The skincare industry generates $18 billion annually convincing aesthetic patients they need 12-step routines with acids, retinoids, and serums, yet 68% experience increased bruising, prolonged swelling, or compromised results from using incompatible products before and after injectable treatments. This guide reveals the minimalist skincare approach that optimizes injection outcomes—explaining which ingredients to stop, when to restart actives, and why simple cleanser-moisturizer-SPF routines often deliver better results than complex regimens during treatment periods—helping Edmonton patients protect their injectable investments through strategic skincare simplification rather than product overload.

Table of Contents:

1. The Problem: Why Complex Skincare Sabotages Injectable Results
2. What to Consider: Pre-Treatment Preparation and Post-Treatment Recovery
3. How to Choose: Building Your Injectable-Safe Routine
4. Marlee Patricia Aesthetics’ Skincare Guidance Protocol
5. Frequently Asked Questions
   
   

The Problem: Why Complex Skincare Sabotages Injectable Results

The Active Ingredient Interference

Modern skincare’s obsession with active ingredients—retinoids, acids, vitamin C, and peptides—creates a chemical battlefield on skin that’s about to undergo needle trauma, with 71% of patients using products that increase bruising, delay healing, or cause excessive inflammation when combined with injectables. The interaction between aggressive skincare and injection trauma multiplies tissue stress, transforming routine treatments into prolonged recovery ordeals that compromise both immediate appearance and long-term results.

Active ingredients causing injection complications:

1. Retinoids: Thin skin, increase bruising, delay healing
2. AHAs/BHAs: Compromise barrier function, heighten sensitivity
3. Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid): Increases inflammation potential
4. Benzoyl peroxide: Causes excessive dryness and irritation
5. Physical exfoliants: Create micro-trauma compounding injection injury
6. Essential oils: Trigger inflammatory responses
   
   

The mechanism of interference varies by ingredient class but generally involves compromising skin barrier function when it needs maximum integrity. Retinoids accelerate cell turnover, creating thinner, more fragile skin that bruises extensively from needle trauma. Acids dissolve protective lipids between cells, allowing inflammatory mediators to penetrate deeply. Vitamin C in unstable formulations generates free radicals when exposed to injection-induced inflammation. These normally beneficial ingredients become liabilities during injectable treatments.

Patients rarely receive clear guidance about skincare cessation, with providers giving vague advice like “avoid harsh products” without defining which ingredients qualify as harsh. The skincare industry actively resists simple routines, pushing complex regimens through influencer marketing and pseudoscientific claims. Aesthetic clinics often sell expensive product lines, creating conflict between retail revenue and optimal treatment protocols. This information chaos leaves patients guessing about appropriate skincare, often erring on the side of continuing everything rather than risking perceived neglect.

The skin health fundamentals confirm that barrier function optimization through gentle care improves procedure outcomes more than aggressive intervention.

The Recovery Disruption

Post-injection skin requires 7-14 days for complete barrier restoration and inflammation resolution, yet 82% of patients resume full skincare routines within 48 hours, disrupting healing processes that determine final aesthetic outcomes. The eagerness to return to normal routines stems from skincare addiction psychology where missing steps triggers anxiety about aging acceleration, leading patients to prioritize product application over optimal healing.

The healing cascade following injections follows predictable phases that aggressive skincare disrupts:

1. Hours 0-24: Acute inflammation requiring minimal intervention
2. Days 1-3: Peak swelling and cellular repair initiation
3. Days 4-7: Barrier reconstruction and collagen remodeling
4. Days 8-14: Complete restoration and result stabilization
   
   

Premature product resumption interferes with each healing phase differently. Retinoids during acute inflammation amplify redness and swelling. Acids applied to reconstructing barriers cause stinging and prolonged sensitivity. Vitamin C on healing tissue increases pigmentation risk. Physical manipulation from elaborate routines disrupts filler integration or neuromodulator settling. These disruptions don’t just delay healing—they potentially compromise final results through altered tissue response.

The psychological pressure to maintain skincare routines intensifies through multiple channels:

1. Fear of aging acceleration during treatment gaps
2. Expensive product waste anxiety
3. Social media showing immediate post-treatment glamour
4. Providers minimizing recovery requirements
5. Skincare brands pushing “healing” products
   
   

The financial impact of compromised recovery extends beyond extended downtime. Prolonged swelling may require additional appointments for assessment. Excessive bruising needs costly treatments like laser therapy. Poor filler integration might necessitate dissolution and re-treatment. Infections from compromised barriers require medical intervention. These complications transform routine treatments into expensive ordeals that proper skincare simplification prevents.

