Pre and Post Procedure Skin Care

Faculty: Ilanit Samuels, PA-C

For one of the afternoon sessions of the aesthetics program of the Fall SDPA conference, Physician Assistant Ilanit Samuels reviewed pre and post procedure skin care. Firstly, it is important to recognize the type of skin of the individual patient, followed by the type of procedure that will be performed which should lead to a customized treatment regimen. The barriers to skin health include dehydration, aging, pigmentation and inflammation. PA Samuels reviewed her use of Dr. Baumann’s skin type classification among these four categories; oily vs. dry, sensitive vs. resistant, pigmented vs. non-pigmented and wrinkled vs tight. Further, Ilanit discussed the importance of product order. A typical order she recommends is cleanser, eye product, treatment product, moisturizer followed by sunscreen. Next, she discussed the importance of layering of products.

The barriers to skin health include dehydration, aging, pigmentation and inflammation.

Retinoids and alphahydroxy acids (e.g. glycolic acids) have been shown to improve wound healing. PA Samuels recommends the use of these products for 2-3 months prior to a procedure. She reviewed the high contact allergen rate of Vitamin E oil and recommends against the use of these products for wound care. Additionally, she discussed which medications she typically recommends discontinuing within 24 hours of a procedure. PA Samuels reports she does not recommend the use of any topical product within 24 hours of having microneedling done. For these patients, she recommends a large floppy hat and sun avoidance.

PA Samuels reports she does not recommend the use of any topical product within 24 hours of having microneedling done. For these patients, she recommends a large floppy hat and sun avoidance.

In addition to Arnica, PA Samuels discussed her experience with Alastin Nectar where she has found “her healing time to be cut in half” for her post laser patients. Alastin Nectar has been shown to stimulate new elastin and collagen, thickening of the epidermis , promote greater skin elasticity and a more efficient extracellular matrix.