Skin Care Treatments – How to Prepare and What to Expect

LOCATED IN RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA AND SERVING PATIENTS NATIONWIDE

Blue Water Spa offers a variety of the safest and most effective medical-grade products and skin care services available. Based on your skin assessment and your home care routine, your aesthetician will recommend treatments and products that are most beneficial to your skin. Your skin care requirements may change as skin issues are resolved and your focus transitions from repair to maintenance. At Blue Water Spa we have a conservative approach to ensure safe and consistent long-term results.

Please plan to arrive 10 minutes prior to your appointment time to ensure a prompt start to your treatment. Arriving late may result in a cancellation or reduced treatment time.

If you have any changes in your medical history or medications prior to your appointment, please contact our office to ensure there are no contraindications for treatment. Text us at (919) 769-6044.

Facials

Preparing For Your Facial Appointment:

Facials are a great option for patients who have had sun exposure or are pregnant or nursing as no contraindications or pretreatment product restrictions are required.
Do not have injectable services, like filler or Neurotoxins, for at least 7 days before treatment.

What to Expect During Your Facial Appointment:

All of our facials are tailored to each client’s individual skin care needs and include elements such as thorough cleansing, pore congestion extractions, mask, face and/or shoulder massage, and specialty products. The method of exfoliation distinguishes these treatments, and your aesthetician can help you choose which method is best for you.

After Your Facial Appointment:

You may be a little flushed post treatment; however, redness will typically subside within 1-2 hours.
After your facial, you can apply makeup and resume normal activities immediately.
Use a broad-spectrum sunblock with an SPF of 30 or above daily (rain or shine).
Do not have advanced injectable services, like filler, Sculptra or PRF Injections, for at least 7 days after treatment.
Neurotoxin treatment at Blue Water Spa may be performed immediately after treatment.
Contact our office if any side effects persist beyond two weeks or worsen over time.

Chemical Peels

Before Your Chemical Peel Appointment:

Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and do not use UV tanning beds for 3-5 days before your appointment. Treatment cannot be performed on sunburned skin.
Do not use any topical prescription products that cause sensitivity (e.g. hydroxy acids, salicylic acid, retinols, and benzoyl peroxide) on treated areas for 3-5 days before treatment.
Do not have any facial waxing, laser treatments, or exfoliating skin care procedures 2 weeks prior to treatment.
Do not have injectable services, like fillers or Neurotoxins, for at least 7 days before treatment.
Let your provider know if you have history of cold sores. An antiviral may be prescribed to prevent outbreak.
No Accutane 6 months prior to treatment.
Schedule at least one week before any special events, as irritation, peeling, and redness may persist during that time period.

Your Chemical Peel Appointment:

Our custom medical-grade chemical peels are tailored to your unique skin goals following your skin assessment. Using safe, effective exfoliating acids and antioxidant-rich products, this treatment targets aging, sun damage, hyperpigmentation, acne, and dull or rough skin. Each peel is carefully selected and combined with soothing treatment elements to rejuvenate the skin, enhance results, and promote a brighter, healthier complexion for all skin types.

After Your Chemical Peel Appointment:

Skin may be red and feel mildly irritated. These effects are similar to a sunburn and usually resolve within the first 1-3 days but may persist longer.
Peeling/flaking may occur 2-5 days post treatment and should be mild. Do not pick at peeling skin. Keep skin hydrated with recommended moisturizer. You may or may not experience visible peeling. The chemical exfoliants release dead skin cells and stimulate collagen growth whether or not peeling skin is observed post treatment.
Mineral makeup is safe to apply immediately after treatment.
Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and do not use UV tanning beds for 2 weeks after treatment.
Do not have any facial waxing, laser treatments, or exfoliating skin care procedures 2 weeks after treatment.
Do not have advanced injectable services, like filler, Sculptra or PRF Injections, for at least 7 days after treatment.
Neurotoxin treatment at Blue Water Spa may be performed immediately after treatment, except for after Advanced Chemical Peels, which will remain on the skin for several hours after application.
Exercise is acceptable for most patients; however, heat and perspiration may feel uncomfortable on sensitive skin.
Do not use any topical prescription products that cause sensitivity (e.g. hydroxy acids, salicylic acid, retinols, and benzoyl peroxide) in the treatment areas for 3-4 days after treatment, or until skin has healed and is free from irritation.
Use a broad-spectrum sunblock with an SPF of 30 or above daily (rain or shine).
Contact our office if any side effects persist beyond two weeks or worsen over time.

