What you do before your treatment matters just as much as what you do after. Treatments like Clear + Brilliant, Microneedling, Pico Genesis, Pico Genesis FX, and Morpheus8 work best when your skin is calm, healthy, and at its natural baseline. Proper pre‑treatment skincare helps reduce irritation, lower the risk of post‑inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and ensure you get the best possible results. Here’s how to prep your skin the right way before your appointment at Austin Laser Solutions.
1) Avoid Sun Exposure and Any Kind of Tanning
This is the biggest rule. Sun exposure before laser skin rejuvenation increases the risk of pigmentation issues and sensitivity.
• Avoid direct sun exposure for at least 2 weeks before your appointment
• No tanning beds
• No intentional “getting a little color”
• Wear broad‑spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+) daily and protective clothing outdoors

Keeping your skin close to its natural tone before treatment helps ensure even results and minimizes pigment issues — a key point in the Clear + Brilliant and Pico Genesis pre‑care instructions.
2) Stop Self Tanner and Spray Tans
Self tanner and spray tan residues can interfere with how laser energy is absorbed, which may impact results and increase discoloration risk.
• Stop self tanner and spray tans at least 10–14 days before treatment
• Avoid bronzing drops, tinted moisturizers, and body makeup
• Tell your provider if you used self tanner recently
Following these steps helps prevent uneven results — part of what all skin rejuvenation pre‑care pages recommend
3) Pause Harsh Skincare Products and “Active” Ingredients
Your skin shouldn’t be “active” before treatment — it needs to be calm.
About 5–7 days before your appointment (or longer if advised), stop using:
• Retinol / Tretinoin
• Glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid (AHA/BHA)
• Benzoyl peroxide
• Exfoliating scrubs or brushes
• Harsh, stripping cleansers
Stick to a gentle cleanser and simple hydration. This directive appears across Clear + Brilliant, Microneedling, Pico Genesis, Pico Genesis FX, and Morpheus8 pre‑care instructions.
4) Keep Your Skin Hydrated
Hydrated skin heals better and responds better to treatments.
• Drink plenty of water leading up to your appointment
• Use a gentle, hydrating moisturizer
• Avoid alcohol 24–48 hours before treatment when possible

5) Avoid Other Treatments Right Before Your Appointment
Stacking treatments too closely can irritate skin and affect outcomes.
Avoid:
• Chemical peels
• Strong facials
• Aggressive exfoliation
• Waxing or threading near the treatment area
• Other laser treatments unless cleared by your provider
Smooth, irritation‑free skin going into your appointment optimizes safety and results
6) Arrive With Clean Skin
On treatment day:
• Come with clean, makeup‑free skin
• Avoid lotions, oils, perfume, and SPF on treatment areas (unless instructed)
• Share any new breakouts or irritation with your provider
Clean skin ensures the laser or device can work directly on your natural tissue.
Why Pre‑Treatment Care Matters
Proper pre‑treatment skincare helps:
• Reduce irritation and downtime
• Lower the risk of hyperpigmentation
• Improve safety and consistency
• Maximize results from skin rejuvenation treatments
When your skin is calm going in, everything goes smoother coming out.