Before your treatment
The week before
Preparation is simple: I want your skin calm, healthy and well protected before we treat it.
Please avoid:
- Sun exposure and tanning, start being particularly diligent with your SPF 50+.
- Fake tan on the treatment area.
- Waxing, threading or plucking.
- Retinol and other vitamin A products.
- Glycolic acid, AHAs, BHAs and other strong exfoliants.
- Other laser, IPL, peels, resurfacing or aggressive facial treatments unless I have specifically approved them.
- Injectables close to the treatment area within the timeframe I have given you (2 weeks normally).
You don't need to strip your entire skincare routine back, just avoid anything that may irritate, sensitise or over-stimulate your skin in the week before treatment.
My biggest tip
Start protecting your skin from the sun now.
The calmer and better protected your skin is before your CO2 treatment, the better prepared it is for the healing process.
If you're unsure whether a product or treatment should be stopped, ask me first.
Please tell me about anything your doctor has prescribed for you, including any skin treatments, before we start.
The day before
Nothing out of the ordinary. You have been prepping well, just drink lots of water the day prior. CO2 loves the water and so does RF.
The morning of
Nothing! Come in and let me do the rest.
What to expect on the day
I use a specific treatment protocol, so I won't go into the technical details here, that's said in consultation, but I will talk you through everything you need to know on the day.
Every treatment carries some risk. I go through the risks and the recovery with you at your consultation before we begin.
How long should I allow?
From the time you arrive, allow approximately 2 hours.
This gives us enough time for your preparation, treatment and post-treatment care without rushing you.
When you leave, all of your aftercare products and instructions will be ready for you to take home.
Can I drive?
Yes.
What does the rest of my day look like?
Once you get home, relax.
Your skin may be red, warm and swollen, and you may notice a small amount of pinpoint bleeding or weeping from the treated areas. This can be part of the expected immediate healing process.
I recommend putting a clean towel or old pillowcase over your pillow for the first night, as your skin may release a little fluid or blood.
Leave your skin alone that first night and follow your aftercare instructions from the following morning.
Most importantly, you don't need to plan anything demanding for the rest of the day.
Products
Your skincare
Keep your routine gentle and consistent. I may recommend:
- Dermaviduals DMS Base Cream Classic
- Dermaviduals DMS Base Cream High Classic
- Dermaviduals D-Panthenol
- Dermaviduals Vitamin E
- Dermaviduals Vitamin B
- Dermaviduals CM Glucan Complex
Keep your skin well moisturised and avoid making any sudden changes to your skincare before treatment.
Sun protection
Use SPF 50+ every day, including:
- SkinCeuticals Defense 50
- SIMKA 50+
Use a hat, seek shade and minimise unnecessary sun exposure.
Keep it simple
Cleanse, hydrate, moisturise, SPF 50+.
You do not need to overload your skin with products before CO2.
I want calm skin, not busy skin.
Please have all areas waxed minimum 2 days prior to treatment.
What to tell me first
Before we treat you, I need to know anything that could affect how your skin heals or whether we should proceed with treatment.
Please tell me if you have:
- Any active infection, cold sore, rash, broken skin or inflammation in the treatment area.
- Recently had sun exposure, sunburn or fake tan.
- Had injectables, surgery, laser, IPL, peels or other skin treatments recently.
- Started or stopped any medications or prescription skincare.
- A history of cold sores, particularly if we are treating around the mouth.
- A history of poor wound healing or abnormal scarring.
- Any condition or medication that may affect healing, bleeding or your skin's response to treatment.
- Any new skincare products or treatments that have caused irritation or sensitivity.
Please also tell me if anything has changed since your consultation.
Please don't keep anything from me
Even if you think it is insignificant, tell me.
Your answers may change how I treat you, the intensity I choose, your preparation, or whether we proceed that day.
When I would rebook
Sometimes the smartest thing we can do is not treat you that day.
I will rebook your treatment if you arrive with:
- Sunburn or significant recent sun exposure
- An active cold sore, infection, rash or open/broken skin in the treatment area
- Significant inflammation, irritation or an unexpected skin reaction
- A recent treatment, injectable, peel, laser or other procedure that means your skin needs more time to recover
- Skin that is not sufficiently healed or prepared for treatment
- Any new medication or medical circumstance that makes treatment inappropriate or requires further clearance
- Anything that I feel could increase your risk or compromise your healing
If your skin isn't ready, we don't push through just because you have an appointment.
I'd rather see you a little later with healthy, calm skin and give you the treatment properly.
What to bring
You don't need to bring much, just a few practical things to make your appointment comfortable.
- Your current skincare products or a photo of your routine if we've changed anything since your consultation.
- It is noisy! We have three machines working at once. So if you love your favourite meditation, podcast or music, listen to whatever helps you relax.
- Let me know of any medications or supplements you are currently taking, if these have changed.
- Sunglasses and/or a hat for the trip home, particularly if we are treating your face.
- If you have long hair, a hair tie or headband to keep your hair away from the treatment area.
