skin type with the least risks. Even if you have delicate skin, acne-prone skin, oily skin or sun damage, there are treatments with an after-effect of facial redness that are easily manageable and will help keep your skin healthy..
If you’re a pro at skincare treatments, you have likely already experienced the facial redness that is part of the healing process. In either case, knowing what to do to minimize the redness is a handy part of knowing what to expect.
This guide will tell you exactly what to do for various premier skincare treatments offered by medical spas, each of which promises the results you’re looking for, once the redness has faded.
Injectables (Dermal Fillers, Botox, Sculptra, etc.)
Numerous dermal filler and anti-wrinkle injection products are widely available with Dysport, Botox and Juvéderm being some of the most popular. Offering results on different target areas on the face and with similar healing periods, the recovery process for them is similar so the methods of reducing facial redness will be the same, no matter which filler you choose.
Treatment and Outcome
Fillers, neuromodulators, and collagen bio stimulators are used to smooth fine lines and wrinkles and help restore your youthful appearance. During the treatment, an injectable solution is inserted into the layers of skin. Some examples include hyaluronic acid, botulinum toxin, or Poly-L-lactic acid.
They are most often used to treat wrinkles on the forehead, around the eyes and mouth, and in the nasal labial area. Some fillers can also be chosen for lip augmentation or to tighten and firm the skin on the chin and jaw. Results may be visible right away, but in some cases, a few treatments may be necessary to achieve the desired results.
Common Side Effects
Knowing what to expect after your injectables are complete is an important part of being ready to undergo the treatment. That way you can address any issues that arise, either by following your aftercare treatment plan or by letting your dermatologist or cosmetic doctor know what you are experiencing. Potential side effects include the following:
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Itching
- Mild pain
- Mild redness
How to Deal with Redness
Since facial redness is one of the most common things you’ll encounter after dermal fillers, it makes sense to know what you should do about it. These are options often recommended.
- Cryotherapy – otherwise known as cold therapy, this involves applying cold packs, ice, or a cool washcloth to the injection sites. As this decreases inflammation, it can also help minimize redness. Apply the compress for about 1 minute on, then 1 minute off.
- Topical skincare products – follow your provider’s advice regarding moisturizer, cleanser and any other skin care products that are appropriate for use in the days post-treatment.
- Time – redness after injections is transient, and even if you do nothing it will improve within 24 hours.
Laser Skin Resurfacing
If you’re dealing with wrinkles, blemishes or discoloration, laser resurfacing could be an appropriate treatment. It’s a procedure that targets acne scars, hyperpigmentation, sun spots, birthmarks, stretch marks, wrinkles, and moles.
Treatment and Outcome
Laser resurfacing is done by using a device that delivers specialized light to the treatment area, which the skin absorbs and at the same time, vaporizes moisture in the skin. The result is the removal of skin issues as discussed above. Most patients will see results after a single treatment, though some may need repeat sessions to achieve the full desired results. This is a minimally invasive procedure and you can return to normal daily activities immediately.
Common Side Effects
As with any cosmetic treatment, laser skin resurfacing comes with some potential side effects including a minor risk of scarring. Most of them are mild and will go away after a day or two and will continue to abate during the skin healing process. However, if they persist or any concerns occur after treatment, be sure to let your cosmetic professional know right away. You can expect the following:
- Mild swelling
- Minor darkening of the skin
- Slight redness
How to Deal with Redness
Because facial redness is something to be expected after laser skin treatments, be sure you are prepared with the necessary items to take care of yourself after your session.
- Apply soothing skin care products – use only those recommended by your physician, but in general, choose those targeted toward sensitive skin and without a lot of ingredients that you can’t pronounce.
- Avoid direct sun exposure – your skin is more sensitive to UVB and UVA rays after a laser treatment, so try to limit your sun exposure for a week or so after your procedure. And, as always, be sure to prioritize the application of sunscreen with a high sun protection factor and wear a wide-brimmed hat when you are outdoors.
- Apply cold packs – this can control both redness and swelling and provide relief from discomfort at the same time. You can also use a cool washcloth or a cold compress.
Microneedling
Microneedling has several benefits and is an increasingly popular choice for many patients. It’s a great option if you want to maximize the absorption of your favorite skincare products. It’s also great for treating fine lines and wrinkles, acne scarring and light damage. Overall, it will improve your skin tone and skin texture and help boost skin elasticity giving you the healthy skin you want.
