The winter months can be harsh on your skin. Cold temperatures, dry air, and blustery winds all conspire to sap moisture from your skin, leaving it dry, dull, and prone to flaking. This isn’t ideal when you’re preparing for skin-tightening treatments like Thermage or Titan. Properly prepped skin will yield the best results. Follow these tips to prepare your skin for tightening treatments this winter.
Use Gentle Cleansers
Harsh soaps can strip moisture from the skin and compromise your skin’s protective barrier. When washing your face, use a gentle, creamy cleanser. Avoid foaming cleansers or soaps labelled “anti-bacterial” or “deep pore cleansing,” as these tend to dry. Wash with lukewarm water and pat the skin dry gently.
Apply a Rich Moisturizer
Hydrated skin responds best to skin-tightening treatments. Use a moisturizer made for dry or mature skin types. Look for hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides, jojoba oil, shea butter, and dimethicone. Apply the moisturizer immediately after cleansing while the skin is still damp to seal in hydration. Apply it again before bed.
Use Retinoids Sparingly
Retinoids boost collagen and thicken the dermis, making them great pre-treatments. However, they can be irritating and drying. Use over-the-counter retinol creams just two to three nights per week. Apply a pea-sized amount using gentle massaging strokes. Avoid the eye area and lips. If dryness or flaking occurs, cut back to once a week. Ask your provider before using prescription-strength retinoids.
Boost Hydration With Masks
Give your skin an extra hydration boost 1-2 times per week with masks. Hydrating sheet masks are convenient. Apply a cream mask like hyaluronic acid or hydrating gels for deeper hydration. Rinse off after 10-15 minutes, and then apply moisturizer. Sleeping masks provide nourishment overnight when the skin is in repair mode.
Avoid Harsh Ingredients
Ingredients like SD alcohol, fragrance, menthol, eucalyptus, lemon or mint extracts can irritate and dry. Check product labels and avoid these in cleansers, toners and skincare prep products. Also, go easy on glycolic, salicylic or other chemical exfoliants in the weeks leading up to your treatment.
Eat Skin-Nourishing Foods
What you eat impacts your skin. Focus on antioxidant—and omega-3-rich foods like leafy greens, berries, salmon, and walnuts. These help fortify collagen and lock in hydration. Avoid inflammatory foods like fried foods, excess sugar, and alcohol, which promote skin aging. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
Consult a Professional
If you’re considering skin tightening treatments, consult a professional to discuss your skin type and concerns. They can recommend the best products and treatments tailored to your needs. At Bellair Laser Clinic, our experts are dedicated to providing personalized care, ensuring you achieve optimal results. Our effective skin tightening treatment addresses sagging skin, fine lines, and wrinkles on various body areas, including the face and neck, providing natural-looking results with minimal downtime.
Prepare for Treatment Day
As treatment day approaches, ensure your skin is in its best condition. Avoid using harsh products or undergoing aggressive treatments like chemical peels or microdermabrasion in the days leading up to your appointment. Keep your skincare routine simple and focus on hydration.
Post-Treatment Care
After your skin tightening treatment, follow any aftercare instructions provided by your professional. This may include avoiding direct sun exposure, using gentle cleansers, and continuing to hydrate your skin. Proper post-treatment care is crucial for achieving lasting results.
Proper skin preparation before skin tightening treatments will help maximize your results. Focus on gentle cleansing, generous hydration, and skin-nourishing ingredients. Avoid harsh products that could compromise your skin’s moisture barrier. With a little TLC, you’ll head into your tightening treatment with glowing, supple skin ready to respond beautifully. Contact our clinic today to learn more about skin preparation and tightening treatments that can restore a firmer, more youthful-looking you this winter. Book your appointment today!