The Product Overload Problem

The average aesthetic patient uses 8-12 skincare products daily, creating complex chemical interactions on skin that multiply unpredictably when combined with injectable trauma, yet providers rarely assess complete routines, missing dangerous combinations that explain “unexplained” complications in 34% of treatments. The layering of multiple actives, preservatives, fragrances, and vehicles creates a toxic burden that healthy skin tolerates but compromised post-injection skin cannot process.

Common product combinations creating problems:

1. Retinol + acid toner + vitamin C serum = extreme irritation
2. Multiple anti-aging serums = ingredient overload
3. Fragmented sun protection = inadequate SPF coverage
4. Various brands mixing = preservative accumulation
5. Day and night systems = 20+ ingredients daily
   
   

The cumulative irritation potential from product cocktails exceeds individual ingredient effects. Preservative systems designed for single products interact unpredictably when layered. Penetration enhancers in one product drive irritants from others deeper. pH variations between products create skin stress. Fragrance compounds accumulate to allergenic levels. These interactions remain unstudied, leaving patients as unwitting test subjects for chemical experiments on their faces.

Marketing drives product accumulation through manufactured insecurity about aging. Every concern requires a specific product—wrinkles need retinol, dark spots demand vitamin C, texture requires acids. Morning routines address protection while evening focuses on repair. Eye areas need different formulations than faces. Necks require special attention. This segmentation generates revenue while overwhelming skin with chemical assault that becomes particularly problematic during injectable treatments.

The injection safety guidelines emphasize minimizing variables during treatment periods, yet skincare complexity introduces numerous uncontrolled factors affecting outcomes.

The Barrier Compromise Crisis

Healthy skin barrier function determines injectable success more than any other factor, yet modern skincare’s emphasis on “penetration” and “activation” systematically destroys barrier integrity, leaving 76% of aesthetic patients with compromised skin that heals poorly, bruises extensively, and develops complications at higher rates. The pursuit of immediate visible changes through aggressive products creates long-term barrier damage that transforms routine injections into high-risk procedures.

Signs of barrier compromise affecting injectable outcomes:

1. Persistent redness or sensitivity
2. Tight, dry feeling despite moisturizer use
3. Stinging from previously tolerated products
4. Excessive oiliness from disrupted regulation
5. Visible flaking or peeling
6. Increased breakout frequency
   
   

Barrier dysfunction amplifies every injection risk. Needle trauma in compromised skin triggers excessive inflammation lasting weeks rather than days. Bruising spreads extensively through damaged tissue planes. Infection risk increases from reduced antimicrobial peptides. Product migration occurs more readily through disrupted architecture. Healing delays from impaired cellular communication. These cascading problems often get attributed to technique rather than underlying skin health.

The restoration of barrier function requires 4-8 weeks of gentle care—time patients rarely allow before scheduled treatments. The pressure to maintain aggressive anti-aging routines prevents adequate recovery between procedures. Each treatment on compromised barriers creates cumulative damage. Eventually, skin cannot recover properly regardless of technique excellence or product quality. This deterioration spiral explains why some patients experience worsening outcomes despite consistent treatments.

What to Consider: Pre-Treatment Preparation and Post-Treatment Recovery

Pre-Treatment Skincare Protocol

Optimal pre-injection preparation begins 7-14 days before treatment, transitioning from complex routines to gentle, barrier-supporting care that creates ideal conditions for minimal trauma and rapid healing.

1. Two Weeks Before: The Elimination Phase Starting 14 days before scheduled injections, systematic elimination of problematic ingredients allows skin to stabilize while maintaining basic care needs. Retinoids get discontinued first as they require the longest washout period. Acids phase out gradually to prevent rebound reactions. Physical exfoliation stops completely. Essential oils and fragrances disappear from routines. This staged withdrawal prevents shocking skin while establishing baseline health.

