What Should You Avoid Before an Excel V+ Treatment?

Before an Excel V+ treatment, the most important things to avoid are tanning, unnecessary skin irritation, and changes to medications or skincare products that haven’t been discussed with your clinician. Preparing your skin thoughtfully can help your dermatologist assess whether it is appropriate to proceed and reduce avoidable treatment risks.

Excel V+ is commonly used to address visible redness, certain superficial blood vessels, and selected pigmentation concerns. Because the laser interacts with specific targets in the skin, recent sun exposure, an irritated skin barrier, and certain medications can influence treatment planning. Whether you’re a Fort Lauderdale resident or visiting South Florida, a little preparation before your appointment is worthwhile. Your dermatologist’s personalized instructions should always take priority over general recommendations.

Quick Answer: What Should You Avoid Before Excel V+?

• Sun exposure and tanning: Avoid intentional tanning, tanning beds, spray tans, and self-tanning products. Many Excel V+ protocols recommend approximately four weeks without tanning before treatment.
• Harsh skincare: Ask when to pause retinoids, exfoliating acids, scrubs, and other potentially irritating products.
• Other skin treatments: Avoid scheduling waxing, strong chemical peels, or aggressive exfoliation near your laser appointment without clearance.
• Unreviewed medication changes: Tell your dermatologist about prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, and supplements. Never stop a prescribed medication independently.
• Makeup and irritating products on treatment day: Unless instructed otherwise, arrive with clean skin free of makeup, fragrance, and unnecessary topical products.

What Is Excel V+ and Why Does Preparation Matter?

Excel V+ is a laser platform that uses different wavelengths of light to target selected vascular and pigment-related concerns. Depending on the clinical assessment, it may be considered for visible facial vessels, certain forms of redness, and some benign pigmented spots.

Laser energy is absorbed by structures within the skin. Factors such as recent tanning, baseline pigmentation, skin sensitivity, and the specific treatment area can influence how the skin responds.

Preparation is therefore about more than comfort. It helps establish a suitable starting condition for treatment and gives your dermatologist an opportunity to identify factors that may increase the likelihood of irritation, discoloration, or other unwanted reactions.

Avoid Sunbathing, Tanning Beds, and Self-Tanners

Sun exposure deserves particular attention before Excel V+. Recently tanned or sunburned skin may be more vulnerable to laser-related burns and changes in pigmentation.

Many Excel V+ preparation protocols recommend avoiding intentional tanning and artificial tanning products for approximately four weeks before treatment. The exact interval should come from your treating clinician, particularly if you’ve recently spent considerable time outdoors.

Self-tanning lotions and spray tans also matter. Although they do not create a UV-induced tan, they alter the appearance of the skin and are generally discouraged before treatment.

In Fort Lauderdale, routine activities such as beach outings, boating, outdoor dining, and poolside relaxation can create meaningful sun exposure. Consider these practical precautions:

• Choose shaded areas whenever possible.
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat and protective clothing outdoors.
• Apply broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to exposed skin.
• Reapply sunscreen according to product directions, particularly after swimming or sweating.
• Tell your treatment team about any recent sunburn or tanning, even if the skin no longer feels uncomfortable.

If your skin is visibly tanned or sunburned, contact the office before your appointment. Postponing treatment may be the safer decision.

Be Careful With Retinol, Exfoliating Acids, and Strong Skincare

Products that promote exfoliation or increase skin sensitivity may need to be paused before laser treatment. Common examples include retinol, prescription tretinoin, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and abrasive exfoliating products.

These ingredients are not necessarily incompatible with every laser procedure. However, using them close to treatment may contribute to dryness, peeling, or irritation in some individuals.

Some Excel V+ protocols recommend avoiding potentially irritating skincare for about one week beforehand, while other protocols differ. Your dermatologist may recommend a different interval based on the product, your skin’s condition, and the planned treatment settings.

Do not independently discontinue prescription skincare. Ask the prescribing clinician or treating dermatologist which products should be paused and when they can be resumed.

Avoid Waxing, Chemical Peels, and Aggressive Exfoliation

Another important precaution is avoiding procedures that leave the intended treatment area temporarily irritated or sensitized.

Examples include:

• Waxing and chemical depilatories
• Medium or deep chemical peels
• Microdermabrasion and aggressive exfoliating facials
• Other laser or energy-based treatments in the same area
• Unplanned procedures that cause peeling, inflammation, or skin disruption

Depending on the procedure, clinicians may recommend separating these treatments by one or more weeks. More intensive procedures may require longer recovery before another treatment can be considered.

If you have recently undergone a facial, peel, or other cosmetic procedure, share the exact treatment and date with your dermatologist rather than assuming the skin is ready because it looks normal.

Do Not Overlook Medications and Supplements

Some medications can increase sensitivity to light, while others may contribute to bruising or affect healing. These considerations are relevant to laser safety and should be reviewed before treatment.