- You don't need to bring your own aftercare products, I'll have everything you need ready for you to take home.
- Most importantly, come with clean skin and no makeup or active skincare on the treatment area, unless I have specifically instructed you otherwise. (If not possible, of course I can and will wash your face.)
I've got the rest covered.
What it will feel like
You will feel heat, tingling and a prickly sensation as we treat the skin, but I work with you throughout the treatment and keep you comfortable. About 15 minutes for the face in total.
I've got the cooling covered
During your treatment you'll have my ice-cold Cryo Air blower helping to cool the skin, along with the plume extractor and the CO2 laser itself.
Otherwise I'm normally chatting away through the treatment as we go, so you always know what is happening.
Anything else
A few little things will make your treatment day easier:
- Wear something comfortable and easy to change in and out of, if required.
- And most importantly, don't stress about what your skin will look like immediately afterwards.
Call me or text if you have any questions.
After your treatment
The night of
Leave your skin alone.
Do not cleanse, scrub, pick or apply your usual skincare that night.
Your skin may feel tight and slightly warm, and you may experience some pinpoint bleeding.
If needed, gently wipe away any crusty blood with a wet cotton ball. Otherwise, leave it alone until morning.
Place a clean towel over your pillowcase before bed.
Sleep with your head slightly elevated to help reduce swelling.
If you wake with swelling, particularly around the eyes, don't panic. Use cool washers for approximately 15 minutes at a time as needed. Do not put ice directly onto your skin.
You may experience some swelling during the first 1 to 2 days. This is completely normal and should reduce significantly within the first 24 hours.
Please send me your photos
Please send me your photos from Days 1 to 5 so I can see how your skin is healing and keep them in your treatment file.
Please don't worry about how your skin looks in these photos, I want to see the healing process.
If you have any concerns, questions or simply aren't sure whether something you're seeing is normal, send me a photo and contact me.
Most importantly
Don't pick. Don't scrub. Don't rush the process.
Your skin knows what to do.
My job is to create the treatment. Your job is to protect the skin while it heals.
First 48 hours
Your skin has already been cleansed and your ointment has been applied before you leave the clinic.
What you'll need
- Dermaviduals Total Cleansing Cream or your recommended Goat Milk pH5 Cleanser
- ASEA RENU 28 Revitalizing Redox Gel
- The ointment in your kit
- SIMKA 50+ Tinted SPF
- Cotton balls
- Clean towel
- Fresh pillowcase
- White vinegar, only if I have done a deeper treatment
Use ASEA only on closed, unbroken skin.
Dermaviduals option
- Dermaviduals Oleogel Plus
- Dermaviduals Skin Tonic or Face Tonic
QV and La Roche-Posay option
- QV Sting-Free Ointment with Ceramides
- La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5+
What can I take for discomfort?
Avoid ibuprofen, naproxen and aspirin for the first 24 hours unless your doctor has specifically told you to take them. If you take any medication regularly, particularly blood thinners or aspirin, check with your doctor before making any changes.
Days 1 to 3
Morning and evening, days 1 to 3
- 1. Gently cleanse with Dermaviduals Total Cleansing Cream or your recommended Goat Milk pH5 Cleanser.
- 2. Apply a thin layer of the ointment in your kit. You only need a thin layer, don't cake it on like cake frosting!
That's it. Keep your skincare very simple for the first three days.
Your skin may be red, tight, warm, swollen, dry or sensitive during the first few days.
If your skin feels particularly dry or uncomfortable, we can also discuss using Dermaviduals DMS Base Cream High Classic or Oleo Gel according to your skin's needs.
If you've had a deeper CO2 treatment
I may also ask you to use a simple vinegar bath for the first three days.
Mix:
- 4 cups cool water and 3 tablespoons white vinegar
Soak clean gauze in the solution, gently wring it out and place it over your face for approximately 15 minutes.
Do this 3 times a day for 3 days.
Sun protection
Stay out of the sun as much as possible.
If you are exposed to the sun, even partially, wear a hat and your SPF 50+ sunscreen.
Keep it simple. Keep it clean. Keep it protected.
Days 4 to 7
Stop using the ointment in your kit from Day 4.
Both the recommended standard aftercare and the Dermaviduals option are listed below:
Standard recommended aftercare
Continue cleansing morning and night.
Then:
- ASEA RENU 28 Revitalizing Redox Gel
- Allow to dry for approximately 10 seconds
- QV Sting-Free Ointment with Ceramides
You can also use:
- La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5+
Use your recovery products as often as you need if your skin feels dry, tight or itchy.
Dermaviduals option
Continue cleansing morning and night with Dermaviduals Total Cleansing Cream or Cleansing Milk.
Then:
- ASEA RENU 28
- Allow to dry for approximately 10 seconds
- Dermaviduals Oleogel Plus
If your skin feels particularly dry, tight or itchy, you can use your Oleogel Plus as needed.
You can also mist your skin during the day with:
- Dermaviduals Skin Tonic or Face Tonic
You may wear makeup from Day 4 if your skin feels comfortable.
