The Dermatology Digest • Innovations in Pre-, Peri-, and Post- Procedure Skincare December 2025 • INNOVATIONS IN PRE-, PERI-, AND POST-PROCEDURE SKINCARE

In 2024, Americans underwent more than 28.5 million minimally invasive procedures—a roughly 10% increase from 2022, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. As demand for treatments rises, so does the need to optimize peri- and post-procedural skincare. Over-the-counter (OTC) formulations can meaningfully support pretreatment skin conditioning, post-procedure recovery, and long-term skin health. Dermatologists can help patients achieve more consistent outcomes by recommending a strategic regimen centered on barrierreinforcing ingredients and rigorous daily photoprotection.

Dermatologic treatments can deliver impressive results, but how we treat skin before, during, and after a procedure meaningfully shapes those outcomes. “Before we understood the effects on the skin barrier, we didn’t recognize the need for pre- and post-operative care,” says Ted Lain, MD, MBA, Chief Medical Officer of Sanova Dermatology in Austin, TX. It’s now well understood that many common interventions temporarily compromise the barrier, increasing transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and leaving skin more vulnerable to irritants, environmental stressors, redness, dryness, and inflammation.

Thanks to advances in formulation science, Dr. Lain says, “We now have ‘integrated skincare’—the skincare before and after a procedure—which gives us many different tools to make the results more uniform across the face and also reduce downtime.” OTC products that reinforce barrier integrity and minimize inflammation can prepare the skin, support recovery, and enhance overall procedural outcomes.

Dr. Lain’s recent study, “Optimizing Periprocedural Outcomes with Accessible Skincare,” examined how an OTC regimen could support recovery after non-energy and non-ablative procedures.

When used before and after dermatological procedures including chemical peels, microneedling, and non-ablative laser therapy, the regimen significantly reduced erythema (21%), burning (86%), and stinging (74%) within 24 hours, and also improved tone and texture by Day 7. Patients overwhelmingly reported less downtime (86%) and enhanced comfort (83%).

Here, we review the most common in-office procedures and how OTC products can support patients across the experience.

By chemically ablating the stratum corneum, chemical peels temporarily weaken the skin barrier and increase TEWL, redness, and reactivity.

The findings from Dr. Lain's study suggest that OTC moisturizers with hyaluronic acid and glycerin can help counter post-peel dehydration and discomfort. Here’s why, plus when and how to use them.

Advise patients to use gentle cleansers, hydrating moisturizers, and daily sunscreen to minimize baseline inflammation and strengthen their skin barrier.

Apply a hydrating, barrier-supportive moisturizer to reduce TEWL and soothe inflammation. Water-based gel creams are well-tolerated on sensitized skin.

Superficial peels require only a few days of recovery, while medium-depth peels may take 21–28 days. Continue gentle cleansing, twice-daily moisturizing, and daily sunscreen to prevent dyspigmentation and support healing.

• Hyaluronic acid draws moisture into the epidermis and helps reduce tightness during re-epithelialization.

Micro-channels created via microneedling temporarily disrupt barrier integrity and increase TEWL. “Whatever you can do to plug the holes—and minimize the inflammation after the procedure—will help the patient feel more comfortable and allow healing to occur more quickly,” Dr. Lain says.

In his study, the regimen rapidly reduced erythema and improved comfort within 24 hours. Patients reported reduced downtime, improved comfort, and a more pleasant recovery. OTC formulations containing peptides, niacinamide, Vitamin C, and hydrating non-comedogenic cleansers support early healing. Here’s why, plus when and how to use them.

Use gentle cleansers, hydrating moisturizers, and sunscreen. Avoid new or irritating products, such as retinoids, unless the patient is already acclimated to them.

Apply hydrating, barrier-supportive moisturizers twice daily to reduce inflammation and water loss.

Continue gentle cleansing, moisturizing, and sunscreen for several days while micro-channels close. Deeper treatments may require up to 21 days of barrier support.

• Peptides signal skin cells to enhance repair, collagen synthesis, and barrier reconstruction.

