Prep & Aftercare

Before and after your treatment

What to do before you come in and how to care for your skin after, for each treatment at Glow Skin + Laser. We'll tailor these to your skin at your visit; follow the plan we give you.

Aerolase Neo Laser

Performed by Dr. Jenny. Thinner or more sensitive skin may need a lighter prep and a gentler aftercare plan — we'll give you yours at your visit.

Before your visit

  • No direct sun, tanning or self-tanner for 4 weeks before.
  • Stop retinoids (retinol, tretinoin) and exfoliating acids (AHAs, PHAs, BHAs) 24 hours before.
  • For laser hair removal, shave the area 24 hours before your treatment.
  • Arrive with clean skin and no makeup.
  • Tell us if you get cold sores.

After your visit

No downtime:
Go straight back to your day, including surfing, swimming, exercise, saunas and steam. A little pinkness is normal and usually settles within a few hours. Wash your face as usual.
Your routine:
Keep using your retinoids, AHAs, PHAs, BHAs and other actives as normal. There's nothing to pause with Aerolase.
Sunscreen:
Tinted, broad-spectrum mineral SPF 50+ every morning, reapplied every 2 hours outdoors. For most Aerolase treatments, this is the only thing we ask of you.
Pigment treatments:
If we're treating sun damage or dark spots, they may look darker for a few days and then flake and shed. Don't pick or rub them.

Call us right away if you have:

  • Blistering, open sores or severe swelling
  • Signs of infection: oozing, yellow or green discharge, increasing warmth
  • A cold sore outbreak
  • Pain or skin changes that concern you
(808) 431-9165

SkinPen Microneedling

Before your visit

  • No retinoids, AHAs, BHAs or waxing for 48 hours before.
  • No sun exposure or tanning for 2 weeks before.
  • Arrive with clean skin: no makeup or active skincare.
  • Tell us if you get cold sores.

After your visit

Day 1:
Skin looks and feels like a mild sunburn, and you may see pinpoint marks. We apply a soothing serum and tinted SPF 50+. Don't wash your face for 4–6 hours, skip makeup, and sleep on a clean pillowcase.
Days 2–3:
Skin may feel tight and dry. Mist often with hypochlorous spray. Light mineral makeup is fine after 48 hours.
Days 4–5:
Mild flaking is normal. Keep moisturizing and don't pick.
Weeks 4–6:
New collagen builds and texture, tone and pores keep improving.
Sun:
Tinted mineral SPF 50+ every morning; reapply every 2 hours outdoors. No direct sun or tanning for 2 weeks.
Pause:
Retinoids and exfoliating acids for 7 days, vitamin C serum for 5 days. Saunas, steam rooms and heavy sweating for 72 hours. Waxing, threading or peels for 2 weeks.

Call us right away if you have:

  • Severe swelling, blistering or open sores
  • Signs of infection: oozing, yellow or green discharge, increasing warmth or pain
  • A cold sore outbreak in the treated area
  • Pain or skin changes that concern you
(808) 431-9165

PCA SKIN Chemical Peels

Before your visit

  • Stop retinoids (Retin-A, tretinoin, retinol) 5 days before.
  • If you get cold sores, call us at least a week ahead. You'll need a prescription to start before your peel.
  • Tell us if you are sensitive to aspirin.
  • Avoid sunburn and arrive with clean, makeup-free skin.

After your visit

Day 1:
Skin may look pink or slightly frosted and feel warm or tight. We apply tinted SPF 50+. Keep water off your face for 4–6 hours, and skip makeup for 24 hours.
Days 2–3:
Skin may darken and feel tighter. Light flaking can start around the edges of your face.
Days 4–5:
Peeling is most active, in fine flakes or sheets. Keep skin moisturized and don't pick or pull.
Days 6–7:
Peeling settles and fresh skin shows. Go back to your gentle routine.
Sun:
Tinted mineral SPF 50+ every morning; reapply every 2 hours outdoors. Avoid direct sun for at least 2 weeks.
Pause:
Retinoids, AHAs and BHAs for 7 days. Saunas, steam rooms and intense exercise for 48 hours. Waxing, threading or laser for 2 weeks.

Call us right away if you have:

  • Severe blistering, open sores or extreme swelling
  • Signs of infection: oozing, yellow or green crusting, increasing warmth
  • Hives, trouble breathing or throat tightness (call 911 first)
  • A cold sore outbreak
(808) 431-9165

Facials & Dermaplaning

Before your visit

  • Pause retinoids and exfoliating acids 2–3 days before.
  • Avoid sunburn, and let us know what products you're using.

After your visit

Same day:
No downtime. Skin may be slightly pink for a few hours.
Next 2–3 days:
Gentle products and tinted SPF 50+. Wait before restarting retinoids or exfoliants.

Call us right away if you have:

  • Irritation or breakouts that don't settle after a few days
(808) 431-9165

If your skin is thin, sensitive or reactive

Some clients need different instructions on both sides of a treatment. Thinner or more sensitive skin, a history of redness, eczema or rosacea, recent tretinoin use, or skin that reacts easily can call for a lighter prep, lower settings and a gentler aftercare routine. We'll go through your skin at your visit and give you your own written plan. Follow the version we give you over anything on this page, and call or text (808) 431-9165 if anything looks or feels off.

Combining treatments, like Neo + SkinPen or Neo + peel? Follow the longer of the two pause times. Questions about a product? Ask us before you start anything new.