Continue your sun protection.
After day 7
If we have done a very light treatment, you may be ready to gradually return to your normal skincare.
If I have done a medium-depth treatment, I may want you to continue this gentle recovery routine for the full two weeks.
Do not exfoliate before two weeks.
Once your skin is completely settled, we can gradually return you to your normal skincare routine.
Week 2 to 4
By week 2, your skin should be well and truly settled and starting to glow. From here, we move from recovery into skin renewal and maintenance.
Your skin will continue improving in texture, tone and firmness for weeks to come, so don't rush the process.
No waxing the area for 4 weeks at least post treatment.
Your long-term skincare
Once your skin has completely recovered, I want you back on a lipid-rich personalised skincare routine, and only start actives after week 4.
I'm listing plenty of products below so you can see the range of options I work with. I'll choose what suits your skin and your treatment goals.
I also don't mix Dermaviduals and SkinCeuticals. If we choose Dermaviduals, we stay with Dermaviduals. If we choose SkinCeuticals, we stay with SkinCeuticals.
Option 1, Dermaviduals
I generally use Dermaviduals when my priority is barrier support, hydration, lipid replenishment and maintaining healthy skin structure.
Cleansing:
- Cleansing Milk with DMS
- Total Cleansing Cream
Barrier support and moisturising:
- DMS Base Cream Classic
- DMS Base Cream High Classic
- Oleogel Plus
Hydration and targeted serums:
- D-Panthenol
- Vitamin B Liposome Concentrate
- Vitamin E Nanoparticles
- CM Glucan Complex
CM Glucan Complex is one I particularly like around treatments because it supports the skin barrier.
Option 2, SkinCeuticals
If we choose SkinCeuticals, this is where I tend to take a more active, antioxidant and corrective approach.
We can gradually introduce glycolic acid, AHAs, BHAs or other active exfoliants when your skin is ready.
SPF is non-negotiable
Continue SPF 50+ every day.
- SkinCeuticals Defense 50
- SIMKA 50+
Use generously, reapply when outdoors and use a hat and shade whenever possible.
Your skin may look absolutely beautiful after your treatment, but that doesn't mean we stop protecting it. If we've invested the time, money and energy into improving your skin, I want you to protect that investment.
The important part
You don't need everything. I'd much rather you have the right products and use them consistently than have a bathroom full of skincare you're not sure how to use.
Where to get your products
You can purchase your Dermaviduals or SkinCeuticals directly through me at the clinic.
If you're running low, just text me. I can put your products in the mailing bag and post them straight to you.
I actually prefer this to you trying to purchase professional skincare online. There have been issues with counterfeit products being sold online. I want you to know you're getting genuine products and using exactly what I've recommended for your skin.
Your skin may look fantastic by this stage, but remember, the deeper changes from CO2 continue developing for weeks and months. Don't chase the result. Let your skin build it.
Long term
I don't believe in throwing everything at your skin at once. There is a time for recovery, a time for rebuilding and then a time for becoming more active. Your skin will tell me when it's ready, and I'll adjust your routine accordingly.
My personal approach to your skincare
The treatment creates the opportunity. Your skincare helps you maintain it.
That's why I take your homecare just as seriously as I take the treatment itself.
What is normal, and what is not?
What is normal
Your skin has been intentionally resurfaced, so it is normal for it to look a little angry before it looks amazing.
You may notice:
- Redness, warmth and tightness
- Pinpoint bleeding the first night only
- Swelling, particularly during the first 24 hours
- Mild to medium puffiness around the eyes
- Dryness, roughness or a slightly sandpaper-like texture
- Mild flaking or peeling as the skin renews
- Increased sensitivity
- Tiny bumps or tiny fluid-filled bumps, which will resolve on their own and are normally from the ointments. They will resolve as the days go on.
- Your skin looking temporarily darker, pinker or uneven
- A little tenderness or itching as the skin heals
Don't panic, these are all common parts of the healing process.
By around day 4 to 5, your skin should generally be looking and feeling much more settled.
Remember
Don't pick, peel, scrub or rush it.
Send me your day 1 to 5 photographs so I can follow your progress and keep them in your treatment file.
And if you're worried, send me a photo. I'd much rather you ask than sit at home wondering.
What signs mean I should call you or see a doctor?
What is not normal
Please contact me promptly if you experience:
- Severe or increasing pain
- Swelling that continues to significantly worsen after the first 24 to 48 hours
- Blistering
- Increasing redness, heat or tenderness
- Pus or unusual discharge
- Significant bleeding
- Open or worsening areas of skin
- A fever or feeling generally unwell
- Anything that concerns you or feels very different from what we discussed
Please don't try to treat anything unusual yourself.
I am a cosmetic skin practitioner. I am not a doctor or a nurse, and I do not diagnose skin conditions.
Anything you feel is not right, please call me.
If you cannot reach me and you are worried, see your GP or go to your nearest emergency department. In an emergency, call 000.