The Importance of Skin Prep
My Skincare Journey: Learning from Mistakes and Sharing Wisdom
As a skincare professional with over 30 years of experience, I've seen it all – the good, the bad, and the downright perplexing. But one thing that never ceases to astound me is how often clients come into my spa, lamenting the havoc wreaked upon their skin after a laser treatment or deep peel. Darker skin, in particular, seems to bear the brunt of these mishaps, with clients experiencing darker pigmentation and more spots than before. And do you know why? It's simple – they didn't prep their skin beforehand.
Prepping your skin prior to undergoing a laser treatment or deep peel is not just a suggestion – it's a necessity, especially for individuals with darker skin tones who already have more active melanin (the brown pigment) than others. Yet, time and time again, I've witnessed the aftermath of procedures gone awry simply because proper preparation was overlooked.
So, let me offer you some straightforward advice: DO NOT HAVE A LASER TREATMENT OR DEEP PEEL WITHOUT PREPPING YOUR SKIN FIRST. For lighter-skinned individuals, this means prepping for at least 4 weeks, while darker-skinned individuals should aim for 6-8 weeks of preparation time.
Now, you might be wondering, what exactly does skin prep entail? Well, after years of honing my craft and working with countless clients, I've curated a regimen that I swear by – and it all starts with the right products.
My go-to products for prepping the skin prior to a strong procedure are from the Dermodality line, along with the Clear Choice Sport Shield SPF 45 from the Dermastart/Clearchoice line. These products have proven time and time again to be effective in prepping the skin and minimizing the risk of post-procedure complications.
Here's a breakdown of my recommended regimen:
Morning Routine:
Cleanse with Mandelic Green Tea Cleanser.
Apply Vitamin C Intense evenly all over the face (neck is okay too).
Always follow up with Clear Choice Sport Shield SPF 45, reapplying every hour and a half when outdoors.
Evening Routine:
Cleanse again with Mandelic Green Tea Cleanser.
Apply 4-6 drops of HQ Lightening Gel, focusing on dark spots.
Depending on your skin's tolerance, apply either Vitamin A Intense or Retinol Mixer (a stronger form of Vitamin A) to encourage cell turnover and skin renewal.
Consistency is key – make sure to follow this regimen diligently for at least 4-8 weeks leading up to your procedure. By doing so, you'll help stabilize your skin's melanin production and minimize the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) – a common side effect of strong procedures when skin isn't adequately prepped.
Remember, your skin is resilient, but it also needs your care and attention. By taking the time to prep your skin properly, you're setting yourself up for success and ensuring that your procedure yields the best possible results.
So, let's make a pact – no more skipping the prep work. Your skin deserves the best, and with the right preparation, you can achieve the glowing complexion you've always dreamed of. Trust me, your future self will thank you for it.
Hallie Latos