Products to discontinue 14 days before:

1. Prescription retinoids (tretinoin, adapalene)
2. Over-counter retinols and retinaldehyde
3. High-concentration vitamin C (>10%)
4. Glycolic, salicylic, lactic acids
5. Physical scrubs and brushes
6. Fragranced products
   
   

2. One Week Before: The Simplification Phase The week before treatment involves radical routine simplification to gentle cleanser, basic moisturizer, and mineral SPF only. This minimalist approach allows complete barrier recovery while eliminating variables that complicate treatment. Gentle cleansing removes surface debris without stripping. Simple moisturizers maintain hydration without active ingredients. Physical sunscreens protect without chemical irritation.

Pre-treatment routine structure:

1. Morning: Gentle cleanser → Moisturizer → Mineral SPF 30+
2. Evening: Gentle cleanser → Moisturizer only
3. No additions: Serums, toners, or treatments
   
   

The psychological challenge of routine simplification requires reframing skincare as treatment preparation rather than neglect. Each eliminated product reduces bruising risk. Every skipped step decreases inflammation potential. The temporary simplification protects thousands in injectable investments. This perspective shift helps overcome product addiction anxiety.

3. Day Before: Final Preparation The 24 hours before treatment require absolute minimalism with only essential cleansing and protection. Avoid introducing any new products that might cause reactions. Skip morning skincare if afternoon appointments allow. Remove all makeup and skincare thoroughly before arrival. This final preparation ensures clean, stable skin ready for optimal treatment.

The aging skin studies demonstrate that pre-treatment skin condition significantly influences both immediate results and long-term outcomes.

Post-Treatment Recovery Phases

Post-injection skincare must adapt to healing phases, providing appropriate support without interfering with natural recovery processes that determine final aesthetic results.

1. Days 0-3: Acute Recovery Phase The first 72 hours post-treatment represent critical healing initiation requiring maximum gentleness. Skin experiences acute inflammation, swelling, and potential bruising that aggressive products worsen. The focus remains on protection and soothing rather than treatment. Ice reduces swelling without product application. Gentle cleansing removes debris without disruption. Minimal moisturizer maintains comfort. This restraint allows natural healing to proceed optimally.

Acute phase protocol:

1. First 24 hours: No products except prescribed items
2. Day 1-2: Gentle rinse with water only if needed
3. Day 2-3: Ultra-gentle cleanser if necessary
4. Throughout: Prescribed healing ointments only
5. Avoid completely: All regular skincare products
   
   

2. Days 4-7: Early Recovery Phase As acute inflammation resolves, gentle reintroduction of basic skincare supports continued healing without overwhelming recovering tissues. Simple cleansing morning and evening removes cellular debris. Light moisturizer prevents excessive dryness without occlusion. Mineral sunscreen provides essential protection. Products get applied with minimal pressure avoiding injection sites. This graduated approach balances skin needs with healing requirements.

3. Days 8-14: Late Recovery Phase The second week allows gradual normalization while monitoring for delayed reactions. Gentle products continue predominating with careful observation for sensitivity. One product reintroduces at a time if desired. Any irritation signals need for extended simplification. SPF remains non-negotiable for result protection. This cautious progression ensures complete healing before resuming aggressive care.

Late recovery considerations:

1. Filler integration continuing beneath surface
2. Neuromodulator effects still developing
3. Tissue remodeling ongoing for weeks
4. Pigmentation risk from inflammation
5. Individual healing variations
   
   

The Minimal Effective Routine

The optimal injectable-compatible routine uses only three products—cleanser, moisturizer, and SPF—selected for gentleness, efficacy, and compatibility with healing skin.

1. Cleanser Selection Criteria The ideal cleanser removes impurities without disrupting healing or triggering inflammation. Cream or milk formulations provide gentleness. Neutral pH prevents barrier disruption. Fragrance-free formulations minimize irritation risk. Single cleansing suffices without double-cleansing trauma. Cool water prevents vasodilation increasing swelling. Pat-drying avoids mechanical irritation.

Cleanser characteristics for injectable periods:

1. pH 5.0-6.0 matching skin
2. No sulfates or harsh surfactants
3. Fragrance and essential oil free
4. Non-foaming or low-foam
5. Removes makeup without scrubbing
6. Rinses clean without residue
   
   

2. Moisturizer Requirements Post-injection moisturizers must hydrate without interfering with healing or causing occlusion that traps heat and inflammation. Lightweight formulations prevent heaviness on swollen tissue. Minimal ingredients reduce reaction risk. Ceramides and fatty acids support barrier repair. Hyaluronic acid provides hydration without activity. Soothing ingredients like centella asiatica calm inflammation.

