Should I use skinmedica tns recovery complex before my Halo facial?

Hello and thank you for your question. Halo is an amazing treatment because it gives excellent results for people who are looking to improve the quality of their skin, textural problems, large pores and wrinkles as well as their complexion. In most cases the best recommendation is for people to begin using products at home to stimulate collagen and healthy skin before the procedure. This will not only give the patients a better result but it shortens the healing process. I suggest that you do you your SkinMedica TNS prior to any procedure such as Halo. Hope this helps, Dr. S. 

Congratulations on deciding to get the halo laser treatment. I think it might be best to use your Skinmedica TNS Recovery Complex about 2 weeks AFTER Halo resurfacing to get the best benefit. TNS Recovery Complex has a high concentration of growth factors, antioxidants and soluble collagen which all stimulate regrowth in your skin. That process pairs perfectly with the Halo resurfacing treatment. Good luck! 

Thanks for the great question! In my opinion, the best skin care products to use prior to Halo are retinol and hydroquinone (if you have darker skin). The retinol will help to condition the skin prior to the treatment and the hydroquinone helps to prevent post inflammatory hyperpigmentation and will also get rid of pre-existing sun spots. The TNS recovery serum is probably best to use after the treatment. Ask your provider what they recommend as each doctor is a little different. Best of luck!~Dr. Sieber

although TNS serum is a somewhat effective serum (better than many on the market), I have strongly, strongly found that prescription medications and even compounded medications are far more effective and actually cost far less. I was fortunate enough to get to do the original Halo w. Prototype #1, and the development of this laser. In the post care management (first 7-10 days), less ingredients is a way safer strategy and I personally prefer a vegetable based (petroleum based is absolute last resort) balm to hold in moisture, but with no added ingredients. Post laser, 5-10% of people will react to even added ingredients they have previously tolerated.

Hope this helps! Best,

Rebecca Gelber

Thank you for your question.  SkinMedica TNS Recovery Complex is one of my favorite skincare products - I actually include a complimentary SkinMedica TNS Recovery Complex with every Halo treatment I perform, and recommend that patients starts using it after treatment.  Using it before treatment would likely be helpful as well, as TNS on its own contains over 300 human growth factors to help stimulate collagen production in the skin.While the TNS Essential Serum is also an excellent product, I would avoid using in on your skin while healing from Halo - it contains several additional ingredients (like vitamin C and E and other antioxidants), which are highly beneficial for the skin, but can be very irritating on post-laser skin.

Having your skin in optimal condition prior to Halo is very helpful to recovery.  We try to have patients acclimatize to a retinoid and sometimes pretreat skin of color with a hydroquinone containing product prior to treatment depending on our goals and potential laser settings.  This also helps our patients settle into a good skincare routine so they have good skincare habits that will help them heal and maintain their results longer. It's best to work with a provider experienced in laser procedures in your area.

Sure the use of recovery serums and EGFs can help skin recover quicker, however timing is everything. The use of pre bleaching and SPF is very important is you have darker skin types. Some dermatologists use a retinoid pre and post recovery. Each dermatologist will have their own protocol as to the use of topicals, however timing is everything. If a superficial peel like HALO is conducted serums and low dose retinoids can be commenced 7 to 10 days after the laser peel, for more invasive procedures, I suggest waiting 2-3 weeks. Let your dermatologist guide you as they know your skin recovery. All the best, Dr Davin Lim