Skin booster injection is one of the most popular skin management treatments in Korea, but many people overlook the importance of pre-treatment preparation and post-treatment care — choosing the wrong timing, using wrong products, or doing things you shouldn’t can not only diminish results but even worsen skin conditions. Seoul’s Rappoel Dermatology shares a complete pre and post-treatment care guide based on years of clinical experience to help you maximize treatment results.
Pre-Treatment: 1-2 Weeks Before
- Stop Topical Acids: Discontinue retinoids, AHAs, BHAs 1 week before to avoid compromised skin barrier
- Stop Whitening Products: Discontinue vitamin C, arbutin, tranexamic acid 3 days before to reduce sensitivity
- Avoid Over-Exfoliation: No scrubs or chemical exfoliation 1 week before; maintain intact skin barrier
- Boost Hydration: Intensify moisturizing 3 days before with ceramide and hyaluronic acid repair products
- Avoid Sun Exposure: No intense sun before treatment; sunburned skin must fully recover first
- Disclose Medications: Inform doctor about anticoagulants, immunosuppressants, etc.
Treatment Day Guidelines
- Arrive Bare-faced: Come without makeup or skincare products
- Topical Anesthesia: Numbing cream for 20-30 minutes for comfort
- Treatment: About 15-30 minutes; doctor uses mesotherapy device for even nutrient delivery
- Post-treatment Soothing: Calming mask for 10-15 minutes
- Same Day: No washing or makeup for 6 hours; avoid sweating
Post-Treatment Care Timeline
| Time | Care Focus | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 0-6 hours | No water, no makeup | Open needle holes, prevent infection |
| 6-24 hours | Gentle rinse with water | No cleanser, water only |
| 1-3 days | Intensive repair hydration | Use doctor-recommended repair cream; avoid all acids and whitening |
| 3-7 days | Strict sun protection | SPF 50+ physical sunscreen; avoid direct sun |
| 1-2 weeks | Gradual return to normal skincare | Start with basic hydration, then add functional products |
| After 2 weeks | Full recovery | Can resume all skincare and aesthetic treatments |
Post-Treatment Restrictions (Must Avoid)
- 1 Week: No saunas, steam rooms, hot springs, or intense exercise (accelerates metabolism, reduces effect)
- 3 Days: No skincare with acids, whitening, or anti-aging ingredients
- 1 Week: No laser, chemical peels, microneedling, or other aesthetic treatments
- 2 Weeks: No excessive facial massage or cleansing devices
- Always: No smoking or alcohol (impairs healing and collagen production)
How to Tell if Recovery Is Normal
- Normal: Mild redness, visible needle marks, slight tightness for 1-2 days
- Watch: Persistent redness, pustules, or pain after 3 days
- Abnormal: Large bruising lasting over 1 week, allergic reactions
- Action: Contact the clinic immediately if abnormal; do not self-medicate
Skin booster results are 50% from the treatment itself and 50% from pre-treatment preparation and post-treatment care. Rappoel Clinic is located 3 minutes from Gangnam Station Exit 10 in Seoul. After each treatment, the doctor provides detailed aftercare instructions and a recommended skincare list. Contact via WeChat (rappoelkr) or Line for any post-treatment questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How soon can I wear makeup after skin booster?
No makeup for 24 hours after treatment. After 24 hours, light makeup is acceptable but avoid foundation with acids or whitening ingredients. Normal makeup can resume after 3 days. If you must wear makeup the day after treatment, use low-irritation mineral makeup and ensure thorough removal.
Why does my skin look worse after skin booster?
Possible causes: 1) Pre-existing damaged skin barrier (e.g., recent acid peel); 2) Improper aftercare (using irritating products, inadequate sun protection); 3) Allergic reaction to injected ingredients; 4) Post-treatment infection (water or makeup on open needle holes). Normal mild redness and tightness last 1-3 days then improve. If skin worsens after 3 days, contact the clinic.
What skincare should I use after skin booster?
For 1 week post-treatment, use the simplest basic routine: gentle cleanser (or water only), repair moisturizer (with ceramides, panthenol), and physical sunscreen (SPF 50+). Avoid all acids (retinoids, AHAs, BHAs), whitening (vitamin C, arbutin), and anti-aging (retinol) ingredients. Gradually resume functional products after 1 week. Rappoel Clinic provides a recommended skincare list after treatment.
Can I exercise after skin booster?
Avoid intense exercise for 48 hours. Sweating accelerates blood circulation, which may worsen redness, and salt in sweat can irritate needle holes. Avoid saunas, steam rooms, and hot springs for 1 week. Light exercise (walking, yoga) can resume after 3 days, and normal intensity after 1 week.
What should I prepare before getting skin booster in Korea?
Stop acids and irritating skincare 1 week before, and whitening products 3 days before. After arriving in Korea, have a consultation first for skin assessment before scheduling treatment. Rappoel Clinic is located 3 minutes from Gangnam Station Exit 10 in Seoul. Book via WeChat (rappoelkr) or Line (rappoelkr). We recommend booking 1 week in advance to discuss pre-treatment care. Clinic hours are 10 AM to 7 PM daily.
Want to Double Your Skin Booster Results? Contact Rappoel
📍 77, Seocho-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul, South Korea
🕐 Mon–Fri 10:00–19:00 · Sat 10:00–17:00
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