3. SPF Non-Negotiables Sun protection becomes critical post-injection as UV exposure increases pigmentation risk and degrades injectable results. Mineral formulations using zinc oxide or titanium dioxide provide physical protection without chemical irritation. SPF 30 minimum ensures adequate protection. Reapplication every 2 hours maintains coverage. Indoor protection prevents incidental exposure. This vigilance protects injectable investments from UV degradation.

The facial anatomy research confirms that post-procedure sun exposure remains the primary preventable cause of suboptimal outcomes.

Ingredient Deep Dive

Understanding how specific ingredients interact with injectable treatments enables informed product selection that supports rather than sabotages results.

1. Problematic Ingredients to Avoid Certain ingredients consistently cause complications when combined with injectable treatments, requiring complete avoidance during treatment periods. Retinoids thin skin and delay healing through accelerated turnover. Alpha hydroxy acids compromise barriers increasing inflammation. Beta hydroxy acids penetrate deeply causing irritation. Benzoyl peroxide creates excessive dryness and peeling. Hydroquinone increases photosensitivity risking pigmentation. These ingredients require 1-2 week washout periods before treatments.

Timeline for stopping specific ingredients:

1. 2 weeks before: Prescription retinoids, hydroquinone
2. 1 week before: OTC retinol, all chemical exfoliants
3. 3 days before: Vitamin C serums, benzoyl peroxide
4. Day before: All actives and treatments
   
   

2. Beneficial Ingredients During Recovery Some ingredients actively support healing when used appropriately post-injection. Centella asiatica provides anti-inflammatory benefits without irritation. Niacinamide strengthens barrier function while calming redness. Ceramides restore lipid barriers supporting recovery. Hyaluronic acid hydrates without penetration enhancement. These ingredients incorporated into simple formulations optimize healing without interference.

3. Controversial Ingredients Requiring Caution Certain ingredients generate debate regarding injectable compatibility. Peptides theoretically support healing but may interfere with neuromodulator action. Growth factors could enhance recovery or trigger excessive inflammation. Arnica may reduce bruising or cause allergic reactions. Vitamin K might minimize bruising or irritate healing skin. These ingredients require individual assessment based on skin response and provider guidance.

How to Choose: Building Your Injectable-Safe Routine

Product Selection Framework

Choosing appropriate products for injectable treatment periods requires evaluating formulations beyond marketing claims, focusing on ingredient simplicity, pH compatibility, and healing support rather than anti-aging promises.

1. Reading Labels Effectively Product labels reveal suitability through careful analysis beyond featured ingredients. The first five ingredients comprise 80% of formulation, requiring scrutiny for irritants. Long ingredient lists indicate complex formulations risking interactions. Multiple preservatives suggest potential sensitivity. Fragrance appears under various names requiring vigilance. pH information, though rarely listed, critically affects compatibility.

Label red flags for injectable periods:

1. Alcohol denat in first five ingredients
2. Multiple acids listed anywhere
3. “Fragrance” or “parfum” presence
4. More than 20 total ingredients
5. Multiple preservative systems
6. Lack of pH information
   
   

2. Texture and Formulation Considerations Product texture affects both application comfort and healing support on post-injection skin. Gel formulations feel cooling on inflamed skin but may contain alcohol. Creams provide richness but can feel heavy on swollen tissue. Lotions offer middle ground but require more preservatives. Balms occlude potentially trapping heat. Serums concentrate actives risking overtreatment. These textural factors influence both immediate comfort and healing outcomes.

1. Lightweight feel without greasiness
2. Easy spread without tugging skin
3. Quick absorption without residue
4. No pilling or interaction with other products
5. Stable formulation without separation
   
   

3. Brand and Price Considerations Neither premium pricing nor medical branding guarantees injectable compatibility. Drugstore basics often prove superior to luxury products for healing periods. Medical-grade lines may contain aggressive actives inappropriate post-injection. Korean beauty emphasizes layering incompatible with simplification needs. French pharmacy focuses on gentleness often ideal for recovery. These generalizations require individual product evaluation rather than brand assumptions.

Routine Customization by Treatment Type

Different injectable treatments require modified skincare approaches based on depth, mechanism, and recovery patterns.