Advanced Chemical Peels

Before Your Advanced Chemical Peel Appointment:

Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and do not use UV tanning beds for 3-5 days before your appointment. Treatment cannot be performed on sunburned skin.
Do not use any topical prescription products that cause sensitivity (e.g. hydroxy acids, salicylic acid, retinols, and benzoyl peroxide) on treated areas for 3-5 days before treatment.
Do not have any facial waxing, laser treatments, or exfoliating skin care procedures 2 weeks prior to treatment.
Do not have injectable services, like filler or Neurotoxins, for at least 7 days before treatment.
Let your provider know if you have history of cold sores. An antiviral may be prescribed to prevent outbreak.
No Accutane 6 months prior to treatment.
Schedule for at least two weeks before any special events, as irritation, peeling, and redness may persist during that time period.

After Your Advanced Chemical Peel Appointment:

Wash your peel off at the time instructed by your BWS Provider.
Possible Side Effects: Redness, itching, peeling, swelling, irritation, rash, acne breakout, and burning. Cool compress, hydrocortisone cream, and/or antihistamine may help alleviate side effects.
Peeling or flaking may occur 2-7 days post treatment and should be mild. Do not pick at peeling skin. You may or may not experience visible peeling. If you do not observe visible peeling, please know that you are still receiving all the benefits of the treatment.
Use only a gentle cleanser and moisturizer until your skin has healed. Recommended Products: BWS Gentle Foaming Cleanser and BWS Barrier Restorative Ultragel.
Do not use any topical prescription products that cause sensitivity (e.g. hydroxy acids, salicylic acid, retinols, and benzoyl peroxide) or scrubs in the treatment areas for 5-7 days after treatment, or until skin has healed and is free from irritation to resume these products.
Use a broad-spectrum sunblock?with an SPF of 30+ daily (rain or shine).
Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and do not use UV tanning beds for 2 weeks after treatment.
Mineral makeup is safe to apply one day after treatment.
Avoid extreme heat. Exercise is acceptable for most patients; however, heat and perspiration may feel uncomfortable.
Do not have advanced injectable services, like Neurotoxins, filler, Sculptra or PRF Injections, for at least 7 days after treatment.
Do not have any facial waxing, laser treatments, or exfoliating skin care procedures 2 weeks after treatment.

Microneedling / PRF Facial

Before Your Microneedling / PRF Facial Appointment:

Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and do not use UV tanning beds for 3-5 days before your appointment. Treatment cannot be performed on sunburned skin.
Do not use any topical prescription products that cause sensitivity (e.g. hydroxy acids, salicylic acid, retinols, and benzoyl peroxide) on treated areas for 3-5 days before treatment.
Do not have any facial waxing, laser treatments, or exfoliating skin care procedures 2 weeks prior to treatment.
Do not have injectable services, like filler or Neurotoxins, for at least 7 days before treatment.
To minimize risk of bruising, avoid use of aspirin, fish oil and NSAIDS for 3 days prior to treatment. Talk to your primary physician before discontinuing any medications.
Let your provider know if you have history of cold sores. An antiviral may be prescribed to prevent outbreak.
No Accutane 6 months prior to treatment.
Schedule at least one week before any special events as swelling, peeling, and redness may persist during that time period.

Preparing For Your Microneedling / PRF Facial Appointment:

After your initial consultation, a numbing cream is prescribed, and you will apply it to clean skin 30-45 minutes prior to your appointment.
For PRF Facials, it is important that you come to your appointment well hydrated and be sure to eat beforehand.
For Scalp Microneedling, be sure to wash your hair and scalp thoroughly prior to your appointment.
What to Expect During Your Appointment: Your skin care specialist will cleanse and prep your skin with a surgical grade disinfectant and perform the treatment at a level that you are comfortable with. You may feel a prickling sensation or nothing at all. Additional soothing measures are taken to cool the skin and reduce irritation. Carefully chosen post procedure products are applied to protect and hydrate the skin without sting or irritation.