Treatment and Outcome
A microneedling session involves piercing the skin repeatedly with a series of very tiny needles. The microneedling device is passed over the skin, causing damage to the skin. While that sounds scary and counter-intuitive, what happens is that your body responds to repair the damage. This boosts collagen production, treating skin issues and plumping the skin at the same time. The procedure takes about 15 minutes and you may need a few sessions to get the fresh skin results you want.
Common Side Effects
You won’t be surprised to find that there are some side effects associated with microneedling. As with the other treatments on this list, knowing what to expect is the first step to proper aftercare. These are some things you can expect:
- Redness that resembles a sunburn-like effect
- Peeling or flaky skin
- Breakouts
- Swelling
How to Deal with Redness
The temporary redness you experience after microneedling can be controlled by following the aftercare instructions in the days post-treatment, as provided by your skincare specialist.
- Wear daily sunscreen – wear a broad spectrum sunscreen constantly for at least 1-2 weeks after treatment, while also limiting sun exposure during that time.
- Use antibiotic cream if recommended – to prevent an active skin infection, it’s important to wear any topical antibiotic creams that are prescribed after the procedure.
- Avoid sweat and excessive moisture – this includes swimming pools, saunas and hot tubs, as well as any exercise that will cause you to sweat.
Chemical Peel
There’s a wide variety of skin peel options for most skin types. They offer a wide range of skin benefits and can be added to your skincare routine on a regular basis, though you should be careful not to overdo it. Advantages include improved skin tone and texture, treating melasma and hyperpigmentation, softening fine lines and wrinkles, treating acne-prone skin, and boosting the production of collagen. Your aesthetician or aesthetic provider can customize a peel to your specific skin care needs and the outcome you desire.
Treatment and Outcome
A chemical peel is a fairly easy procedure and requires no downtime, allowing you to return to your normal schedule right away. A trained professional (often a skincare nurse) will apply the chosen peel solution to the skin on your face. As it sits on your skin, it removes the damaged outer layers and dead skin, revealing the young fresh skin underneath, while also encouraging the turnover of skin cells, boosting the look and feel of your skin at the same time.
Common Side Effects
While it’s considered a non-invasive procedure, a chemical peel does produce some side effects that you should be prepared for after a session.
- Slight redness, similar to a mild sunburn
- Flaky skin
- Slight hyperpigmentation
- Peeling skin
- Swelling
- Stinging
- Slight discomfort
How to Deal with Redness
There are a few treatments for skin redness that are appropriate for a post-chemical peel procedure. Follow aftercare directions carefully to get the best results.
- Splash with cool water – this can help relieve the discomfort, as well as minimize facial redness. Avoid hot baths and stick to lukewarm showers for the same reason.
- Use moisturizer as recommended – because a chemical peel temporarily compromises your skin barrier, it’s important to reinforce it with your skincare products.
- Stay hydrated – in the hours after treatment, be sure to drink plenty of water to reinforce the skin’s protective barrier.
- Wear sunscreen – protect your new skin layers by wearing SPF consistently in the days after your peel, as well as a general rule of thumb.
- Avoid high heat and excessive moisture – this includes saunas, hot tubs, steam rooms, and strenuous workouts.
- Exfoliate carefully – because a peel is exfoliating on its own, avoid any other such product for 3 to 4 days after treatment, then use sparingly as your skin continues the healing process.
Skincare Products
It’s important to follow your cosmetic doctor’s advice for which products to use after your procedure. This will differ based on your treatments, but using the correct skincare items during recovery is a good way to ensure that you get the best results possible.
One such product is our Oxygentix Oxygenating Foundation, which is designed to deliver both soothing and antibacterial benefits to your face with each application. The foundation contains aloe vera at its base so you can expect it to cover your post-treatment redness, while also promoting healing. You can apply the product one to two times per day, as needed.
It’s also important to cleanse and moisturize the skin, as directed, so you can get the best results, as well as maintain those results for as long as possible.
In summary:
You may have noticed there is some consistency in the advice across all treatment types. To treat post-procedure redness the general rules are:
- Follow the aftercare plan advised by your cosmetician
- Use gentle skincare products
- Wear sunscreen every day but avoid too much sun exposure
- Avoid hot baths and have warm showers instead
- Avoid strenuous exercise or anything that causes excessive sweating
We offer a wide range of non-invasive cosmetic treatments at the Z Center for Cosmetic Health, Book a personal consultation today.