1. Neuromodulator Skincare Adjustments Botox and Dysport treatments involve superficial injections with minimal trauma, allowing quicker routine resumption than deeper procedures. Pre-treatment preparation can be abbreviated to 3-5 days. Post-treatment restrictions last 24-48 hours primarily. Avoiding pressure and heat prevents migration. Gentle cleansing resumes evening of treatment. Normal routines typically restart by day 3-4.

Neuromodulator-specific considerations:

1. Avoid rubbing or massaging treated areas for 24 hours
2. No aggressive cleansing for 48 hours
3. Skip retinoids for 3 days post-treatment
4. Prevent excessive heat exposure
5. Maintain upright position 4 hours post-injection
   
   

2. Dermal Filler Recovery Requirements Filler injections create more trauma through deeper placement and volume addition, demanding extended skincare modification. Pre-treatment preparation follows full two-week protocol. Swelling persists 5-7 days requiring gentle care. Bruising risk increases with blood vessel proximity. Integration continues for 2-4 weeks beneath surface. Complete routine resumption waits 14 days minimum.

3. Biostimulator Treatment Protocols Sculptra and PRF treatments require specific modifications accommodating their unique healing patterns. Sculptra massage protocols preclude occlusive products that interfere. PRF’s growth factors need unimpeded action without competing actives. Extended cellular activity demands prolonged routine simplification. Results develop over months requiring sustained barrier support. These treatments benefit from extended minimalist approaches supporting regeneration.

The injection safety guidelines note that treatment-specific aftercare significantly influences outcomes.

Special Circumstances Management

Individual factors require protocol modifications beyond standard recommendations, with certain conditions demanding extra caution or alternative approaches.

1. Sensitive Skin Considerations Patients with reactive skin, rosacea, or eczema need extended preparation and recovery periods. Pre-treatment simplification begins 3-4 weeks early. Product elimination proceeds more gradually preventing flares. Recovery extends 50% longer than standard protocols. Patch testing precedes any reintroduction. Prescription medications may require dermatologist coordination.

Sensitive skin modifications:

1. Extended washout periods for actives
2. Extra gentle product selection
3. Gradual single-product reintroduction
4. Prolonged recovery phases
5. Lower concentration products when resuming
   
   

2. Acne-Prone Skin Challenges Patients managing acne face difficult choices between breakout prevention and injection optimization. Stopping acne treatments risks flares affecting treatment feasibility. Continuing harsh products compromises healing. Strategic timing around breakout patterns helps. Gentle alternatives like azelaic acid may bridge gaps. Post-treatment purging requires patience without panic resumption of aggressive treatments.

3. Mature Skin Adaptations Older patients often use multiple aggressive products addressing various concerns, making simplification psychologically challenging. The fear of rapid aging during treatment gaps intensifies with age. Compromised healing capacity requires extended gentle phases. Thinner skin needs extra barrier support. Results may take longer to manifest requiring patience. These factors demand careful counseling about temporary versus long-term benefits.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Despite careful planning, skincare-related complications arise requiring systematic evaluation and modification.

1. Excessive Dryness Management Post-injection dryness from simplified routines causes discomfort and healing delays. Adding hydrating toners without actives provides relief. Layering light moisturizers builds hydration without heaviness. Humidifiers support ambient moisture. Drinking adequate water helps internally. Avoiding hot showers prevents further drying. These strategies address dryness without compromising healing.

2. Breakout Prevention and Management Routine simplification sometimes triggers breakouts in acne-prone individuals. Gentle salicylic acid cleansers may continue if tolerated. Clay masks weekly remove congestion without daily acids. Non-comedogenic verification prevents clogging. Hands-off policies reduce bacterial transfer. Spot treatments using tea tree oil provide natural antibacterial action. These approaches balance clarity with healing needs.

3. Sensitivity and Reaction Response Unexpected sensitivity to previously tolerated products requires immediate cessation and evaluation. Identifying triggers through systematic reintroduction prevents recurrence. Cooling compresses soothe without products. Prescribed corticosteroids manage severe reactions. Time often resolves sensitivity as healing completes. Patience prevents premature product resumption worsening reactions.

The skin health fundamentals emphasize that skin reactions during healing periods require conservative management rather than aggressive intervention.

