FAQs

Welcome to Sacred Elements Skin + Reiki! Here's how to prepare, what to expect, and how to care for your skin post-treatment:

Before Your Appointment

  1. Arrival Time:

    • Please arrive no more than 10 minutes early to your appointment.

  2. Preparation:

    • Arrive with a bare face, if possible.

    • Be prepared to remove any jewelry if your treatment includes massage.

  3. Product Precautions:

    • Stop using retinol products at least 3 days prior to your treatment.

    • Stop using tretinoin (such as Retin-A) 7 days prior to your treatment.

During Your Appointment

  1. Consultation & Skin Analysis:

    • Your esthetician will review your booked treatment and go over your consent form with you.

    • A detailed skin analysis will be performed to ensure the correct treatment plan for your unique needs.

  2. Treatment Overview:

    • Your esthetician will explain the steps of your treatment and what to expect so you feel informed and comfortable.

  3. Post-Treatment Plan:

    • At the end of your service, your esthetician will present a customized skincare regimen designed specifically for your skin type and concerns.

    • Recommendations for follow-up treatments will also be provided to help you achieve your skincare goals.

After Your Treatment

  1. Avoid:

    • Sun or heat exposure (including hot, steamy showers or the gym) for at least 24 hours post-treatment. For peels, avoid for 48 hours.

    • Using exfoliating acids (e.g., AHAs, BHAs, or scrubs) for 24 hours post-treatment. For peels, wait until your peeling has completely stopped.

  2. Protect:

    • Always wear and reapply SPF to protect your skin.

    • Follow all aftercare instructions provided by your esthetician to ensure optimal healing and results.

  3. Expect:

    • Redness: After certain treatments like peels, microdermabrasion, or acne treatments, mild redness similar to a sunburn is normal.

    • Purging or Breakouts: Post-treatment "purging" or an increase in breakouts can occur due to the exfoliating nature of your facial. This is temporary and should subside within 1-2 weeks.

    • Peeling: For treatments like peels, slight peeling is common. Do not pick or peel at your skin—this can cause irritation or scarring.

By following these guidelines and your esthetician's advice, you'll maximize your results and enjoy radiant, healthy skin!

We can’t wait to see you!

Acne Care Journey: What to Expect & How to Thrive

Skin Purging: What It Is & Why It Happens

When starting a customized regimen with exfoliating acids and active ingredients:

  • What is purging? Temporary breakout flare-ups as clogged pores come to the surface faster than usual.

  • How long does it last? Up to 8 weeks. This is normal and part of the skin's natural cycle.

Commitment to Consistency

  • Professional Treatments: Bi-weekly or monthly sessions are essential, depending on your treatment plan.

  • Long-Term Results: Clear, healthy skin often takes 6 months to 12 months (or longer for scar revision).

Inflamed, Hormonal, or Papulopustular Acne

  • Influenced by internal factors that require ongoing maintenance.

  • Common Triggers to Avoid:

    • Fatty/fried foods

    • Dairy

    • High sugar/carbs

    • Excessive sweating from sports or workouts

    • Stress

    • Alcohol

Other Contributing Factors

  • Pregnancy

  • Starting/stopping hormonal birth control

  • Medications that affect the skin

Post-Facial Breakouts: What to Know

  • Acne flare-ups or purging after treatments can happen, especially if consistency is interrupted.

  • What to Expect: Breakouts may temporarily worsen as the skin adjusts to treatments.

  • How to Manage: Follow your homecare regimen exactly, avoid picking, and communicate with your esthetician.

Lifestyle + Skincare = Results

Acne healing is a partnership between professional treatments and a healthy lifestyle. Trust the process, stay consistent, and remember that progress takes time.

Ready to Start Your Acne Journey?

Let us help you create a personalized plan for healthy, radiant skin. Book your consultation now!

What to Know About Hyperpigmentation and Melasma Treatments

Hyperpigmentation and melasma are complex skin conditions that require patience, consistency, and a tailored approach to treatment. Here’s what you need to know to set realistic expectations and maximize your results:

1. Progress Takes Time

  • Treating hyperpigmentation and melasma is a gradual process. It can take 12–18 months (or longer in some cases) to see a significant improvement in your skin.

  • Progress is steady but slow, and visible results will vary based on the severity of the pigmentation and your adherence to the regimen.

2. Pigmentation May Darken Before It Improves

  • It is normal for pigmentation to appear darker during treatment.

  • This happens as the pigment rises from the deeper, live layers of the skin to the surface (epidermis), where it can be naturally shed through your skin’s renewal process.

3. Consistency is Key

  • Daily use of prescribed products and adherence to your treatment plan are essential for success.

  • Treatments and skincare regimens work synergistically to reduce pigmentation over time. Skipping steps or being inconsistent can hinder your progress.

4. Protect Your Skin

  • Avoid excessive heat and sun exposure:

    • Heat from saunas, hot showers, or exercise can exacerbate melasma and hyperpigmentation.

    • Sun exposure is one of the biggest triggers for pigmentation, even if you’re inside near windows or driving.

  • SPF is non-negotiable:

    • Wear a broad-spectrum SPF every day and reapply every 2–3 hours when exposed to sunlight.

5. Hormonal Influences

  • Melasma is often triggered by hormonal fluctuations, such as pregnancy, hormonal birth control, or menopause.

  • These changes can stimulate excess melanin production, which makes managing melasma more challenging but not impossible.

6. The Role of the Liver

  • The liver’s health plays a crucial role in managing pigmentation, as it helps detoxify and regulate hormones.

  • Tips for supporting your liver:

    • Incorporate liver-friendly foods like leafy greens, beets, and turmeric.

    • Consider supplements such as milk thistle (consult with your healthcare provider before starting any supplement).

    • Stay hydrated and avoid excessive alcohol or fatty foods that can burden the liver.

Your Journey Toward Clearer Skin

Treating hyperpigmentation and melasma is not a one-size-fits-all process, but with consistency, proper care, and patience, brighter and more even-toned skin is achievable.

Ready to start your journey? Schedule a consultation today to create a personalized treatment plan designed for your unique skin and lifestyle needs.

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