Exfoliation Glow Facial aftercare: First 72 Hours (Do & Don’ts)
By Bird of Paradise Skin Therapy | July 21, 2026
Woodland Hills, CA | 22030 Clarendon St, Suit 111, Woodland Hills, CA 91367 | +18187975202 | contact@bopskintherapy.com
We hear it all the time: you come in wanting that polished glow, and you leave feeling more confident because the facial was done with real care and attention to what your skin needs. Now the most important rule for the next 72 hours is simple: protect your skin from sun, heat, and friction. After exfoliation, your skin is fresh and a little more reactive, especially in Woodland Hills when it’s hot and bright. Keep things calm and you’ll keep that glow.
First 24 hours: keep it cool, clean, and makeup-free
Our Exfoliation Glow Facial combines advanced exfoliation techniques such as enzyme treatments, dermaplaning, or microdermabrasion to revitalize dull skin, unclog pores, and promote a smooth, radiant glow. Because we’re resurfacing and polishing, the first day is about protecting that brand-new surface.
Right after you leave: Skip the gym, skip hot water, and get SPF on if you’ll see daylight, even if you’re just driving around Woodland Hills running errands.
Do this
- Cleanse with a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser using lukewarm water. No scrubs, no cleansing brushes.
- Moisturize right away with a simple hydrating moisturizer (ceramides are great).
- Use mineral SPF (zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide). Reapply if you’re in and out of the car.
Avoid this
- Makeup for at least 24 hours. If you absolutely have to, keep it minimal and clean your tools.
- Hot showers, steam rooms, saunas, and any “flush your face” heat.
- Heavy sweating, including strenuous exercise.
- Picking at texture. Your skin will settle faster if you leave it alone.
If you’re heading to Westfield Topanga after your appointment, toss a hat in the car and keep a lightweight mineral SPF in your bag. That quick sun exposure adds up, especially during July and August in the Warner Center and Topanga Canyon corridor.
48 to 72 hours: the “don’t undo it” window (sun, sweat, and water matter)
This is the window where most people accidentally lose their result. A lot of our regulars tell us they stay glowing for weeks after facials, and the common thread is that they don’t rush back into actives, heat, or long sun days.
Woodland Hills reality check: If it’s sunny and you’re sweating, your skin is usually not happy. Keep workouts light and keep your face shaded for 48 to 72 hours.
Activities to hold off on
- Strenuous exercise and hot yoga (sweat and heat can trigger extra redness).
- Pools, hot tubs, and ocean swims (chlorine, salt, and heat are a lot right now).
- Facial massage, gua sha, or anything that adds friction.
If you’re outdoors
Topanga State Park is tempting. If you’re going anyway, keep it shaded, go early, wear a hat, and reapply mineral SPF. Bring water. Keep your face as cool as you can.
Days 4 to 7: when you can slowly bring your routine back
By the end of the first few days, your skin usually looks smoother and feels cleaner. Some people get a little dryness or light flaking. That’s not a failure, it’s your skin adjusting after exfoliation.
Actives (retinol, acids) come back last
We generally recommend avoiding retinol, AHAs, and BHAs for 5 to 7 days after your Exfoliation Glow Facial. If you’re acne-prone or pigment-prone, giving your skin that quiet time is often what keeps you from getting irritated.
Quick rule: If your skin still feels tight, stings when you apply products, or looks extra pink, wait another couple days before restarting actives.
And keep sunscreen as your daily non-negotiable. That’s how you protect the glow and protect your pigment in the Woodland Hills sun. This guidance is the same for our clients coming in from Calabasas, Canoga Park, West Hills, Tarzana, and Encino too.
The simple product lineup that keeps your glow looking “fresh”
You don’t need a complicated shelf right after exfoliation. You need a calm routine that supports your barrier. We’ll talk you through it the same way we do in the room, with straight answers and no pressure.
1) Gentle cleanser: fragrance-free, no exfoliating beads, no acids.
2) Barrier moisturizer: think hydration plus ceramides. Keep it simple for a week.
3) Mineral SPF: zinc/titanium every morning. Reapply if you’re in and out of the car.
If you want the bigger picture on why this facial hits especially well in summer, we broke it down in why the Exfoliation Glow Facial works for summer skincare. And if you’re comparing options, our facial treatments in Woodland Hills guide helps you pick what fits your skin and your schedule.
Red flags vs normal: when to reach out to our team
A little redness right after exfoliation is common. Mild dryness or a touch of peeling can happen too, especially if you’re already on the drier side. What we don’t want is anything that feels like it’s getting worse instead of better.
“Monique never makes you feel bad. She’s always welcoming and ready to do your scheduled procedure and give you lots of information about improving your skin.”
one of our regulars
Reach out to us promptly if you have worsening redness after the first day, blistering, increasing pain, or anything that looks like infection. We’d rather you check in early than try to “push through.”
If you’re due for your next reset, we’ll help you choose the right version of the Exfoliation Glow Facial, starting at $195, based on what your skin is doing right now. Call us at +18187975202 or email contact@bopskintherapy.com. We’re right here in Woodland Hills in the Warner Center and Topanga Canyon corridor.
Quick aftercare cheat sheet (save this)
- 0 to 24 hours: gentle cleanse + moisturizer + mineral SPF. No makeup. No heat. No sweat.
- 48 to 72 hours: avoid heavy workouts, pools, hot tubs, saunas, and long sun exposure.
- 5 to 7 days: keep retinol and exfoliating acids off your face, then reintroduce slowly if skin is calm.
If you’re unsure about a product or an activity, ask us. We’ll give you a clear yes or no for your skin.