How to Prepare for Your Laser Skin Treatment in Surrey, BC: A Step-by-Step Guide

First-time laser clients in Surrey tend to arrive in one of two states: they haven’t prepared at all, or they’ve spent two weeks reading Reddit and convinced themselves something will go wrong.

Neither is the right approach.

Here’s a practical, step-by-step guide to getting ready for your laser skin treatment — whether it’s skin resurfacing, IPL photo facial, facial contouring, or acne treatment — at Forever True Beauty Salon in Surrey.

Two Weeks Before Your Treatment

Stop all self-tanner and spray tans. Laser energy is drawn to pigment. Artificial colour in the skin creates uneven pigment distribution, which makes laser treatment less predictable and less safe. Stop all tanning products at least two weeks before your appointment.

Limit sun exposure. For the same reason — tanned skin has elevated melanin, which changes how laser energy interacts with the skin. Apply SPF 30+ every morning during this period, even on cloudy days, and avoid extended time in direct sun.

Pause retinol, retinoids, and exfoliating acids (AHAs/BHAs). These ingredients increase cell turnover and thin the skin barrier, making it more sensitive to laser energy. Stop using them at least 7 days before treatment. If you use prescription tretinoin, stop 10 to 14 days beforehand and let us know.

One Week Before

Avoid waxing, threading, or depilatory creams on the treatment area. These methods remove or disturb surface skin cells, leaving the skin more vulnerable. For facial laser treatments, that means no eyebrow waxing or upper lip waxing for the week before.

No chemical peels or microdermabrasion. Both exfoliate deeply and leave skin temporarily sensitized. Your skin needs to be calm, intact, and at its baseline state for laser treatment to work properly.

The Day Before

Avoid alcohol. It dehydrates the skin and affects circulation, both of which can change how skin responds to treatment.

If you’re prone to cold sores, mention this when you book. Laser treatment near the lip area can trigger an outbreak in people with a history of oral herpes. Your doctor can prescribe a short course of antivirals to take before your appointment, which prevents this entirely.

The Day Of Your Treatment

Come in with completely clean skin. No makeup, no moisturizer, no SPF, no perfume. Just bare, clean skin. If you forget and arrive with makeup on, we can clean it off, but please aim to arrive clean.

Wear comfortable clothing if you’re having a body area treated — something easy to move and loose enough not to rub on the skin afterward.

Bring or wear SPF for when you leave. Your skin will be more photosensitive immediately after treatment, and you should apply SPF before stepping outside.

After Your Treatment

We go through specific aftercare for each treatment type at your appointment, but the general rules are:

• Stay out of direct sun for at least 48 hours and apply SPF diligently
• No gym, sauna, or hot yoga for 24 to 48 hours — heat increases inflammation
• Use gentle, unscented moisturizer only
• Don’t pick at any flaking, redness, or crusting — it resolves on its own
• Avoid active skincare ingredients (retinol, acids) for 5 to 7 days post-treatment

Questions Before You Book?

Our laser technician Jiya has 5 years of experience performing laser and light treatments and can answer any specific questions before your first session.

We’re at 14438 72 Ave #103, Surrey, BC — Newton area, free parking. Call (604) 503-5501 or book online via Fresha.

Hours: Tuesday 12–6 PM · Wednesday–Friday 10 AM–6 PM · Saturday 11 AM–6 PM · Sunday 11 AM–3 PM · Monday Closed