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SkinPen Post-Care

Before Your Treatment 

    • Avoid sun/sunburn for 24 hours before your appointment.

    • Stop topical retinoids for 24 hours before (longer if you’re sensitive or your provider advises).

    • We cannot treat over open lesions or active skin cancer—please tell us so we can reschedule if needed.
    • If medically appropriate, avoid blood thinners (fish oil, NSAIDs, etc.) 7–10 days before; Tylenol is OK.
    • Wait 6 months after oral isotretinoin (Accutane®) before microneedling.
    • Arrive with clean, makeup-free skin.
    • If you’re prone to cold sores (HSV), take antiviral prophylaxis if directed.
    • Numbing is required 1 hour in advance. 

Post-Care

Day 0: First 24 Hours (Until your “24-hour mark”):

What’s normal: warmth, redness, tightness (cool compresses as needed).

Do NOT for the first 24 hours:

  • No washing/cleansing
  • No makeup
  • No sunscreen (micro-channels may be open up to ~24 hours)
  • Start your 48-hour no sweat/heat/sun exposure window (no strenuous exercise, sauna, hot tubs, intentional sun).
  • Avoid “actives” (retinoids, acids, benzoyl peroxide, strong vitamin C, scrubs, alcohol toners, cleansing brushes).
What you CAN put on your skin today (Day 0)

Nothing—EXCEPT the Skinfuse® LIFT cream we send you home with.

  • Apply a thin layer of Skinfuse® LIFT only if you feel tight/dry.
  • If Skinfuse® LIFT burns/stings: skip it (do not reapply).
  • Do not apply any other skincare today (no moisturizer, no SPF, no serums, no makeup).

If you had an in-office add-on (ex: VAMP, Ariessence PDGF+, Plated™ Exosomes, etc.):

  • Wait at least 4 hours before applying Skinfuse® LIFT.

Throw away Skinfuse® LIFT after 24 hours (do not save/use later).

If given a sheet mask: You may use the sheet mask the next morning (1 time), as long as your skin feels calm. After removing it, follow the Day 0 rules (nothing else besides LIFT if tolerated) until you reach your 24-hour mark.

Day 1: Start at Your “24-Hour Mark”

(Example: if you finished at 2:00 pm Monday, start Day 1 at 2:00 pm Tuesday.)

  1. Gently cleanse (no scrubs, no devices).
  2. Apply Skinfuse® RESCUE and reapply every 2–4 hours until irritation/tightness is completely gone (and/or until the product is finished).
  3. After RESCUE, continue with your simple routine:
  • Moisturizer: Hydra Cream (or another bland moisturizer)
  • Eye cream: OK as long as it is NOT a retinol eye cream
  • AM: mineral/broad-spectrum SPF 30+
  • PM: bland night cream

Continue avoiding sweat/heat/hot tubs until 72 hours have passed.

Days 4–7
  • Continue gentle cleanser + moisturizer + SPF.
  • Continue to avoid actives until skin is smooth/calm.
After Week 1
  • Gradually re-introduce actives only when fully calm.
  • Avoid peels/microderm/other laser/light procedures for ~1 month unless advised.
When to Contact SOKO

Call/text 913-232-2224 if you notice increasing pain, spreading redness/warmth, drainage/pus, fever, swelling that worsens after 48–72 hours, or cold-sore reactivation (if you’re prone). For emergencies, dial 911.

 

Common Questions & Answers

1) Can I swim (pool/ocean) after treatment? Avoid for 48–72 hours; chlorine/salt and bacteria can irritate freshly treated skin.

2) Is alcohol or very spicy food okay right after? Best to skip for 24 hours—both can increase flushing and discomfort.

3) Can I use at-home LED red light therapy? Generally okay after 24–48 hours if the skin feels calm and cool; avoid heat-producing devices.

4) Should I use a humidifier? Yes—overnight humidifier helps reduce tightness and flaking during the first week.

5) I have to wear a mask/helmet for work—any tips? Use soft, breathable fabrics and minimize rubbing for 48 hours; change to a clean mask frequently.

6) What kind of makeup is best the first few days? Prefer light mineral powder or tinted mineral SPF; avoid heavy, long-wear formulas and vigorous removal.

7) Are micellar waters or makeup wipes okay? Micellar water is fine if gently patted/rolled off with cotton; avoid wipes (too abrasive) for a week.

8) Can I do facial massage, gua sha, or microcurrent? Wait 3–5 days and keep pressure very light; skip if skin still feels rough or warm.

9) Can I color my hair or use strong hair products near my face/neck? Delay 5–7 days for hair color, perms, or strong hold sprays that contact treated skin.

10) I’m on a photosensitizing medication (e.g., doxycycline). Anything different post-care? Continue as prescribed but be extra strict with sun avoidance; use mineral SPF and physical shade. If you notice unusual redness, contact us.

11) Are aloe vera or cooling gel masks okay? Yes—plain, fragrance-free aloe or hydro-gel masks are fine after 24–48 hours.

12) Should I change my pillowcase or towels? Yes—use a fresh, soft pillowcase and clean towels nightly for the first 2–3 nights.

13) Is coffee okay after treatment? Moderation is fine, but avoid very hot beverages the first day to limit flushing.

14) Can I use “gentle” retinol alternatives like bakuchiol sooner? Treat them like actives—wait 7–10 days or until skin is smooth and calm.

15) Can I combine PDGF+ with LED therapy? Usually yes after 24–48 hours if skin is cool/calm; apply PDGF+ first on clean skin, then LED, then moisturizer/SPF as directed.

Helpful Tips

  • Be Patient: Results are gradual and rely on your body’s natural healing. It may take several weeks to months to see noticeable changes.
  • Follow Treatment Plan: Multiple sessions are often needed for optimal results. Adhere to the recommended schedule.
  • Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water before and after-hydrated skin heals faster.
  • Listen to Your Body: If an activity causes pain in the treated area, reduce or avoid it.
  • Plan social events accordingly: Fully healed results will sometimes take up to two weeks. in most cases, no one can tell you did anything after day 5!
  • Contact SOKO immediately if you experience:
    • Signs of infection (increasing pain, significant swelling, warmth, redness, pus, fever).
    • Excessive or prolonged pain not managed by Tylenol.
    • Any concerning or unexpected reactions.

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