With professional skin treatments and at-home devices becoming more popular than ever, knowing how to care for skin afterward is key to getting the best results. Skincare pros agree—using the right products post-treatment can help speed up healing, minimize irritation, and enhance overall outcomes. That means beauty brands who understand these treatments (and which recovery products to recommend) have a real opportunity to stand out. This guide breaks down what happens to the skin during IPL, laser resurfacing, microneedling, chemical peels, and HydraFacials—plus, the best skincare to support healing and keep results looking their best.
A Look at the Evolution of Skincare Treatments
Did you know some of the treatments we use today have been around for centuries, while others are cutting-edge innovations? Chemical peels are the oldest on this list, dating back to ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Egyptians even used sour milk (which contains lactic acid) to exfoliate! Fast forward to the early 1900s, and dermatologists refined the process with phenol and TCA peels. On the other hand, HydraFacial is one of the newest treatments, introduced in 1997 and skyrocketing in popularity over the past two decades. Unlike traditional facials, HydraFacial combines cleansing, exfoliation, extraction, and hydration in one step—making it a go-to for modern skincare lovers.
What Happens to the Skin During Professional Treatments?
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) & Laser Treatments
IPL and laser treatments use light energy to target pigmentation, broken capillaries, and signs of aging. IPL delivers broad-spectrum light to break down discoloration, while lasers penetrate deeper to stimulate collagen and resurface the skin. IPL is widely used to treat acne, rosacea, sun damage, and hyperpigmentation, making it a top choice for those looking to even out skin tone. In 2020 alone, over 827,000 IPL procedures were performed in the United States, ranking it among the top five minimally invasive cosmetic procedures.
Laser skin resurfacing is also a favorite, particularly for improving acne scars, sun damage, warts, and lesions while promoting collagen production and skin rejuvenation.
The Recovery Process:
These treatments temporarily weaken the skin barrier, leading to redness, mild swelling, and increased sensitivity. It’s common to experience dryness and peeling, similar to a mild sunburn as the skin regenerates. Because the skin is delicate, hydration and barrier repair are crucial to prevent irritation and hyperpigmentation.
Post-Treatment Focus:
- Soothe redness and irritation
- Hydrate to support skin barrier recovery
- Protect from sun exposure, which can worsen pigmentation
Microneedling (or Skin Pen)
Microneedling creates tiny micro-injuries in the skin using ultra-fine needles, jumpstarting the body’s natural healing process. This stimulates collagen and elastin production, improving texture, firmness, and overall skin quality. Microneedling is especially effective for treating acne scars, sun damage, and fine lines, making it a go-to for those looking to improve skin texture and overall tone.
The Recovery Process:
Right after treatment, skin may look flushed or feel warm—kind of like a mild sunburn. Some people notice pinpoint bleeding and mild swelling, but this fades quickly. Since microneedling enhances product absorption, it’s important to use only gentle, hydrating products to support healing.
Post-Treatment Focus:
- Hydration to counter moisture loss
- Anti-inflammatory ingredients to calm irritation
- Barrier-repairing formulas to protect and nourish without clogging pores
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels use exfoliating acids (like glycolic, salicylic, or lactic acid) to boost cell turnover and reveal fresher skin. They’re a popular choice for tackling sun damage, hyperpigmentation, and fine lines while improving overall skin texture. Peels can range from mild to deep, with lighter ones offering a gentle refresh and deeper ones addressing stubborn concerns by penetrating multiple layers of skin.
The Recovery Process:
Depending on the intensity of the peel, skin may experience mild flaking or more dramatic peeling as it sheds its outer layers. Redness, tightness, and dryness are common, so hydration and sun protection are key.
Post-Treatment Focus:
- Hydration to combat peeling and dryness
- Soothing ingredients to calm irritation
- Barrier-protecting moisturizers to speed up recovery
HydraFacial
A HydraFacial is a gentle, non-invasive treatment that deeply cleanses, exfoliates, extracts, and hydrates skin all at once. Unlike more intense treatments, there’s no real downtime, but skin may feel extra sensitive due to exfoliation and active ingredients. It’s great for improving skin texture, reducing fine lines, and brightening hyperpigmentation, making it a fan favorite for a quick glow-up.
The Recovery Process:
Because it’s so gentle, skin typically looks fresh and hydrated afterward. However, some may experience mild redness or sensitivity, especially if exfoliating acids were used.
Post-Treatment Focus:
- Lightweight hydration to maintain moisture balance
- Antioxidant-rich serums to protect and support healing
- SPF to shield freshly treated skin from UV damage
Post-Treatment Product Recommendations
Gentle Cleansers – Ideal for ALL post-treatment recovery
After professional treatments, the skin is often more sensitive and prone to irritation. A mild cleanser helps remove impurities without stripping essential moisture or disrupting the healing process. Look for sulfate-free formulas with soothing ingredients, like you’ll find in Chamomile Cleansing Lotion with aloe and chamomile, to keep skin calm and comfortable.
Hydrating Serums – Ideal after IPL, laser, microneedling, peels
Treatments like lasers and microneedling can disrupt the skin’s barrier, leading to dehydration. Use of a multi-weight hyaluronic acid serums, like our 4D+ Hyaluronic Serum, deliver hydration at multiple levels, helping the skin bounce back faster while plumping and soothing.
Cooling Masques – Ideal after IPL, laser, microneedling, extractions
Post-treatment, skin can be inflamed and irritated. Cooling masks can help to reduce inflammation, redness, and skin discomfort after procedures by providing a soothing cooling sensation to calm the skin and make it more comfortable. They can also constrict blood vessels in the treated area to help minimize irritation and promote healing. Try a calming rinse-off gel like our Aloe & Azulene Gel Masque.
Barrier-Repair Moisturizers – Ideal after laser, peels, HydraFacial
Post-laser and chemical peel recovery requires reinforcing the skin barrier. Choose moisturizing products with barrier-repairing ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and glycerin. Our Intensive Rescue Cream not only locks in moisture but also reduces redness and irritation. It’s excellent for compromised skin and perfect for customers dealing with eczema or psoriasis.
Broad-Spectrum SPF – A must after ALL treatments
Freshly treated skin is much more susceptible to UV damage. A sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher with zinc oxide should always be recommended after any professional treatment to prevent further damage, pigmentation, or irritation. Make our fragrance-free Advanced Protection SPF 30 your go-to for post-treatment protection.
Final Thoughts
Understanding how skin reacts to professional treatments—and knowing which products help with recovery—gives you the knowledge you need to confidently guide your customers. By helping them choose the right post-treatment skincare, you’re not just selling products—you’re giving them the tools for better results and happier skin.
About Botanical Science
Botanical Science offers a wide selection of private-label skincare products designed to support post-treatment recovery and enhance professional skincare results. With one of the industry’s largest in-stock collections and custom formulation capabilities, we provide beauty brands, spas, and medical practices with unparalleled private branding solutions for every step of the skincare journey. Whether you’re looking for soothing serums, barrier-repair creams, or advanced hydration treatments, our flexible customizable approach ensures that you can offer high-performance post-care essentials under your own brand that meets your unique needs.
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Sources:
https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK580525
https://www.bcm.edu/healthcare/specialties/dermatology/laser-surgery/intense-pulsed-light
