Prepping Your Skin for an Aesthetic Treatment - Advice from an Expert Injector
So—you’ve booked your appointment and now you’re wondering, “What should I do to get my skin ready?” First of all, great question. Prepping your skin properly can make a big difference in how your treatment goes and how your results turn out. And don’t worry—I’ve got you covered.
Here at The Artistry NP in Northwest Portland, we want you to feel confident and ready before you even walk through the door. Whether you’re coming in for Botox, filler, BBL, or a little skin rejuvenation, here’s what we always tell our patients:
1. Hydration is everything.
Think of your skin like a sponge—it performs better when it’s well-hydrated. Start drinking extra water a few days before your treatment and keep your skin moisturized. This helps with healing and can even enhance your results.
2. Skip the actives (just for now).
Put a pause on retinols, AHAs, BHAs, or any aggressive exfoliants for about 3–5 days before your appointment. We don’t want your skin to be irritated or sensitive going in.
3. No sun, please!
A sunburn or even a mild tan can interfere with some treatments, especially laser-based ones. If you’ve got an outdoor adventure planned, don’t forget your SPF—and maybe a hat for good measure.
4. Hold off on alcohol and blood thinners.
If you’re getting injectables, avoid alcohol, aspirin, or ibuprofen for 24–48 hours beforehand (unless prescribed by your doctor, of course). This helps minimize bruising and swelling.
5. Come with a clean face.
No makeup, no skincare products—just fresh, clean skin. We’ll prep your face before your treatment, but coming in bare-faced gives us a great starting point.
Bonus Tip: Ask All the Questions
We’re here to guide you every step of the way. If you’re unsure about anything—what to do, what to avoid, what to expect—just ask. There’s no such thing as a silly question in our book.
You can reach us by calling (503) 347-1982 or via email.
Can’t wait to see you in the treatment chair!
— Tierney Newman, FNP-C
Founder & Expert Injector at The Artistry NP