CO2 Pre & Post Care
Pre Care
For optimal results, it is recommended to start applying Alastin Skin Nectar: Apply 2 pumps twice daily to the face for 2 weeks leading up to your treatment.
Arrive with a clean, dry face (no makeup and clean shaven).
Please allow for 7-10 days of social downtime (may vary depending on the intensity of the treatment).
Please limit sun exposure starting at least 2 weeks before the procedure and plan to continue to limit exposure for 4 weeks after the procedure.
Avoid sun-tanning agents (self tanner) 4 weeks before the procedure.
Discontinue Retin-A and skin care products containing retinoids or salicylic/glycolic acid (AHA/BHA) for 1 week before the procedure.
Valtrex, an oral prescription antiviral medication, will be prescribed to you to prevent cold sores. Please respond to this message with your pharmacy information. You will be advised to take one pill (500 mg) twice daily starting the day before the procedure and as long as recommended by your provider.
You will need the following products for aftercare:
- Gentle cleanser: JECT gentle cleanser or Cerave cleanser
- A hydrating moisturizer: Alastin Skin Nectar and/or Avene Cicalfate
- Depending on your treatment, your provider may recommend White Vinegar or Domeboro Solution (can be purchased at drug stores or on Amazon)
- An occlusive ointment: Cerave ointment or Aquaphor ointment
- Mineral based sunscreen: Isdin or any 30+ SPF mineral based sunscreen
- Tylenol (acetaminophen) may be taken for pain as needed.
Please let us know immediately if you have any of the following:
- History of Cold Sores
- A known hypersensitivity to Valtrex
- History of Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP)/Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS), or acute renal failure
- An allergy to gold or metal (for MNRF)
- If in the past 6 months, you have been on Accutane, Gold therapy, or anticoagulants/blood thinners
Please bring a large brim hat to the office to avoid sun on your way home after treatment.
Aftercare
Instructions may vary depending on the intensity of treatment.
Today/Tonight
Keep skin clean and dry for 24 hours post procedure, and avoid touching the skin with the exception of the following:
Before bedtime: Gentle Cleanser or Vinegar or Domeboro Solution Soaks
White Vinegar Soaks:
- Mix One Tablespoon White Vinegar with 1 Cup (8 oz) Warm Water
- Soak a clean washcloth or gauze in the solution
- Apply the soaked washcloth/gauze to the face for ten minutes
- Remove the gauze
Domeboro Soaks:
- Dissolve 1 packet in 1 pint (16 oz) warm water
- Soak a clean washcloth or gauze in the solution
- Apply the soaked washcloth/gauze to the face for ten minutes
- Remove the gauze
Apply a thin layer of Skin Nectar to damp skin.
Apply a thin layer of Aquaphor or Cerave Ointment.
AM
Gentle Cleanser or Domboro Soak/Vinegar Soaks.
Apply a thin layer of Aquaphor or Cerave Ointment.
Apply a thin layer of Skin nectar to damp skin, then apply a thin layer of Aquaphor/Cerave Ointment.
Apply SPF (mineral is recommended).
PM
Gentle Cleanser or Domboro Soak/Vinegar Soaks.
Skin nectar to damp skin + Aquaphor/Vaseline.
Repeat this process daily until skin is fully healed (about 10 days). Continue Alastin Skin Nectar (2 pumps) twice daily for two weeks after the procedure.
General Instructions
Do not pick, peel, or manually exfoliate the face as this can cause scarring and hyperpigmentation.
No actives (‘acids’ or retinols) for 14 days.
No heat for 7 days (saunas, exercise, hot yoga, hot tubs, steam rooms, outdoor dining).
Use tinted SPF as post treatment ‘makeup’ if needed for 7 days — can return to wearing makeup at 7 days.
Recommend using a fresh pillow case night of treatment.
AVOID sun exposure for one month.