Preparing Your Skin Before a Treatment: 7-Day Checklist

02/11/2026

By Aubry Tan, RN, Cosmetic Injector and Co-Founder of CLA.

Keypoints:

Stop actives 5–7 days out — retinol, exfoliating acids and strong vitamin C can increase sensitivity during treatment.
Hydration matters more than any single product — well-hydrated skin generally responds better and heals faster.
Avoid alcohol and blood-thinning medication the day before, where medically appropriate, to reduce bruising risk — see our full Care Guide for treatment-specific advice.

Part of our Cosmetic Treatments in Wollongong: The Complete Guide — see the guide for prep advice across every treatment type.

If you’ve got a cosmetic treatment booked and you’re wondering what to actually do beforehand, here’s the short version: stop active ingredients like retinol and exfoliating acids around 5–7 days out, keep your skin well hydrated, avoid excess sun exposure, and skip alcohol and unnecessary blood thinners in the 24–48 hours before your appointment.

7 days before

Stop using retinol, retinoids and strong exfoliating acids (AHAs/BHAs) if you use them regularly — they can increase skin sensitivity right when you want it calm.
Start prioritising a simple, hydrating routine: gentle cleanser, hydrating serum, moisturiser, SPF.
If you’re prone to cold sores and booking a lip treatment, mention it at your consultation — we may recommend antiviral precautions.

3–5 days before

Limit sun exposure and avoid tanning beds. Sunburnt or freshly tanned skin isn’t ideal for most injectable or device-based treatments.
Keep hydration up, both skincare and water intake — well-hydrated skin tends to bruise less and recover faster.
Avoid other facial treatments (facials, peels, waxing) close to this window so your skin isn’t dealing with multiple stressors at once.

24–48 hours before

Avoid alcohol, which can thin the blood and increase bruising risk.
Check with your GP before stopping any prescribed blood thinners or medication — never stop a prescribed medication without medical advice.
Avoid high-dose fish oil, vitamin E or ginkgo biloba supplements if you take them for non-medical reasons — these can also increase bruising.

The morning of your appointment

Arrive with clean, makeup-free skin where possible, or plan for a few extra minutes to remove it in clinic.
Eat something beforehand — an empty stomach makes some people more likely to feel lightheaded during injectable treatments.
Bring a list of current medications and any changes since your consultation.

Prepping for specific treatment types

General prep covers most treatments, but a few are worth flagging individually. Ahead of injectable treatments (anti-wrinkle, dermal filler, skin boosters), the alcohol and blood-thinning supplement advice above matters most, since bruising is the main risk to manage. Ahead of microneedling or resurfacing treatments, sun exposure avoidance in the days prior matters more, since these treatments temporarily increase sun sensitivity. Ahead of cosmetic tattoo treatments (brow or lip), avoiding blood thinners and alcohol is especially important, as bleeding during the procedure can affect how evenly pigment settles.

What to skip entirely

Fasting, “detoxing,” or dramatically changing your skincare routine right before treatment isn’t necessary and can sometimes do more harm than good by disrupting your skin’s normal balance. Consistency is more useful than a last-minute overhaul.

Frequently asked questions

Do I really need to stop retinol before every treatment?

For most injectable and device-based treatments, yes — around 5–7 days out is the general guide, but we'll confirm exact timing for your specific treatment.

Can I still wear makeup on the day of my appointment?

You can arrive with makeup on, though we'll remove it before treatment, so arriving makeup-free can simply save time.

What if I forget and use an active ingredient the night before?

Let us know when you arrive — it doesn't necessarily mean rescheduling, but it helps us plan the session appropriately for your skin's current state.

Is it necessary to avoid alcohol before every treatment?

It's most relevant for injectable treatments, where alcohol can increase bruising risk. For non-invasive treatments like facials, it's less critical.

Booked a Treatment? We'll Walk You Through Prep

Every treatment plan we give you includes tailored prep advice for exactly what you’re having done. Check our full Care Guide, browse facial treatments, or get in touch if you have a question before your appointment.

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