Scientific evidence supports that using appropriate topical skincare regimen and ingredients
after device procedures can minimize adverse events and downtime, while enhancing
treatment outcomes. However, in the absence of widely accepted best practice guidelines
for combining devices and topical products to improve clinical results, practitioners must
develop their own personalized post-treatment protocols. This involves selecting the safest
and most effective combination of ingredients for optimal skin health.
Today, we will explore the ingredients that work best following some of the most popular
energy-based device review : laser and radiofrequency (RF).
Laser therapy
An increasingly popular modality, laser therapy is a versatile and effective approach in
aesthetic medicine, offering a range of treatments tailored to specific skin concerns such as
pigmentation, acne scars, telangiectasia, and skin laxity. Numerous laser technologies
create a thermal effect in water-abundant tissue, resulting in a thermal injury in the dermis
that leads to collagen shrinkage and remodeling.
The primary dividing line among lasers is whether the result is achieved with ablation
(breaking the top surface of the skin) or not. This distinction not only determines the potential downtime and risk profile but also the extent to which the skin can be tightened. As with other modalities, avoiding certain irritant ingredients pre-treatment is advisable. Key
ingredients for post-laser therapy include:
• Ceramides: These are lipid molecules that help restore the skin barrier, reducing the risk of
moisture loss and promoting overall skin health.
• Niacinamide (vitamin B3): This helps improve the skin’s ability to retain moisture and
supports the overall integrity of the skin barrier.
• Humectants: These include hyaluronic acid (HA) and glycerin that attract water to the skin,
helping it to maintain hydration.
• Centella asiatica (gotu kola) extract: known for its wound healing and anti-inflammatory
properties, centella asiatica can aid in skin recovery post-thermal exposure.
• Aloe vera: high quality aloe vera can be an excellent option for post-laser treatment care
due to its soothing, moisturising, wound healing and anti-inflammatory properties.
Radiofrequency (RF)
An increasingly popular treatment modality, radiofrequency (RF) has been used in aesthetics
since the early 2000s when it gained US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for
the treatment of facial wrinkle reduction. The clinical effectiveness of these devices in
addressing skin and soft tissue laxity has been extensively substantiated across various
anatomical regions, demonstrating high levels of patient satisfaction.
Relatively risk-free and requiring little downtime, the modality operates on the principle of
utilizing RF electromagnetic waves, which are transmitted through the dermis via electrodes,
heating subcutaneous adipose tissue through energy absorption in the hypodermis. Various
physiological reactions are initiated, remodeling collagen to form tightly organized and dense collagen fibers. Other cellular responses, such as fibroblast activation and increased blood circulation, further promote tissue rejuvenation. This cumulatively leads to a noticeable improvement in skin laxity, contributing to a difference in the skin’s appearance over the weeks and months following the treatment.
Patients may experience mild erythema, oedema, cutaneous warmth and pruritus post-
treatment, which should fade naturally after the first 24-48 hours. Some ingredients such as
retinol and retinoids, strong exfoliating agents such as alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and
physical exfoliants have the propensity to irritate the skin, and in some cases compromise
the skin barrier.
It is important to use skincare ingredients that promote healing, hydration and protection of
the skin barrier. Key ingredients post laser therapy include:
Hyaluronic acid (HA)
A natural component of the skin’s extracellular matrix, HA is renowned for its hydrating
properties. As the thermal action of RF can cause temporary erythema and dehydration of
the skin, HA helps to improve hydration levels and the restoration of the skin’s natural barrier
function. It also has anti-inflammatory properties so is useful for mitigating post-treatment
erythema, oedema and pruritus, as well as supporting wound healing and tissue repair.
Antioxidants
RF treatments can induce a controlled thermal injury, leading to temporary inflammation of
the skin. Antioxidants can reduce skin inflammation by inactivating reactive oxygen species
and by directly blocking the activation of intracellular inflammatory signalling pathways.
Examples of antioxidants include:
• Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) which scavenges free radicals, promotes collagen synthesis and
helps regenerate other antioxidants like vitamin E.
• Vitamin E (tocopherol) is a lipid soluble antioxidant that pairs well with vitamin C and
protects cell membranes from oxidative damage.
• Green tea extract (Epigallocatechin Gallate – EGCG) contains polyphenols, which exhibit
strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
• Resveratrol is found in red grapes and berries and is known for its antiageing and
antioxidant properties.
• Ferulic acid is often combined with vitamins C and E in skincare products, enhancing their
stability and antioxidant efficacy.
• Coenzyme Q10 (ubiquinone) is naturally present in the skin and helps protect against
oxidative damage.
Sun protection factor (SPF)
Laser and RF treatments can induce temporary photosensitivity in the treated skin. This
heightened sensitivity is attributed to the alteration of skin barrier function and potential
disruption of the stratum corneum, making the skin more susceptible to environmental
factors, including ultraviolet (UV) radiation. A high-quality, broad-spectrum SPF is therefore
essential to counteract the risk of UV-induced damage, allowing it to heal properly and
preventing complications.
Conclusion
In conclusion, prioritizing skincare is essential for maintaining healthy and radiant skin, both
in our daily routines and in post-treatment care. Proper skincare not only enhances our
appearance but also boosts confidence and contributes to overall well-being. Whether you're seeking personalized advice or post-treatment care, our experts at Dream Clinic are
dedicated to providing tailored solutions to meet your skincare needs. We invite you to
schedule a consultation with us today to discover how we can help you achieve and maintain
the skin you've always dreamed of.
Reference
1. Fuller, B. B. (2022). Antioxidants and anti‐inflammatories. Cosmetic Dermatology,
2. Bissett, D. L., Oblong, J. E., & Berge, C. A. (2005). Niacinamide: A B Vitamin that
Improves Aging Facial Skin Appearance. Dermatologic Surgery, 31(s1), 860–866.
3. Al-Niaimi, F., & Chiang, N. Y. Z. (2017, July 1). Topical Vitamin C and the skin:
Mechanisms of action and clinical applications. PubMed Central (PMC).
