Do you want a natural way to fight fine lines and other imperfections? Are you looking for a way to harness the healing power within your body to achieve beautiful, glowing skin? Try a vampire facial! It may sound intimidating, but vampire facials – also known as PRP treatments – have become a popular celebrity trend for a reason. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is taken from your body and used to encourage healthy cell growth and healing in an innovative new kind of facial. As we discussed in our last blog post, the PRP is injected into your skin through a procedure called microneedling, and the results can be transformative. There are a few things you should know and a few steps you should take, however, to ensure that you get the best possible results from your treatment.
Beach Beauty Health Spa has been helping all of our clients, from celebrities to local beach lovers, look and feel their best for more than 10 years, and we want to help you get the most out of your vampire facial. Today, in part one of an ongoing series, we’ll be going over a few key do’s and don’ts of skin care and self care after a vampire facial. Ready to try this fascinating new procedure for yourself? Read our previous post to get answers to a few vampire facial FAQs and call today to schedule your appointment!
What to Expect
One of the biggest benefits of vampire facials is that the procedure uses your blood, drawn just minutes before the facial, so you don’t have to worry about any adverse reactions to strange chemicals and substances. We’re simply harnessing the natural healing power that’s already in your body and using it to target features and imperfections in your skin. The side effects you can expect will mostly come from the microneedling part of the procedure, when hundreds of shallow injections are made in the skin of your face to help the platelet-rich plasma get to the places where it’s needed. As the name “microneedling” suggests, tiny needles are used and the injections are shallow and heal quickly, but your skin will be especially sensitive for a day or two.
Common symptoms include:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Tenderness
Bruising and numbness are also possible, but these side effects are rare. One effect you shouldn’t experience? Any kind of adverse allergic reaction. There are no foreign substances used in a vampire facial that could cause your body to react negatively — just your own blood!
What to Do
The most essential thing you should do after a vampire facial is simply be gentle and kind to your skin. It will be especially sensitive, so take care to protect it from any kind of damage. Your spa professional will give you advice on how to care for your skin after your PRP treatment, and they will be happy to answer any questions you have. If you’re doing research for a vampire facial in the future, here are a few tips and guidelines you can expect to hear:
Moisturize
Apply a skin-protecting ointment like petroleum jelly soon after your PRP treatment and use it liberally. Not only will it keep your healing skin smooth and hydrated, but it can also form a layer between your skin and the dirt and grime of everyday life. If you don’t have petroleum jelly on hand, choose your moisturizer with care, because some products may sting.
Wear Sunscreen
Try to avoid direct sunlight in the hours following your appointment. In the day or two after your facial, your skin will likely be healed or almost healed, but it will still be delicate. Apply plenty of sunscreen and reapply often.
Apply Ice Packs
If you experience any swelling after your vampire facial, the best way to relieve the inflammation and irritation is to use gel or ice packs. You should avoid taking anti-inflammatory medicines similar to ibuprofen, for reasons we will address later in this article.
Use a Gentle Cleanser
You shouldn’t wash your face immediately after your appointment. After all, you want to give the PRP treatment as much time as possible to absorb into your skin. When you start washing your face again, try to find a product made for sensitive skin. Abrasive face scrubs or harsh chemical cleaners can hurt and damage the effects of your facial if you add them back into your skincare routine too soon.
Try a Vampire Facial Today!
A vampire facial can do wonders for your skin, including reducing the appearance of wrinkles and encouraging cell regrowth, and a few important aftercare steps can ensure that you experience the full effects for as long as possible. Do your skin a favor and ensure that it stays hydrated and protected with help from a gentle moisturizer and sunscreen. If you want to reduce swelling and irritation, use ice packs, and when you’re ready to wash your face, make sure that you use a product meant for sensitive skin. For more information on vampire facials, go back and read our introductory post and look for part two of this series on what not to do after your vampire facial. You can also contact Beach Beauty Health Spa! We’d be happy to answer your questions, and when you’re ready, we’ll schedule an appointment with one of our professionals. Become a spa member today and you can get 20% off all services year-round — call now to learn more!