Après Glow: The Science of Post-Facial Aftercare for Radiant Skin

Oct 15, 2024by PURE Branding

Après Glow: The Science of Post-Facial Aftercare for Radiant Skin

You’ve just indulged in one of PURE Spa & Beauty’s rejuvenating facials, and your skin is glowing like never before. But did you know that what you do after your facial is just as important as the treatment itself? Proper aftercare helps to enhance and prolong the results, and it’s all about nurturing the skin as it continues to repair and renew itself. Let’s dive deeper into the science behind facial aftercare and how you can keep your skin looking radiant long after you leave our spa.

1. Hands Off! Protect Your Skin Barrier

After a facial, your skin’s barrier may be slightly more vulnerable. Facials often include exfoliation, extractions, or peels, which can temporarily weaken the skin’s protective outer layer. Touching your skin introduces dirt and bacteria, which can clog your freshly cleaned pores and cause breakouts. Allow your skin’s barrier time to recover and rebuild its natural defences.

The Science: Your skin’s barrier, known as the stratum corneum, plays a crucial role in keeping moisture in and irritants out. Post-facial, this barrier needs a break to heal fully, so hands off!

2. Skip the Heavy Makeup: Let Your Pores Breathe

Facials aim to deeply cleanse the skin, removing impurities from your pores. After treatment, your pores remain open, which is why it's important to avoid applying heavy makeup right away. Giving your skin time to breathe allows it to fully absorb the active ingredients from the facial, promoting deeper hydration and nourishment.

The Science: Open pores after a facial are more susceptible to blockage from makeup and environmental pollutants. By keeping your skin bare for a day, you’re allowing the active ingredients used during your facial to continue working without interference.

3. Hydrate Inside and Out: Boosting Cellular Function

Facial treatments often draw out impurities and can leave your skin slightly dehydrated, especially after exfoliation or extractions. Drinking plenty of water post-facial not only helps flush out toxins but also replenishes your skin’s hydration levels at a cellular level.

The Science: Hydrated skin cells function more effectively. Water supports the transport of nutrients to skin cells and helps flush away waste products. Hydration is also critical for maintaining the elasticity and resilience of the skin, promoting a healthy, glowing complexion.

4. Gentle Skincare: Supporting the Skin’s Healing Process

Your skin’s sensitivity is heightened after a facial, especially if you’ve had deep exfoliation or treatments with active ingredients like acids or enzymes. This is why it’s important to avoid harsh products that can further irritate the skin. Stick to gentle, hydrating cleansers and moisturisers that will nourish and calm the skin while it continues to repair itself.

The Science: During exfoliation, dead skin cells are removed, exposing newer, more delicate skin beneath. This newly revealed skin is more vulnerable to environmental damage and irritation, which is why mild, soothing products are recommended to support the natural healing process.

5. Avoid Sun Exposure: Preventing Hyperpigmentation

In some cases, your skin is more susceptible to UV damage after a facial, especially if treatments like chemical peels or microdermabrasion were involved. These procedures remove the top layer of skin, making it more sensitive to the sun’s harmful rays. While our Diamond Peel is a more gentle peel, wearing a broad-spectrum SPF is essential to prevent hyperpigmentation and sun damage, which can reverse the benefits of your facial.

The Science: UV exposure causes oxidative stress in the skin, leading to premature ageing, dark spots, and even skin cancer. After a facial, your skin is more prone to sun damage because it lacks the protective outer layer of dead cells that act as a natural barrier. SPF acts as a shield, absorbing or reflecting UV rays before they can cause damage.

6. Pamper at Home: Reinforcing the Results

Want to keep that fresh glow going? We always recommend following up with products designed to maintain your skin’s health post-treatment, such as our PURE Spa Skincare range, packed with nourishing ingredients naturally occurring retinol and vitamin c.

The Science: Antioxidants neutralise free radicals—unstable molecules that can cause oxidative damage to your skin cells. This can help your skin recover faster and look healthier longer.

7. No Heat Treatments: Protecting Collagen

Saunas, steam rooms, and hot yoga may sound like relaxing post-facial activities, but they can actually aggravate your skin. Hence why we suggest spa facilities before your treatment. The heat can dilate blood vessels and increase redness, especially if your skin is already sensitive. Moreover, too much heat can degrade collagen, the protein that keeps your skin firm and supple.

The Science: Collagen fibres in your skin are sensitive to heat. High temperatures can break down these fibres over time, leading to premature ageing and a loss of skin elasticity. Avoiding excessive heat for 48 hours after your facial helps preserve the collagen boost you’ve just received from your treatment.