Patient education
Post-treatment acne protocol & aftercare
For Morpheus8 Burst (RF microneedling) and Solaria CO₂ fractional laser — heat-based treatments that renew skin. If you are treating acne or acne-prone skin, this page explains how we help you heal well and reduce post-procedure breakouts.
Hello Gorgeous Med Spa · Oswego, IL · Serving Naperville, Aurora, Plainfield & the Fox Valley
Important
This page is for education only. Your provider personalizes timing, products, and prescriptions. Nothing here replaces medical advice. Prescriptions require an evaluation and are sent to your pharmacy only when clinically appropriate.
Prepare your skin for the best possible results
- Avoid sun exposure and tanning 7–10 days prior
- Discontinue retinol, exfoliants, and active acids 5–7 days before (unless your provider directs otherwise)
- No waxing, chemical peels, or aggressive treatments for 1 week prior
- Stay hydrated; keep skin moisturized with a gentle routine
- Arrive with clean, makeup-free skin
- Tell us about active breakouts, infections, or new medications
Acne-prone clients: tell us in advance so we can customize your plan and post-care — including whether prescription support may help.
Protect your results. Heal beautifully.
What to expect
- Redness, warmth, and mild swelling (often 24–72 hours; CO₂ may be longer)
- Skin may feel tight, dry, or rough while renewing
- Mild flaking or texture changes as skin turns over
Do
- Cleanse gently as directed (often morning and night)
- Use a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer unless we specify otherwise
- Apply mineral SPF 30+ daily starting when your provider clears you (often from day 2)
- Change pillowcases nightly during early healing
- Keep hair and hands off treated areas
Do not
- Heavy workouts, saunas, or heavy sweating for 48–72 hours (or as directed)
- Makeup until your provider says it is safe (often at least 48 hours for many RF treatments; CO₂ may be longer)
- Picking, scratching, or peeling skin manually
- Retinols, acids, or exfoliants until fully healed
- Thick occlusive ointments unless we tell you to use them
Heat-based treatments can temporarily increase inflammation and oil activity. Some clients get temporary congestion or “purging”-type bumps while skin renews — usually manageable with the right topicals and hygiene.
Why breakouts can happen
- Heat + inflammation during healing
- Temporary pore congestion
- Heavy or occlusive products
- Sweat, friction, bacteria on phones, pillowcases, or hands
Early signs: small red bumps, clustered irritation, extra oiliness. If this starts, follow your provider's plan and contact us if it worsens.
For acne-prone patients or those at higher risk of post-procedure breakouts, your medical provider may prescribe short-term medications and send them to your pharmacy — so you get professional-grade support, not guesswork from the drugstore aisle alone.
Examples we may use (individualized)
- Topical clindamycin — often first-line; thin layer to affected areas as directed; many protocols start 24–48 hours after treatment unless we instruct otherwise.
- Benzoyl peroxide 2.5–5% — common adjunct; helps reduce acne bacteria; use as directed on acne-prone zones.
- Oral doxycycline (short course) — may be considered for moderate flare risk or acne-prone/oily skin types; dose and duration only per prescription.
Not every patient needs every medication. We align prescriptions with your history, severity, and treatment type (Morpheus8 vs CO₂ depth/downtime).
Typically avoid at least 5–7 days or until your provider clears you — especially occlusive or irritating products:
- Petroleum-heavy ointments (e.g. thick Aquaphor/Vaseline) unless medically directed
- Thick balms that trap heat and bacteria
- Pore-clogging oils or heavy makeup
- Retinoids / tretinoin
- AHAs, BHAs, and other exfoliating acids
- Scrubs or physical exfoliation
These can trap heat, clog pores, and raise breakout risk while skin is vulnerable.
- Pillowcases: change nightly for several nights to reduce bacteria and oil transfer.
- Phone & surfaces: disinfect your phone daily; avoid pressing a dirty screen against treated skin.
- Hands off: do not pick, squeeze, or rub. Picking raises risk of PIH, scarring, and prolonged redness.
- Hair: keep hair off your face; avoid heavy oils and styling products contacting treated skin.
- Sleep: try not to sleep on one side only if it presses treated areas; fresh pillowcases help.
Avoid strenuous exercise, saunas, steam rooms, and excessive heat for 48–72 hours (or longer for deeper CO₂ — follow your written instructions). Sweat + bacteria + compromised barrier = higher breakout risk.
- Morpheus8 / RF: redness and marks often improve over several days; texture continues to refine for weeks.
- Solaria CO₂: more downtime — redness, swelling, peeling often part of the process; full results evolve over weeks to months as collagen remodels.
- Breakout-type bumps: when they occur, they often improve over days to a couple of weeks with adherence to plan.
Call us if you have:
- Rapidly worsening breakout or pain
- Spreading redness, warmth, pus, or fever (possible infection — seek timely care)
- Vision changes, severe swelling, or anything that feels emergency-level — use 911 / ER
Ready to book or have questions?
We'll match treatment depth, downtime, and aftercare — including whether prescription support is right for you.
“Recovery kit” retail bundles may be added later — ask us what we recommend at your visit.