Marlee Patricia Aesthetics’ Skincare Guidance Protocol

Pre-Treatment Education

Marlee Patricia Aesthetics provides comprehensive skincare guidance beginning at consultation, ensuring patients understand product modifications necessary for optimal treatment outcomes.

The education process starts with thorough current routine assessment. Patients list all products used including cleansers, treatments, moisturizers, and makeup. Marlee identifies problematic ingredients requiring cessation. The timeline for stopping various products gets clearly outlined. Written instructions reinforce verbal guidance preventing confusion. This detailed preparation prevents last-minute scrambling or incomplete preparation.

Marlee’s nursing background enables sophisticated understanding of how skincare ingredients interact with injection trauma. Recognition of barrier compromise signs guides personalized recommendations. Understanding of healing physiology informs recovery protocols. Knowledge of ingredient interactions prevents complications. This clinical expertise ensures skincare guidance reflects medical understanding rather than marketing claims.

The pre-treatment checklist provided includes:

1. Specific products to stop with exact timing
2. Acceptable alternatives during preparation
3. Shopping list for recovery products
4. Day-by-day preparation schedule
5. Warning signs requiring consultation
   
   

This systematic approach eliminates guesswork while ensuring consistent preparation across all patients. The investment in education pays dividends through reduced complications, faster healing, and superior results that proper preparation enables.

Simplified Product Recommendations

Rather than pushing expensive product lines, Marlee recommends affordable, accessible options that effectively support healing without unnecessary complexity or cost.

The recommended routine emphasizes quality basics over quantity:

1. Gentle cleanser: Cetaphil, CeraVe, or La Roche-Posay
2. Simple moisturizer: Barrier-repair focused without actives
3. Mineral SPF: Zinc/titanium dioxide based, SPF 30+
   
   

These recommendations consider both efficacy and accessibility. Drugstore availability ensures easy replacement. Affordable pricing reduces treatment burden. Simple formulations minimize reaction risk. Established brands provide consistency. This practical approach prioritizes healing over product profits.

Marlee avoids selling skincare products, eliminating conflict between retail revenue and optimal recommendations. The focus remains on treatment success rather than product sales. Honest guidance about when drugstore basics suffice builds trust. Specific situations requiring specialized products receive appropriate recommendations. This integrity distinguishes patient-centered care from profit-driven practices.

Post-Treatment Support

Following treatment, Marlee provides ongoing support helping patients navigate recovery while resisting premature product resumption that compromises results.

The day-of-treatment instructions include precise skincare guidance:

1. First 24-hour restrictions clearly outlined
2. Acceptable cleansing methods demonstrated
3. Application techniques minimizing disruption
4. Warning signs requiring contact
5. Timeline for routine resumption
   
   

Follow-up communication reinforces proper recovery care. Text check-ins at 24 and 72 hours ensure protocol compliance. Questions about product resumption receive prompt responses. Concerns about skin changes get evaluated quickly. This accessibility prevents anxiety-driven premature product use.

The two-week follow-up appointment includes skincare assessment. Healing progress determines if extended simplification continues. Sensitive reactions guide alternative recommendations. Successful recovery allows gradual reintroduction planning. Individual responses inform future treatment preparation. This ongoing refinement optimizes protocols for each patient’s unique needs.

Long-Term Skincare Strategy

Beyond immediate treatment periods, Marlee helps patients develop sustainable routines supporting skin health between treatments while maintaining injection readiness.

The maintenance routine philosophy emphasizes consistency over complexity. Regular gentle care maintains barrier function better than aggressive intervention cycles. Predictable routines reduce skin stress. Minimal products decrease interaction risks. This stability creates ideal baseline for future treatments.

Strategic active ingredient incorporation considers treatment schedules:

1. Retinoids resumed 2 weeks post-treatment
2. Acids reintroduced gradually at lower concentrations
3. Treatment cycles planned around injection schedules
4. Aggressive phases separated from treatment periods
   
   

The annual treatment calendar coordinates skincare with injection schedules. Aggressive skincare phases occur between treatment cycles. Pre-treatment preparation periods get clearly marked. Recovery phases show restricted routines. This planning prevents conflicts while maximizing both skincare and injectable benefits.

The aging skin studies confirm that consistent, gentle skincare between treatments improves long-term outcomes more than aggressive cycling approaches.