Build a 4-Step Routine Around Injectables: Cleanse • Treat • Moisturize • SPF

A calm, consistent routine helps your skin look its best—especially if you’re planning or maintaining injectables. This beginner-friendly guide keeps things simple: Cleanse, Treat, Moisturize, and SPF. Pair these steps with product authenticity and safe practices for natural-looking results.

Disclaimer: Educational content only; not medical advice. Always follow product instructions and consult a licensed professional for procedures or if you have a skin condition.

The 4 Steps (and why they matter)

1) Cleanse — keep the barrier calm

  • Use a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser morning and night.
  • Avoid harsh scrubs or hot water that can trigger redness and tightness.
  • Before treatment: keep it simple for 48–72 hours.

2) Treat — target one goal at a time

  • Pick one active that fits your main goal (e.g., hyaluronic acid for hydration, niacinamide for clarity, vitamin C for brightness).
  • Pause strong actives (peels, high-strength acids, retinoids) for several days before/after treatment per your provider’s guidance.
  • Layer water-based serums first, then creams.

3) Moisturize — seal in hydration

  • Choose texture by skin type: gel (oily/combination), cream (normal/dry), richer balms (very dry/sensitive).
  • Look for barrier-supporting ingredients like ceramides, squalane, glycerin.

4) SPF — your non-negotiable

  • Broad-spectrum SPF 30+ every morning, year-round.
  • Reapply as directed, especially after outdoor time.
  • SPF helps maintain even tone and supports healthy-looking results post-treatment.

Before • During • After: how to adjust

Before (3–5 days)

  • Simplify: gentle cleanse, HA serum, barrier cream, SPF.
  • Avoid new or aggressive actives and DIY procedures.
  • Hydrate well; limit alcohol 24–48h prior.

Day-of

  • Arrive with clean skin (no makeup).
  • Align expectations with your provider (subtle, natural-looking outcomes).

After (first 24–72h)

  • Keep hands off; use a gentle, fragrance-free routine.
  • Avoid heat (sauna, hot yoga), strenuous workouts, or facials.
  • Use a cool compress (wrapped) if needed; SPF daily.

Morning vs. Evening (sample routines)

AM

  1. Cleanse (gentle)
  2. Treat: light serum (HA or vitamin C)
  3. Moisturize (skin-type match)
  4. SPF 30+ (final step)

PM

  1. Cleanse
  2. Treat: one targeted serum (pause strong actives around procedures)
  3. Moisturize (barrier cream or richer texture if needed)

By skin type

  • Oily/Combination: gel cleansers, niacinamide (2–5%), lightweight gel moisturizers, non-comedogenic SPF.
  • Dry: cream cleansers, HA + glycerin serums, ceramide creams, SPF cream formulas.
  • Sensitive: minimal-ingredient, fragrance-free products; patch-test new items slowly.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Stacking too many actives at once.
  • Skipping SPF—especially after treatments.
  • Changing products the same week as a procedure.

FAQs

Can I use retinoids around injectables?

Often paused for several days before and after—follow your provider’s guidance.

How soon can I resume exfoliants?

Typically after the initial recovery window (24–72h+), depending on product and area treated.

Do I need special products?

Not always—gentle, barrier-supporting basics plus SPF are the foundation.

Bottom line

A simple, steady routine—Cleanse • Treat • Moisturize • SPF—supports natural-looking results before and after injectables. Start gentle, stay consistent, and adjust with your provider’s advice.