Immediately after CIT your skin may feel warm and tight, as if you have mild to moderate sunburn.

The redness and warm feeling should subside after a few hours. But for some patients, it can take a day or two for these side effects to go away completely. For others, it may take up to a week before the redness has completely subsided.

Pinpoint bleeding may occur and it is important that you don't touch or pick at any scabbing or spotting. If you are really uncomfortable a clean cold compress can be applied and analgesia can be taken but it is important to avoid any anti-inflammatories as this will hinder the inflammatory response we have purposely triggered.

It is recommended that if you are susceptible to cold sores you take a prophylactic (‘just in case’) treatment. 

01 Cleansing Your Skin

For the first 24 hours following your treatment, only clean your face with lukewarm water (not hot or cold) to remove serum and other debris such as dried blood. Always make sure to clean your hands before washing your face and touching the treated skin. Gently dry your skin with a clean towel (lightly dab the water away). After 24 hours a gentle cleanser can be used to cleanse. 

02 Hydrate & Moisturise 

As swelling subsidies the skin can feel dry and tight, apply unscented, no active moisturiser as needed. Light peeling usually occurs within a few days of treatment and will be replaced with brand new skin. New cell regeneration requires at least 6-8 glasses of water a day (if you already drink that amount increase by 2 glasses a day) 

03 Avoiding Irritants and Makeup

Do not wear makeup for 2-3 days following your treatment so you can allow your skin to breathe and recover. To minimise risk of infection avoid any activities that expose your skin to irritants, dust or germs (for example avoid washing your hair so your skin isn't exposed to the shampoo, change sheets & pillow cases regularly and use clean, dry towels). When it is safe to return to regular skincare routine and makeup it is important to make sure that you are using a clean makeup brush or blender as contaminated brushes can cause skin irritation and infections.Your skin is sensitive and healing during this rejuvenation process, so avoid using any products that could irritate it or clog your pores. 

04 Protecting your Skin from the Sun [ALWAYS]

Immediately after your treatment, you should only use chemical-free topical lotions. It is best, therefore, to avoid the sun altogether. If you must go out in the sun, you will need to apply a broad-spectrum UVA/UVB SPF 30 or higher sunscreen. A sunhat could also be used if you are going to be outside for a few short moments; this is very important to minimise risk of hypo/hyper pigmentation. These measures should not only be for after your treatment but should also be part of your regular day-to-day skin care routine, to protect your skin from premature ageing. 

05 No Need for Exfoliation

While your skin is healing, do not use any abrasive products like exfoliators and alcohol-based toners. While it may be tempting to exfoliate your skin, you must remember that it is healing and regenerating. You should only apply products that help soothe and heal the skin during this time. 

⚡️ Anti-inflammatories
⚡️ Direct sunlight
⚡️ Swimming
⚡️ Makeup
⚡️ Sweating (exercise/vigorous activities that cause sweating)
⚡️ Tanning beds, saunas, hot baths or showers until redness is gone
⚡️ Limit alcohol 

⚡️ Waxing , facials, botox, injectable fillers
⚡️ Alpha and Beta Hydroxy Acids
⚡️ Retinol (Vitamin A)
⚡️ Vitamin C (low-pH formula) scrubs
⚡️ Anything perceived as “active” skincare