After Your Microneedling / PRF Facial Appointment:

Skin may be red, tight, itchy, swollen, irritated, peeling, and uncomfortable. These effects are similar to a sunburn and usually resolve within the first 1-3 days but may persist longer.
Mineral makeup can be worn 1 day after treatment.
Dryness may be experienced for 5-7 days. Keep skin hydrated with recommended moisturizer. Do not scratch or pick skin while healing.
Use a broad-spectrum sunblock?with an SPF of 30+ daily.
Avoid extreme heat. Exercise is acceptable for most patients; however, heat and perspiration may feel uncomfortable.
Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and do not use UV tanning beds for 2 weeks after treatment.
Do not use any topical prescription products that cause sensitivity (e.g. hydroxy acids, salicylic acid, retinols, and benzoyl peroxide) in the treatment areas for 3-4 days after treatment, or until skin has healed and is free from irritation to resume these products.
Do not have any facial waxing, laser treatments, or exfoliating skin care procedures 2 weeks after treatment.
Do not have injectable services, like filler or Neurotoxins, for at least 7 days after treatment.
Contact our office if any side effects persist beyond two weeks or worsen over time.

SaltFacial / HydraFacial

Preparing For Your SaltFacial or HydraFacial Appointment:

Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and do not use UV tanning beds for 3-5 days before your appointment. Treatment cannot be performed on sunburned skin.
Do not use any topical prescription products that cause sensitivity (e.g. hydroxy acids, salicylic acid, retinols, and benzoyl peroxide) on treated areas for 3-5 days before treatment.
Do not have any facial waxing, laser treatments, or exfoliating skin care procedures 2 weeks prior to treatment.
Do not have injectable services, like filler or Neurotoxins, for at least 7 days before treatment.
To minimize risk of bruising, avoid use of aspirin, fish oil and NSAIDS for 3 days prior to treatment. Talk to your primary physician before discontinuing any medications.
Let your provider know if you have history of cold sores. An antiviral may be prescribed to prevent outbreak.
No Accutane 6 months prior to treatment.
Schedule at least one week before any special events as swelling, peeling, and redness may persist during that time period.

What to Expect During Your SaltFacial or HydraFacial Appointment:

Our HydraFacial and SaltFacial services are performed by highly trained providers and fully customized to your skin’s unique needs following a professional skin assessment. Each treatment is thoughtfully selected and tailored using medical-grade technologies, targeted serums, and restorative modalities to address concerns such as aging, acne, sun damage, hyperpigmentation, dehydration, and uneven texture. By combining effective exfoliation, deep cleansing, hydration, and skin-supportive ingredients, these treatments are designed to rejuvenate the skin, enhance overall skin health, and deliver visible results with no downtime. Custom treatment elements are carefully chosen to maximize results while maintaining the integrity of the skin, leaving it refreshed, balanced, and glowing.

After Your SaltFacial or HydraFacial Appointment:

Skin may be red and feel mildly irritated. These effects are similar to a sunburn and usually resolve within the first 1-3 days but may persist longer.
Mineral makeup is safe to apply immediately after treatment.
Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and do not use UV tanning beds for 2 weeks after treatment.
Do not have any facial waxing, laser treatments, or exfoliating skin care procedures 2 weeks after treatment.
Do not have advanced injectable services, like filler, Sculptra or PRF Injections, for at least 7 days after treatment.
Neurotoxin treatment at Blue Water Spa may be performed immediately after treatment.
Exercise is acceptable for most patients; however, heat and perspiration may feel uncomfortable on sensitive skin.
Do not use any topical prescription products that cause sensitivity (e.g. hydroxy acids, salicylic acid, retinols, and benzoyl peroxide) in the treatment areas for 3-4 days after treatment, or until skin has healed and is free from irritation.
Use a broad-spectrum sunblock with an SPF of 30 or above daily (rain or shine).
Contact our office if any side effects persist beyond two weeks or worsen over time.

If you have any concerns or questions, please call or text our office at (919) 769-6044.