The short answer
A little preparation before polynucleotide treatment lowers the chance of irritation and downtime, and lets the treatment get on with its regenerative work.
Reads with Polynucleotide skin booster
Preparing your skin isn’t just for when you apply products like serums and moisturisers you should also do it before having a skin rejuvenation treatment like polynucleotides so you can reap its benefits while reducing downtime.
Polynucleotide treatment is an injectable that enhances skin elasticity, resilience and quality, targeting signs of ageing while addressing issues such as acne scarring and irritation. Read on to learn an effective pre-treatment plan that will help you achieve healthier skin.
Why Skin Preparation is Important Before Polynucleotide Treatment
Preparing your skin means keeping it clean and healthy, while avoiding any potential irritations or complications. Here are some good reasons to prep your skin before a polynucleotide treatment.
- You can minimise treatment side effects. Polynucleotide side effects include mild redness, small bumps at the injection sites, and/or swelling, but they’re temporary and resolve quickly. If you take care of your skin and avoid activities or products that irritate it, you can minimise inflammation and downtime after treatment.
- You can achieve better treatment results. As with any skincare treatment, you want the surface of your skin to be in good condition. When your skin is healthy, smooth and clean, the polynucleotides, which stimulate the skin’s repair processes to rejuvenate itself, can do their work in the best conditions.
- You won’t delay your skin’s healing. If you’ve recently undergone harsh skin treatments like chemical peels, it’s not recommended to have polynucleotide injections as this can cause delays in your skin’s healing process. By knowing what to avoid in the days or weeks prior to your treatment, you can prevent the disappointment of having to reschedule your appointment until your skin is in a healthier condition.
How to Prepare Skin for Polynucleotide Treatment
There are some important skincare tips to follow in the days before your polynucleotide treatment to keep your skin in good condition.
Wear Sunscreen
While you should be wearing sunscreen every day, protecting your skin from the sun’s damaging UV rays before your treatment is essential to avoid red, irritated skin that can prolong your healing. If you can’t avoid being outside, always seek shaded areas and wear a sunscreen of at least 30 SPF or higher.
Stop Using Active Skincare Products
You want to avoid applying any active products to your skin, such as retinoids and Vitamin A serums, as these inflammatory products can make your skin more sensitive. Remove them from your skincare routine 3-5 days before your treatment.
Avoid Aggressive Skin Treatments
It’s good practice to avoid booking any harsh skin treatments, which can increase redness and irritation, around the same time as your appointment. These include chemical peels and exfoliation treatments containing AHAs (Alpha-Hydroxy Acids) and BHAs (Beta-Hydroxy Acids).
By avoiding these for at least two weeks beforehand, you’ll give your skin a chance to heal from the treatment and minimise the risk of complications from combining different treatments.
Go Minimal With Skincare
For a few days before your treatment, stick to using basic skincare products without anything too harsh. A gentle cleanser, moisturiser and sunscreen are enough to keep your skin healthy.
On your appointment day, wash your skin with a gentle cleanser to remove traces of dirt, makeup, skincare products, and/or sunscreen. Keep your skin product-free so you’re ready for your treatment.
What to Avoid Before Treatment: Dietary and Lifestyle Tips
Your lifestyle habits and the medications or supplements you consume on a daily basis have an effect on your skin. It’s essential to stop taking some of them to avoid skin irritation or other side effects.
Stop Taking Certain Medications and Supplements
Supplements with blood-thinning properties, such as fish oil and Vitamin E, can prevent blood clotting, causing increased bleeding and bruising after the injections. Similarly, anti-inflammatory medications such as aspirin and ibuprofen also thin the blood, so they should be avoided. Stop taking all of these for 5-7 days before your treatment.
If you’re on any other medication that’s been prescribed by your doctor, and you’re not sure if it’s okay to continue taking it, consult with them first. Your doctor will guide you on the best course of action to ensure your health isn’t compromised.
Stop Drinking Alcohol
It’s wise not to enjoy drinks at a big celebration the night before your treatment because alcohol slows down the skin’s healing process by increasing inflammation. Alcohol widens the blood vessels, increasing blood flow that results in more bleeding and bruising. You should avoid consuming alcohol for at least 24-48 hours before your treatment.
Keep Your Skin Hydrated
Make sure you drink lots of water in the days before your treatment session, as this benefits your skin in various ways.
- When hydrated, your skin can better absorb skincare ingredients to help it heal.
- Water enhances the skin’s natural barrier, preserving moisture to make it softer and smoother.
Some beverages, such as caffeinated and sugary drinks, can dehydrate your skin, causing it to be less supple and more reactive. Give them a skip so you don’t contradict your skin treatment that’s designed to heal and rejuvenate your skin while strengthening your skin barrier to lock in moisture.
Stop Smoking
Smoking is unhealthy for the skin in various ways. It:
- prevents oxygen from being delivered to the skin’s tissues.
- impairs the skin’s natural regeneration process, which can delay healing after a skin treatment.
- breaks down the skin’s collagen, inhibiting the effectiveness of skin treatments.
You should try to stop smoking for at least 24-48 hours before your treatment.
Polynucleotide After-Care Tips
Pre-treatment and after-care go hand in hand. After making some lifestyle sacrifices and being diligent about your skincare before getting polynucleotide treatments, don’t let it all go to waste by slipping into unhealthy habits afterwards. After-care tips will work in conjunction with your pre-care guide to give you the results you want.
- Stick to a gentle skincare routine for a few days after treatment. Avoid skin actives to prevent irritation, especially if your skin is showing signs of mild redness or swelling.
- Avoid exposing yourself to high temperatures, such as by having steam baths or saunas, to prevent skin swelling and bruising. Avoid being outside during the hottest hours of the day, and wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least 30 SPF.
- Avoid wearing makeup for 24-48 hours to reduce the risk of infection at the injection sites.
- Continue avoiding alcohol and smoking for the next day or two after your treatment to encourage skin healing and keep bruising at bay.
For smoother, more radiant skin, book your polynucleotide treatment in Melbourne with Dr Rakib Uddin at Aesthetic Doctors Australia.
Final Thoughts
You have the power to make your skincare treatments more effective by simply preparing your skin for them. This also keeps your skin safe and reduces unwanted side effects or complications.
If you’re ready to book your appointment, make sure you follow this pre- and post-treatment guide so that you don’t inadvertently do anything that can get in the way of achieving beautiful, radiant skin.
Go ahead and book a consultation with Dr Rakib Uddin at Aesthetic Doctors Australia by visiting this online booking link. You’ll discuss your skin goals and treatment plan, so you can start the process of achieving healthier skin.
