Pre and Post Procedure Skincare to Try Ahead of Your Next Treatment

Best for: Firming

Skincare focus: Hydration

Xerf, the latest technology from South Korea, is a radio frequency treatment that delivers controlled heat through multiple layers of the skin, stimulating fibroblasts to produce fresh collagen and elastin and leaving you with a tightened, rejuvenated appearance over time. While it’s a non-invasive, minimal downtime treatment, in some cases, the thermal energy may cause slight irritation, including temporary swelling or redness, so Dr El Muntasar suggests taking a gentle approach when preparing for your session: “I advise patients to focus on hydration, maintaining a healthy skin barrier and avoiding unnecessarily irritating skincare products immediately beforehand.” Try hydrating formulas such as Loya’s SuperReverse Serum and Silky Soft Plumping Cream, which contain moisture-retaining ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ectoin. For additional barrier support, 111Skin’s Repair Serum NAC Y² is another excellent option, having been developed with skin resilience and barrier health in mind.

Best for: Plumpness

Skincare focus: Restoration

Another popular treatment, which resident practitioner Dr Toni Phillips pioneered at Harrods more than a decade ago, is Profhilo. Unlike traditional dermal fillers, the injectable biostimulator uses stabilised hyaluronic acid to encourage collagen and elastin production over time, helping to improve elasticity, hydration and overall skin quality. Downtime is typically minimal, but temporary swelling or bruising can occur at the injection sites, making the days that follow your treatment an ideal opportunity for restorative care. Rather than overloading the complexion with potent actives, focus on replenishing formulas that support the skin barrier and maintain hydration while results continue to develop. The Overnight Restorative Cream from Augustinus Bader is powered by the brand’s CICA Recovery Complex, which helps soothe and nourish the skin overnight. Meanwhile, Medik8’s Exo-PDRN Prismatic+ Serum supports rejuvenation, strengthens the barrier and helps maintain a plump, healthy-looking complexion.

Best for: Pigmentation and scarring

Skincare focus: Protection

Peels can be a high-risk, high-reward proposition. While some patients benefit from a carefully curated preparatory routine, particularly those prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, Dr El Muntasar explains that this should always be tailored to the individual, taking into account their skin type, medical history and the strength of the peel. The Perfect Peel Superblend combines a blend of acids with antioxidant glutathione to target hyperpigmentation, acne scarring, enlarged pores and fine lines. Patients should expect between three and seven days of downtime as the skin undergoes its renewal process. During this period, a less-is-more approach is key. Avoid exfoliants, retinoids and other potentially irritating actives, and instead focus on a gentle routine centred on hydration, barrier support and diligent UV protection. This helps preserve the treatment’s brightening benefits, while supporting the skin through its renewal process.

Best for: Sculpting

Skincare focus: Repair

One of today’s most popular skin-tightening treatments, Morpheus8 combines microneedling with radio-frequency energy to remodel the deeper layers of the skin over time, helping to improve firmness, texture and overall skin quality. The treatment creates controlled micro-injuries while delivering heat beneath the skin’s surface, making temporary redness, swelling and sensitivity a normal part of the recovery process. Barrier health, therefore, becomes a key consideration in the days that follow. Avoid abrasive exfoliants, retinoids and other potentially sensitising ingredients, and instead opt for formulas that support barrier function, maintain hydration and strengthen the skin’s resilience. As collagen remodelling continues beneath the surface, a repair-focused routine can help keep the complexion comfortable, while supporting optimal results.

Best for: Texture and luminosity

Skincare focus: Calming irritation

Microneedling and face peels are two of Dr Rabia Malik’s specialities, and the Radiant Renewal facial champions both. Prized for its ability to boost collagen, improve texture and enhance radiance, it’s a highly effective treatment, but can, sometimes, result in temporary redness or slight irritation afterwards.

According to Dr Malik, the key to preparing and supporting your skin is minimising potential irritants – like retinoids and exfoliating acids – three to five days before the appointment, and ensuring appropriate care in the week after it. “My philosophy has always been to work with the skin rather than overwhelm it,” she says, advising patients to “focus on ingredients that support the skin barrier and hydration, such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin and ceramides, and avoid active ingredients such as retinoids, AHAs, BHAs and vitamin C formulations”. This way, you're giving the skin the time and resources it needs to recover, helping ensure the best possible results.