HydraFacial and polynucleotides are two of the most loved treatments at MyAesthetics – and for good reason. One gives you instant clarity and radiance. The other strengthens your skin from within, supporting long-term repair, hydration, and resilience. When used together as part of a personalised plan, they create one of the most effective glow treatments you can give your skin.
But here’s the part most people overlook. The aftercare. What you do in the hours and days after your treatment makes a noticeable difference to how bright, smooth, and healthy your skin looks. Good aftercare protects your results. Great aftercare enhances them.
This guide walks you through exactly what to do – and what not to do – after your HydraFacial, Platinum HydraFacial, or Polynucleotides appointment at MyAesthetics in Manchester.
Why Aftercare Matters So Much
HydraFacial provides deep cleansing, exfoliation, extraction, hydration, and infusion in one seamless treatment. It leaves the skin polished and receptive. That’s why so many patients choose it before events, holidays, or as part of a monthly routine. Polynucleotides work differently. They stimulate repair pathways, improve elasticity, hydrate deeply, and help strengthen the barrier over time.
Both are powerful. Both also temporarily increase your skin’s sensitivity – not in a negative way, but in a way that requires mindful care. Aftercare lets your results last longer and ensures your skin looks its best.
Aftercare for HydraFacial Treatments
MyAesthetics offers several HydraFacial options – including the Signature HydraFacial, Platinum HydraFacial, and targeted areas such as Hydra Neck & Décolletage or Hydraback. The aftercare is similar across all of them.
1. Avoid touching your skin for a few hours
Your pores are freshly cleansed. Your skin has just absorbed potent serums and hydration boosters. Touching can introduce bacteria and reduce the treatment’s clarity.
2. Skip heavy exercise for 24 hours
Heat, sweat, and friction can irritate newly exfoliated skin. A gentle walk is fine. A gym class isn’t.
3. Avoid makeup for the rest of the day
Your skin looks fresh enough without it. Foundation can interfere with the active ingredients still working beneath the surface.
4. Stay away from active ingredients for 48 hours
Put the retinol down. Same goes for AHAs, BHAs, or vitamin C. Your skin needs recovery time so it can lock in hydration without unnecessary stimulation.
5. Prioritise simple, soothing skincare
Use a gentle cleanser, a hydrating serum, and a nourishing moisturiser. After a HydraFacial, hydration is everything.
6. SPF is non-negotiable
Your skin is more photosensitive after treatment. A high-quality SPF 30 or 50 should be applied daily – and reapplied if you’re outside.
7. Keep hot environments to a minimum
Saunas, steam rooms, and hot showers can increase redness. Let your skin settle before returning to heat.
Aftercare for Polynucleotides
Polynucleotides are regenerative injectables that support hydration and cellular repair. They work beautifully for dullness, crepey texture, under-eye fragility, and general skin quality. Aftercare is simple, but important.
1. Expect mild swelling or redness
This is normal and usually settles quickly. Cold compresses can help calm the area without interfering with the treatment.
2. Avoid makeup for 24 hours
This includes powders, concealers, and tinted moisturisers. Give the skin a clean environment to work in.
3. Keep your hands away from treated areas
Do not massage unless your practitioner tells you to. Polynucleotides don’t require post-treatment manipulation.
4. No strenuous exercise for 24 hours
Heavy activity increases blood flow and may worsen swelling.
5. Avoid alcohol on the day of treatment
Alcohol can prolong redness and sensitivity.
6. Stay away from steam, sauna, and heat for 48 hours
High temperatures can irritate injection sites.
7. Avoid active skincare for 48 hours
No exfoliants, no acids, no retinoids. Stick to hydrating, barrier-supportive skincare.
8. SPF daily
Your skin will be more photosensitive while the healing pathways are active.
How HydraFacial and Polynucleotides Work Together
HydraFacial provides immediate glow. Polynucleotides give deeper, slower, regenerative strength. When combined properly by a medical practitioner, the result is brighter, firmer, fresher skin that becomes more resilient with each cycle.
For example:
- HydraFacial cleanses the skin deeply.
- The infusion step improves penetration of hydrating ingredients.
- Polynucleotides added into your plan repair, strengthen, and improve elasticity over time.
Many patients choose alternating cycles – a HydraFacial one month, polynucleotides the next – to maintain both instant and structural radiance.
These combination plans also complement Medical Microneedling, Skin Boosters, or Sculptra as part of a broader strategy for natural-looking rejuvenation.
What to Avoid to Protect Your Glow
Here is the quick list every patient should keep in mind:
Avoid for 24 hours
- Heavy gym sessions
- Hot yoga
- Makeup
- Alcohol
Avoid for 48 hours
- Retinol
- AHAs & BHAs
- Vitamin C
- Steam rooms and saunas
- Facial waxing
Avoid for 72 hours
- Sunbeds
- Direct sun exposure
- Spray tans on the treated area
Your practitioner will give you a personalised aftercare card at your appointment. Follow it closely for the best results.
When You Can Expect to See Full Results
Most patients notice:
- Immediate glow after HydraFacial
- Hydration boost within 24-48 hours
- Smoother texture and increased radiance across 1-2 weeks
- Polynucleotide strengthening across 4-12 weeks as collagen pathways activate
With a course of polynucleotides (MyAesthetics offer packages of 3 or 6 sessions), you will see a progressive improvement in:
- Elasticity
- Fine lines
- Under-eye brightness
- Smoothness
- Barrier strength
Consistency builds your glow.
Can I Combine HydraFacial and Polynucleotides With Other Treatments?
The short answer: yes. This is where MyAesthetics excel.
Your medical practitioner may recommend pairing treatments such as:
- Medical Microneedling + Polynucleotides
- Skin Boosters + HydraFacial
- Polynucleotides + Sculptra for collagen support and hydration
- Hydrafacial Keravive + Polynucleotides for hair rejuvenation
All combination plans are built using the AI facial scanner during your consultation for precise, personalised planning.
You can book your assessment here:
https://myaestheticsclinics.com/book-now
FAQs: Aftercare for HydraFacial & Polynucleotides
How soon can I apply makeup after a HydraFacial?
Ideally, wait until the next day to allow your skin to absorb serums fully.
Can I use retinol after these treatments?
Yes, but not for at least 48 hours.
How soon can I exercise after polynucleotides?
Light movement is fine. Avoid intense exercise for 24 hours.
Will I peel after HydraFacial?
Most patients do not peel. Some mild flaking can occur depending on skin condition.
When will I see results from polynucleotides?
Improvements begin in 2-4 weeks, with collagen-strengthening effects building for up to 12 weeks.
