10 Steps to Take Before and After Your First PRP Facial

You have probably heard about the PRP facial – maybe you saw it trending online or a friend raved about her results. Also called the vampire facial, it is one of the most talked-about treatments in the medical spa world right now, and for good reason. A PRP facial uses your own blood’s growth factors to stimulate collagen, improve skin texture, and give you a more youthful, refreshed look – all without surgery. Here is what most people don’t tell you: what you do before and after your appointment matters just as much as the treatment itself. Follow these ten steps and you will set yourself up for the best possible results.

1. Stop Taking Blood Thinners and Certain Supplements

Starting about a week before your appointment, avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and anti-inflammatory medications like Advil or Motrin. You should also pause supplements like fish oil, Vitamin E, garlic, and flaxseed. These all thin your blood, which increases bruising and can actually work against the treatment – PRP therapy relies on a natural inflammatory response to stimulate healing, and these products interfere with that process. If you take prescription blood thinners, let your provider know right away, as those may be a contraindication entirely.

2. Drink More Water Than Usual

Hydration is one of the most overlooked parts of PRP prep. Aim for at least 64 to 80 ounces of water per day in the week leading up to your session. Well-hydrated blood is easier to draw and produces higher-quality plasma – which means better results from your treatment. Think of it as giving your provider the best possible raw material to work with. It is one of the simplest things you can do, and most people skip it entirely.

3. Skip Alcohol and Cut Back on Caffeine

For at least three days before your appointment, avoid alcohol and minimize caffeine. Both dehydrate the body, thin the blood, and can interfere with your skin’s ability to heal properly afterward. This is not the week to celebrate with a glass of wine or double up on coffee. Keep things clean and give your body the best possible foundation going into the treatment.

4. Stay Out of the Sun

Do not show up to your appointment with a sunburn or fresh tan – your provider will likely reschedule you on the spot. Sun-damaged skin is not in the right condition for microneedling, and treating it anyway increases the risk of complications. In the week before your appointment, wear SPF 30 or higher every day and avoid prolonged sun exposure. If you use tanning beds, stop completely at least a week before.

5. Pause Your Active Skincare Products

Seven days before your appointment, stop using retinol, tretinoin, retinoids, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and any other exfoliating or anti-aging actives. These ingredients make your skin more sensitive and can increase the risk of irritation during the procedure. Stick to a simple, gentle routine – a mild cleanser and a basic moisturizer – until after your appointment and through your recovery period.

6. Do Not Wash Your Face Right After Treatment

After your PRP facial, leave everything alone for at least 12 to 24 hours. No washing, no moisturizer, no makeup, no sunscreen. The platelet-rich plasma needs time to fully absorb into the micro-channels created during microneedling – washing it off early means you are literally rinsing away part of the treatment. It is tempting to clean up, especially since your face will look red and feel tight, but resist the urge and let the product do its job.

7. Avoid Heat, Sweating, and Exercise

For the first 48 to 72 hours after your treatment, skip the gym, hot yoga, sauna, steam room, and hot tubs. Sweating introduces bacteria to your skin at a time when it has hundreds of micro-channels that are still healing. Heat also dilates blood vessels and can worsen swelling and redness. This is not the time to push through a workout. Rest, stay cool, and let your skin focus on healing.

8. Be Extra Gentle When You Cleanse

When you do start washing your face again, use lukewarm water and the gentlest fragrance-free cleanser you can find. Pat your skin dry with a clean towel – do not rub. Your skin is going to feel dry, tight, and possibly a little flaky in the days following your treatment. That is completely normal and part of the healing process. Keep it moisturized with a simple, non-irritating product and do not pick at any peeling skin no matter how tempting it is.

9. Protect Your Skin From the Sun – Seriously

After your PRP facial, your skin is extremely sensitive to UV damage. Stay out of direct sunlight for seven to ten days. Once your provider gives you the green light, apply a mineral sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every single day – even on cloudy days. Sun exposure after PRP can cause hyperpigmentation, delay healing, and compromise your results. In Minnesota, where sunny summer days are not something to waste, plan to wear a hat and stay in the shade during your recovery window.

10. Wait to Bring Back Your Active Skincare Products

Do not rush back to your retinol, Vitamin C serums, AHAs, BHAs, or chemical exfoliants. Wait at least seven to ten days, or until your provider tells you it is safe, before reintroducing these products. Your skin needs time to fully heal before it can handle anything strong. Coming back too soon can cause irritation, sensitivity, and inflammation that works against everything the treatment was designed to do. When in doubt, ask your provider before adding anything new back into your routine.

Ready to Try a PRP Facial? Wayzata Medical Spa Is Here to Guide You Through Every Step.