Pause actives before treatment — usually several days, sometimes longer.
Arrive without makeup, hydrated, and having disclosed all medications.
The first four hours and first 48 hours carry specific restrictions.
Sun protection afterwards is what protects the result in Queensland.
The fortnight before
Pause retinoids, acids and scrubs for the period your nurse specifies
Avoid deliberate sun exposure and any tanning
Do not start any new active product in the lead-up
Disclose all medications and supplements, including recent courses
Tell the clinic about any cold sore history before facial treatment
Arrive hydrated, without makeup, and having eaten
Why it matters
Skin treated while already irritated recovers less predictably and is more likely to produce a pigment response. Preparation reduces both risks.
The first four hours
Avoid touching, rubbing or applying pressure to the treated area
Stay upright rather than lying down or bending over
No makeup on treated areas
No alcohol
Leave the area clean and otherwise alone
The first 24 to 48 hours
No strenuous exercise, saunas, steam rooms or hot showers
No swimming pools or spas
Cleanse gently with lukewarm water and a fragrance-free cleanser
Moisturise more often than usual, with something simple
Broad-spectrum SPF 50+ daily, reapplied outdoors
Redness, mild swelling and sensitivity are common and temporary. Downtime varies between individuals and treatments and should be discussed before you book.
When to call the clinic
Contact the clinic immediately on 0406 759 228 for severe pain that does not settle with over-the-counter relief, unusual discolouration, vision changes or headaches after facial treatment, signs of infection, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or fever. The full list sits in the aftercare guidelines.
Frequently asked
Before and after questions
What should I stop using before a skin treatment?
Retinoids, exfoliating acids and scrubs, for the period your nurse specifies. Avoid starting any new active product in the lead-up and avoid deliberate sun exposure.
Should I arrive without makeup?
Yes for skin treatments and skin assessments. It allows proper assessment and avoids reapplying anything to freshly treated skin.
How soon can I exercise afterwards?
Avoid strenuous exercise, saunas and hot showers for 24 to 48 hours. Light activity is usually fine sooner, following the advice specific to your treatment.
What is the most important aftercare step?
Sun protection. Broad-spectrum SPF 50+ daily, reapplied outdoors, is what protects the result in Queensland conditions.
Plan your appointment properly
Preparation and aftercare explained before you book, not handed over on the way out.
Important: All cosmetic treatments are performed by qualified practitioners following Australian health regulations. Individual results may vary. A consultation is required prior to any treatment to assess suitability and discuss realistic expectations. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
