Pre-Treatment Skincare: How to Prep Your Skin Before Visiting a Clinic
Planning a skin treatment in Korea? Learn how to prepare your skin beforehand — what to avoid, what to focus on, and expert tips for optimal clinic results.
Why Pre-Treatment Skincare Matters
Whether you're getting a laser, microneedling, or a skin booster like Rejuran or exosomes, your skin condition before the procedure plays a major role in results. If your skin is overly sensitized, inflamed, or dehydrated, you’re more likely to experience side effects like redness, delayed healing, or even hyperpigmentation.
Think of it like working out: showing up to a marathon exhausted won’t get you far. Prepping your skin helps maximize the treatment’s effect while minimizing recovery time.
Ingredients to Avoid Before Your Appointment
At least 3–5 days before your visit, stop using any active or irritating ingredients. That includes:
- Retinol, tretinoin, or retinaldehyde
- Vitamin C serums (especially L-ascorbic acid)
- AHAs, BHAs, and PHAs (like glycolic, lactic, or salicylic acids)
- Exfoliating scrubs and cleansing brushes
- Strong essential oils or fragrances
These can weaken your barrier and make your skin more reactive to procedures. Also, avoid sun exposure and tanning at least a week before your session — even if you’re using sunscreen.
What to Use Instead: Barrier-Friendly Prep
Focus on calming, hydrating, and strengthening your skin. Think ceramides, panthenol, cica (Centella Asiatica), madecassoside, squalane, and hyaluronic acid. The goal is to keep the skin calm and intact — not overly exfoliated or stripped.
A basic pre-treatment routine could look like this:
AM: Gentle cleanser → Barrier-repair toner → Lightweight moisturizer → Physical sunscreen
PM: Cleanser → Cica serum or calming ampoule → Nourishing cream or sleeping mask
Treatment-Specific Prep: Lasers, Boosters & More
Different treatments require different levels of prep. Here’s a quick guide:
- Laser (e.g. toning, Fraxel): No actives, avoid waxing/threading, hydrate well
- Microneedling or Potenza: Avoid exfoliation for 5 days, hydrate intensively
- Skin Boosters (Rejuran, Exosomes): No alcohol-based toners, no saunas, eat light
- Botox/Fillers: Avoid supplements like fish oil, vitamin E, or aspirin 48 hours before
Also — if you're menstruating or have an active breakout, consider rescheduling. Hormonal skin is more sensitive and may react differently.
Dr. Beau's Note
The best clinic outcomes don’t just depend on the technology — they start with your skin. Respect your skin barrier, nourish it, and prep with intention. Your skin will thank you in results and recovery.