Tell your dermatologist if you use medications such as certain antibiotics, prescription acne therapies, anticoagulants, aspirin, or other drugs that may affect photosensitivity or bleeding. Include supplements and nonprescription products in the discussion.

Recent or current isotretinoin use also deserves individualized review. Recommendations depend on the laser procedure and your medical circumstances rather than one universal waiting period.

Never stop blood thinners, antibiotics, aspirin prescribed for cardiovascular protection, or any other prescribed medication solely to prepare for a cosmetic appointment. Your dermatologist can coordinate with the prescribing clinician when necessary.

Avoid Arriving With Irritated or Unwell Skin

Laser treatment should not proceed automatically when the skin is unexpectedly inflamed, injured, or otherwise changed from its usual condition.

Contact your dermatologist if the treatment area develops a significant rash, open wound, sunburn, blistering, or a possible infection before your appointment.

A history of cold sores is also important to disclose, particularly when treatment involves the face or areas near the lips. Your clinician may consider preventive antiviral treatment when appropriate.

Do not cover a new or changing pigmented lesion with cosmetics and assume it can simply be treated as a cosmetic spot. A dermatologist should evaluate suspicious lesions before considering laser treatment.

If you’re pregnant, might be pregnant, or have a significant change in your health history, inform the office before proceeding. These details may affect whether a particular laser treatment is appropriate.

What Should You Do at Home Before Your Appointment?

Once your dermatologist has reviewed your skincare routine and medical history, preparation can often be straightforward. The goal is to keep the skin comfortable and avoid introducing unnecessary irritation.

• Use a gentle cleanser appropriate for your skin.
• Maintain a simple moisturizer routine if tolerated and approved.
• Practice consistent sun protection.
• Avoid trying unfamiliar active skincare products immediately before treatment.
• Keep an updated list of medications, supplements, and recent cosmetic procedures.
• Follow the specific instructions provided for your treatment area.

On appointment day, arrive with clean skin and avoid makeup or irritating topical products on the treatment area unless the practice gives different directions. Mention any recent sun exposure, skin reaction, or changes to your health.

How Does a Dermatologist Determine Whether You’re Ready?

A dermatologist evaluates the reason for treatment, skin tone, recent sun exposure, relevant medical history, and current skin condition before deciding whether Excel V+ is appropriate.

The evaluation may also involve discussing expected benefits, possible side effects, alternative approaches, and realistic recovery considerations. Temporary redness, swelling, or bruising may occur after vascular laser treatment. Pigment changes and more significant skin reactions are also possible.

Laser settings and preparation requirements can vary depending on whether the concern involves facial redness, visible vessels, or selected pigmentation. The same instructions may not apply to every treatment area or individual.

At Waverly DermSpa, we offer Excel V+ and can help you understand whether it may be appropriate.

When Should You Contact a Dermatologist Before Treatment?

It’s worth contacting your dermatologist before the scheduled procedure if you develop a new rash, experience a recent sunburn, notice a changing skin lesion, begin a new medication, or have an active skin concern in the planned treatment area.

Likewise, if you are unsure whether to continue a prescription cream, antibiotic, or blood-thinning medication, request individualized instructions rather than making changes yourself.

A pre-treatment conversation can clarify whether the appointment should proceed as planned, be modified, or be rescheduled.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I avoid the sun before Excel V+?

Many Excel V+ protocols recommend avoiding tanning for approximately four weeks before treatment. Your dermatologist may provide a different timeline based on recent exposure, skin condition, and treatment goals. Daily sun protection remains important.

Can I use retinol the week before Excel V+?

Some clinicians recommend pausing retinol and other potentially irritating products for several days to about a week beforehand. However, protocols vary. Confirm the timing with your dermatologist, especially if you use prescription retinoids.

Can I have a facial before Excel V+?

It depends on the type of facial and how your skin responds. Gentle treatments may have different implications than chemical peels or aggressive exfoliation. Ask your provider before combining procedures close together.

Should I stop taking aspirin before Excel V+?

Not without medical guidance. Aspirin and certain other medications can affect bruising risk, but stopping a prescribed medication may create other health risks. Discuss your medication list with your dermatologist and prescribing clinician.

Can I get Excel V+ if I recently used self-tanner?

Tell your treatment team before the appointment. Self-tanning products are generally discouraged in the weeks leading up to Excel V+, and your clinician may recommend waiting until the product has completely faded.

Should I avoid makeup on the day of treatment?

Yes, arriving with clean, makeup-free skin is generally preferred. Avoid applying fragrance or irritating products to the intended treatment area, and follow any additional instructions from your treatment team.

Disclaimer

This article is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. For diagnosis and personalized treatment, please book an appointment with a board-certified dermatologist.

Sources & further reading

• American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) – Skin conditions that lasers can treat
• Cleveland Clinic – Laser Procedures
• American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) – 10 things to know before having laser treatment for your scar