Aesthetic Skin Treatments

During treatment, you'll feel a tingling or mild burning sensation—this is normal and indicates the acids are working. The sensation typically lasts only during application (a few minutes) and subsides shortly after.

**Comfort Level:**
Most clients find the sensation very tolerable and compare it to a mild sunburn feeling or light tingling. For more sensitive clients or stronger solutions, we can adjust application time or concentration.

**Pain Scale:**
On a scale of 1-10, most clients rate it 2-4. It's temporary discomfort with significant long-term benefits.

**Managing Discomfort:**
- Deep breathing helps during application
- The tingling passes quickly
- Post-treatment, there's usually no pain
- Any tightness is easily managed with moisturizer

If you have concerns about sensitivity, discuss this during your consultation. We can customize the treatment to your comfort level.

Downtime varies by treatment intensity, but pH Formula is designed for minimal disruption to your life.

**Custom Resurfacing (R620):**
- Day 1: Slight redness for 2-4 hours
- Days 3-5: Possible light flaking/peeling
- Return to work: Immediately or next day
- Makeup: After 12-24 hours
- Downtime: Minimal to none

**Advanced Resurfacing (R1,150):**
- Day 1: Redness for 4-6 hours
- Days 3-7: Likely peeling
- Return to work: Next day (with redness)
- Makeup: After 24 hours
- Downtime: 1-2 days (mild)

**Microneedling (R1,100):**
- Days 1-2: Moderate redness (sunburn appearance)
- Days 3-5: Redness fading, possible flaking
- Return to work: Day 3 (with makeup)
- Makeup: After 48 hours
- Downtime: 2-3 days

**Teen Acne (R300):**
- Day 1: Slight redness for 1-2 hours
- Days 3-5: Possible light flaking
- Return to school: Same day or next
- Downtime: Minimal to none

**The Peeling:**
When peeling occurs, it's typically light and manageable—not large sheets of skin. Think more like light flaking that can be concealed with makeup.

**Planning Around Events:**
For important events (weddings, photos, etc.), schedule treatments:
- 1 week before: Safe, you'll be glowing
- 3-5 days before: Optimal timing
- Avoid: 1-2 days before events

**General Guidelines:**
We recommend waiting 12-24 hours before applying makeup to allow your skin to calm and begin its healing process. However, this varies by treatment:

**Custom & Teen Treatments:**
12-24 hours makeup-free is ideal, then mineral makeup is fine

**Advanced Resurfacing:**
24 hours minimum before makeup application

**Microneedling:**
48 hours minimum, then mineral makeup only

**Best Practice:**
- Mineral makeup is gentler than traditional makeup
- Avoid heavy, pore-clogging foundations
- Use clean brushes and sponges
- Remove makeup gently at night
- Give your skin breathing time when possible

**For Work:**
If you absolutely must wear makeup sooner, mineral powder foundation is the safest option. Discuss this with Kim before treatment.

**Event Planning:**
If you have an important event, time your treatment so the 24-48 hour makeup-free period doesn't coincide with your event.

Results depend on your specific concern and treatment type:

**Immediate (Same Day):**
- Brighter, more radiant complexion
- Smoother texture
- More even tone
- "Glow" effect

**Week 1-2:**
- Continued brightness
- Reduced congestion
- Clearer skin
- Improved hydration

**Week 3-4:**
- Visible reduction in concerns
- Fading of pigmentation
- Reduced active acne
- Improved texture

**Weeks 4-12:**
- Significant transformation
- Continued improvement with treatment series
- New collagen formation (firming, line reduction)
- Lasting changes in skin health

**Specific Timelines:**

**Acne:** Reduction in active breakouts within 1-2 weeks; significant clearing in 6-8 weeks with regular treatments

**Pigmentation:** Initial fading in 2-3 weeks; dramatic improvement in 8-12 weeks

**Aging:** Texture improvement in 2-3 weeks; collagen building and line reduction over 8-16 weeks

**Rosacea/Redness:** Immediate calming; progressive strengthening of barrier over 6-12 weeks

**Important:**
Results are progressive and cumulative. Each treatment builds on the last. Consistency is key—those who follow recommended treatment schedules see the most dramatic transformations.

**Realistic Expectations:**
Skin transformation takes time. We're working at the cellular level to create lasting change, not just superficial improvement. Trust the process!

Roaccutane (isotretinoin) is a powerful oral medication for severe acne that dramatically affects your skin at the cellular level. It makes skin extremely sensitive, fragile, and prone to severe reactions with any chemical or physical exfoliation.

**Why It's Contraindicated:**
- **Extreme sensitivity:** Roaccutane thins skin and removes the protective barrier
- **Risk of severe burns:** Even gentle acids can cause serious burns
- **Poor healing:** Skin on Roaccutane heals very slowly and poorly
- **Scarring risk:** Wounds and reactions are more likely to scar
- **Hyperpigmentation:** Treated areas can develop severe, lasting pigmentation

**Safety Timeline:**
- **Currently on Roaccutane:** Absolutely no treatments
- **Recently finished (0-6 months):** Still contraindicated—wait
- **6-12 months post-Roaccutane:** Proceed with extreme caution, patch test
- **12+ months post:** Generally safe, but inform your therapist

**Alternative Options:**
While on Roaccutane, focus on:
- Gentle, hydrating homecare only
- Barrier repair products
- SPF 50+ daily (Roaccutane increases sun sensitivity)
- Wait for treatment until safe

**When You're Ready:**
Once you've been off Roaccutane for 6+ months, we'd love to help maintain your clear skin and address any remaining concerns like scarring or texture. Book a consultation to discuss timing.

**Your Safety Matters:**
We know it's frustrating to wait, but your safety is our absolute priority. The risk of serious complications isn't worth it. Let's wait until it's safe and we can give you beautiful results without risk.