Boosting Radiance After Aesthetic Treatments

Enjoying a professional aesthetic treatment not only provides you with spa-level relaxation, it can also help your complexion remain youthful. However, some aesthetic treatments have a recovery time, during which your skin might feel sensitive.

If you love indulging in the odd microneedling session or subtly boosting your lip filler, you’re not alone. The non-invasive cosmetic treatments market grew to £45.5 billion in 2023 and is predicted to experience further growth, with the potential to reach £78.8 billion in 2027.

These treatments are the perfect way to enhance the effects of your firming and anti-ageing skincare regime, keeping your complexion looking supple and radiant. But it’s really important to remember to carry out the proper aftercare for your treatment – adhering to your beauty therapist’s recommendations will ensure you get the highest quality results.

We’ve put together this aesthetic treatment aftercare guide to help you can maximise the effects of your treatment and further boost your skin’s radiance with spa-quality skincare.

Botox aftercare

What does it do?

Botox helps create a more youthful complexion, smoothing wrinkles and tightening the skin’s appearance for that just-stepped-out-of-the-spa glow.

Expect results: within a week.

Maintain results: by using our Hyaluronic Acid-infused Ultimate Serum between treatments to enhance hydration.

Book a top-up: every three months.

Common side effects

• Minimal bruising.
• Some redness.
• Some swelling or bumps.
• Mild discomfort.
• Headaches.

Our top tips

• Avoid heat for 24 hours – avoid saunas, hot tubs and intense exercise to prevent your skin from sweating as this might affect how your Botox settles.
• Swap out alcohol for 24 hours – drinking may interfere with the healing process – simply swap your usual cocktail out for a mocktail or no-alcohol alternative instead!
• Try not to lie down – sitting upright for the first few hours will help your Botox to settle where you want it. Sleeping on your back for the first couple of nights is also a good idea.
• Skip the facial (for now) – touching or massaging the injection sites may cause your Botox to spread. Schedule your next facial for a few weeks’ time instead, and don’t apply any make-up for a few hours.
• Stick to gentle skincare – ditch any harsh skincare after Botox and instead try our award-winning Cleansing Cream for gentle purification and silky-smooth skin.
• Protect yourself from the sun – wear plenty of SPF and make a wide-brimmed hat your new style statement!
• Opt for a staycation – avoid flying for at least four days to help your Botox settle properly. If you’re already enjoying some time abroad, your Botox is the perfect excuse to spend a few more days in paradise!
• Don’t be afraid to express yourself – contrary to popular belief, moving your face expressively will actually help your Botox work better.

Lip filler aftercare

What does it do?

Lip filler is a wonderful way to give your lips a beautiful plump appearance and help you look younger.

Expect results: within a week.

Maintain results: by using our soothing Lip Contour Cream to retain a healthy, smooth appearance.

Book a top-up: every 6–12 months (depending on the aesthetic you’re going for).

Common side effects

• Swelling, bruising and some tenderness around the injection site.
• Your lips may look overly plump for the first 24 hours (don’t worry, they will soon reduce in size to produce the look agreed upon with your beauty therapist).

Our top tips

• Skip the lipstick – keep your lips free of beauty products for the first 24 hours. You should also try not to touch your lips in any way – that involves smoking, vaping and even kissing!
• Avoid heat for one day – similar to with your Botox aftercare, activities that involve a lot of heat or the potential for sweating should be avoided. Hot tubs, heated pools and exercise classes such as HIIT (high-intensity interval training) can all cause further swelling with freshly injected lip filler.
• Swerve spicy cuisine – spicy food may cause further swelling and tenderness around your lips – this is also true of food with a high salt content. Opt for a plain and balanced diet for at least the first 48 hours.
• Apply ice – holding ice against your lips can help to soothe and minimise swelling.
• Grab an extra pillow – elevating your head while sleeping also helps to prevent further swelling during the night.
• Go sober (for at least 24 hours) – avoid drinking alcohol straight after your treatment, and make sure you don’t have a straw in your mocktail either! Drinking through a straw is not recommended for the first 24 hours as it can affect the placement of your lip filler.
• Stay grounded – avoid flying for at least a week after your treatment as the air pressure on a flight may affect your lip filler.
• Schedule your next spa day – as lip filler has fairly minimal recovery time, you only need to wait about two weeks until you can enjoy your next aesthetic treatment.

Microneedling aftercare

What does it do?

Microneedling gives your skin a distinct radiance and will have everyone asking after the name of your spa therapist. It helps to smooth fine lines, brighten skin and target hyperpigmentation, while boosting natural collagen production.

Expect results: within six weeks.

Maintain results: with a light, hydrating moisturiser – such as our Everyday Moisturiser – plus targeted, collagen-infused skincare to further boost radiance.

Book a top-up: this will depend on the effect you’re looking for. We recommend you speak to your aesthetician about the right frequency for your skin.

Common side effects

• Moderate redness.
• Some swelling.
• Flaking, peeling or dry skin.

Our top tips

• Stay out of the sun – apply SPF and sit in the shade wherever possible.
• Keep your cool – similar to lip filler aftercare, you should avoid heat – including hot baths, intense exercise or a dip in your heated pool – for the first 72 hours to ensure high-quality results.
• Try not to touch your face – keep your hands away from your face for at least the first 24 hours to ensure you don’t interfere with the healing process.
• Ditch the harsh skincare – avoid using exfoliating or perfumed skincare after microneedling, swapping these out for gentle formulations instead. You should also skip any other facial treatments, including microblading and eyebrow threading, until your skin is completely healed.
• Soothe your skin – if your skin is still tender after your treatment, try using a gentle face mask to soothe your complexion and enhance hydration. Try our Collagen and Hyaluronic Acid Face Mask for a spa-quality experience.

Laser hair removal aftercare

What does it do?

Laser hair removal gets rid of unwanted hair on your face, delivering spa-level radiance and effortlessly smooth skin.

Expect results: within a few weeks (dependent on your treatment plan).
Maintain results: by keeping skin hydrated – remember to drink plenty of water and curate a skincare ritual that prioritises hydrating products.

Book a top-up: this will depend on your desired look. You may require multiple treatment sessions, which should be spaced at least four to six weeks apart.

Common side effects

• Redness/swelling.
• Some irritation.
• Pigmentation changes.

Our top tips

• Shelter from the sun – it’s important to avoid sun exposure for one month both before and after your treatment. Apply SPF every day, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sit in the shade whenever possible.
• Apply cool compresses – this can help manage any swelling directly after your treatment.
• Skip the face wash (for at least 48 hours) – keep your face clean and dry for two days following your treatment and avoid touching your skin or applying makeup. You should also skip any further facial treatments, including eyebrow threading, as this may cause irritation.
• Swerve the scrubs – just as with your microneedling aftercare, you should ditch any harsh, exfoliating skincare and prioritise gentle, fragrance-free formulas instead.
• Keep things cool – avoid any activities that involve too much heat, such as a visit to the sauna or a spin class. You should also skip your post-spa swim as the chlorine in the pool may cause irritation.

Discover the full collection

Browse the full Carol Joy London skincare collection to expand your aesthetic treatment aftercare routine.