As an aesthetic practitioner, your role goes beyond enhancing your clients’ appearance, it’s about safeguarding the longevity of their results and providing them with aftercare advice for optimal outcomes. One of the most essential elements of post-treatment skincare is sun protection.
Whether it’s chemical peels, microneedling, injectables or laser therapy, nearly all aesthetic treatments leave the skin temporarily more vulnerable to UV damage and premature ageing. This makes SPF a non-negotiable part of your clinic’s aftercare protocol. Educating your patients on the importance of SPF in skincare is one of the most powerful ways to boost results, reduce complications, and protect their investment in their treatment plan.
Why SPF Is Essential for Post-Aesthetic Treatment Care
After an aesthetic procedure, the skin’s barrier is often compromised, increasing susceptibility to sunburn, irritation, hyperpigmentation, and premature ageing. During these sensitive periods, sun protection is crucial to support healing. Here’s why SPF matters:
• UV radiation (UVA & UVB) accelerates collagen breakdown, causes dark spots, and increases inflammation
• Exposure after treatments can trigger post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
• Infrared and blue light from screens and ambient light sources can exacerbate sensitivity
Incorporating medical-grade sunscreen into your clients’ skincare routine provides an added layer of defence, helping to maintain the skin barrier and preserve treatment results.
Sun Protection Advice for Patients
Educating clients on consistent SPF use is critical for supporting healing and optimising treatment outcomes. Here are our top tips for treatment aftercare:
- Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, even on overcast days
- Apply 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every two hours
- Choose a mineral sunscreen for sensitive skin to avoid irritation
- Avoid direct sun exposure, especially in the first 7–14 days post-treatment
- Pair SPF with physical sun protection: wide-brimmed hats, protective clothing, and sunglasses
Remind patients that SPF isn’t just for summer, daily protection is essential year-round.
Medical-Grade vs Off-the-Shelf Sunscreen
Many off-the-shelf sunscreens contain fillers, fragrances or chemicals that may irritate post-treatment skin. In contrast, medical-grade sunscreens are formulated with clinically tested ingredients designed to meet the needs of compromised skin.
Benefits of Medical-Grade SPF in Aesthetic Clinics:
- True broad-spectrum protection against UVA, UVB, and even HEV/infrared light
- Stable, high-quality formulations that don’t degrade quickly in sunlight
- Non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic, and suitable for sensitive or compromised skin
- Often enhanced with antioxidants, peptides and hydrating agents for added skin benefits
- Addresses concerns such as redness, dryness, pigmentation and inflammation
At Aesthetic Associates, we trust premium skincare brands such as ZO Skin Health®, Colorescience®, HydroPeptide, Obagi, Neostrata, and Medik8.
Elevate Client Results Through Sun Protection in Aesthetic Clinics
Integrating professional skincare into your clinic’s retail offering isn’t just a revenue opportunity, it’s a crucial part of patient care. Clients are more likely to follow skincare advice when it’s consistent, accessible, and backed by your expertise. Make SPF an integral part of every treatment plan and you’ll not only protect their skin, but you’ll also build trust, satisfaction, and long-term loyalty.
Are you looking to enhance your treatment offering with medical-grade skincare? We’d love to support you on your journey, please get in touch with us at [email protected].