• Niacinamide supports lipid synthesis, reduces inflammation, and strengthens the barrier.

• Vitamin C neutralizes reactive oxygen species and supports collagen synthesis.

• Hydrating cleansers maintain cleanliness without stripping essential lipids.

Both ablative and non-ablative lasers impair the barrier and increase TEWL and photosensitivity. Because barrier function is diminished, skin is more vulnerable to ultraviolet (UV) damage, irritation, and reactive oxygen species. Dr. Lain’s study found that the triple regimen—including mineral sunscreen— reduced downtime (100%), helped patients stay consistent with post-laser procedure care (90%), and helped ease comfort caused by laser procedures (80%) for those undergoing nonablative laser treatment.

OTC mineral sunscreens, antioxidant-rich moisturizers, and gentle cleansers can help protect compromised skin and support healing. Here’s why, plus when and how to use them.

Use gentle cleansers, hydrating moisturizers, and sunscreen. Patients with richly pigmented skin may require pre-treatment brighteners to reduce risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).

Apply barrier-supportive moisturizers twice daily to reduce TEWL and soothe inflammation. Some actives may penetrate more eciently, making product selection important.

Introduce mineral sunscreen as soon as the skin tolerates it. “When you have an impaired barrier, the skin’s ability to protect itself from UV radiation diminishes,” Dr. Lain says, making strict UV protection essential.

• Mineral sunscreens (SPF 30+) reflect UV radiation and reduce risk of irritation and contact dermatitis.

• Antioxidant-rich moisturizers neutralize reactive oxygen species and reduce inflammation to optimize wound healing.

Neuromodulators and fillers create minor barrier disruption, but micro-injuries can still trigger temporary inflammation or moisture loss. “Although the insults to the skin barrier are minimal with Botox and fillers, it's always a good idea to protect the skin when any insult to the barrier happens,” Dr. Lain says.

He adds that, “Some integrated skincare products help to augment and/or prolong the effects” of injectables. OTC hyaluronic-acid-based moisturizers and gentle cleansers support hydration and recovery. Here’s why, plus when and how to use them.

Use gentle cleansers and hydrating moisturizers; avoid new irritants or strong actives to maintain barrier stability.

Apply a non-irritating hydrating moisturizer. “Certain HA moisturizers have been shown to enhance the efficacy of Botox and fillers,” Dr. Lain notes. Avoid exfoliants, alcohol-based toners, or harsh products for 24–48 hours; use daily sunscreen.

• Hyaluronic-acid-based moisturizers replenish hydration lost through micro-injuries and may enhance injectable longevity.

• Gentle, non-irritating cleansers preserve lipid balance and prevent unnecessary irritation.

“By abrading off the outer layer of cells called the stratum corneum with microdermabrasion, you’re exposing the layer behind it, which is more vulnerable,” Doris Day, MD, a Dermatologist with Day Dermatology & Aesthetics in New York, NY, explains. Removing this protective layer increases TEWL and sun sensitivity, especially in fair skin.

Recovery typically takes one to four weeks, depending on depth, baseline skincare, and actives used. OTC panthenol-containing moisturizers and fragrance-free formulations help calm irritation and support barrier repair. Here’s why, plus when and how to use them.

Stop prescription retinoids three to five days prior; continue OTC retinol only if well-tolerated. Use gentle, fragrance-free cleansers and barrier-supportive ingredients.

Apply a bland hydrating emollient to replenish moisture and support early barrier recovery. Sun protection is essential for at least four weeks.

Reintroduce antioxidants after Day 3, if tolerated. Continue avoiding fragrance and irritants. “Skin integrity is essential—that’s why barrier support products are even more important post-procedure,” Dr. Day says.

• Panthenol (Provitamin B5) reduces inflammation, supports hydration, and strengthens the recovering barrier.

• Fragrance-free formulations reduce risk of irritation when skin is most vulnerable. Dd.

DORIS DAY, MD, is a Dermatologist with Day Dermatology & Aesthetics in New York, NY.

TED LAIN, MD, MBA, is the Chief Medical Officer of Sanova Dermatology in Austin, TX.