Ultra Cera-Rich vs Hydro: Which to Use First?
To cut to the chase: right after a procedure (days 1–3), the go-to is Ultra Cera-Rich Cream, which focuses on soothing and barrier care, followed by the recovery period (day 4 onward) with Hydro Re-Boosting Cream, which focuses on deep hydration and skin condition care. Rather than using both products at the same time, the key is to switch between them step by step according to your skin's condition and stage of recovery. Since individual differences exist, if redness or sensitivity remains, it's fine to keep using STEP1 for a few more days.
After getting a lifting or skin booster procedure, questions like 'Can I use this cream right now?' or 'When should I switch to that product?' naturally come up. If you have both products on hand, it's only natural to be confused about the order.
The key is 'what condition is your skin in right now.' Right after a procedure, skin tends to become temporarily sensitive and its barrier function can be unstable, but as the days pass, it gradually stabilizes and moves into a phase where deep dryness becomes more noticeable. Since the direction of care needed differs between these two stages, the order of products also changes accordingly.
Why the order matters: differences in skin condition by stage
Right after lifting/thermal energy procedures (Ulthera, Thermage, Shurink, Onda, Titanium, InMode, etc.) or skin booster procedures (Rejuran, Juvelook, Revive, Retigen, etc.), the skin's surface is temporarily in an irritated state. During this stage, priority should go to soothing redness and gently caring for the barrier, which is easily damaged.
As time passes and surface sensitivity subsides to some extent, the focus shifts to a stage where deep dryness and skin texture become more of a concern. At this point, care directed toward replenishing deep hydration and refining skin condition works better.
In other words, it's not a matter of 'which product is better,' but rather 'what care does your skin need right now.' Following the order is how you make the most of each product's role.
The basic order by recovery timeline: from which day to which day
Generally, days 1 to 3 after a procedure are a period when redness and sensitivity may still linger, so it's best to minimize irritation and focus on soothing and barrier care. During this stage, it's recommended to use STEP1—a product like Ultra Cera-Rich Cream, which supports barrier care with a composition of ingredients similar to the skin's own lipids, such as ceramides.
From day 4 onward, surface sensitivity gradually stabilizes and the focus shifts to deep dryness and skin texture becoming more noticeable. From this point, it's natural to transition to STEP2, switching to a product like Hydro Re-Boosting Cream, which is directed toward deep hydration and skin texture care.
However, this distinction isn't an absolute timeline but a rough guide. Since sensitivity may linger longer depending on your skin's recovery speed and the treated area and intensity, if redness or irritation remains, it's fine to keep using STEP1 for a few more days before moving on to STEP2. This can vary from person to person.
Home care by stage: how to follow the order properly
During the STEP1 stage, after cleansing, gently pat away moisture using a low-irritation method, and apply the cream in a thin layer by smoothing it on rather than patting it in. During this stage, it's helpful for skin stability to pause high-irritation care such as hot water cleansing, exfoliation, and vigorous massage.
Once you move into the STEP2 stage, your skin is in a much more stable state, so you can expand your care routine to further replenish hydration. Combining deep hydration care with basic skin condition management such as sun protection can help maintain a smooth recovery flow.
Rather than mixing the two products together, observing your skin's condition and switching between them in sequence according to the stage is the way to fully make use of each product's role.
Recovery after a procedure is shaped by home care
Simply following the right order for each stage can change the direction of your care. We recommend the 2-STEP approach: using Ultra Cera-Rich Cream, formulated with a 5-ceramide complex, panthenol, and allantoin to support soothing and barrier care, during days 1–3 right after a procedure, then following up with Hydro Re-Boosting Cream, directed toward deep hydration and skin texture care, during the recovery period from day 4 onward. Both are priced at 59,000 won for 50ml and available at abijoushop.com. Learn more → Abijou Cream.
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FAQ
- Do I have to use STEP1 before STEP2 after a procedure?
- The general guideline is to use STEP1 (Ultra Cera-Rich), which focuses on soothing and barrier care, right after a procedure (days 1–3), followed by STEP2 (Hydro Re-Boosting), which focuses on deep hydration care, during the recovery period (from day 4 onward). That said, if redness or sensitivity remains, it's fine to continue with STEP1 for a few more days, as the exact timing can vary depending on individual skin condition.
- Which should I prioritize first, soothing or hydration?
- In the early stage when the skin's surface is sensitive, it's recommended to focus on soothing and barrier care first, then move on to deep hydration care once the sensitivity has calmed down. Rather than switching the order, it's better to transition step by step while observing how your skin's condition changes.
- Can I use both creams together on the same day?
- It's possible, but since each product targets a different care direction, it's more effective to use them in sequence at different stages rather than together. You can adjust whether to use them concurrently depending on your skin's condition.
- If recovery seems slower than expected, how should I adjust the order?
- Recovery speed can vary from person to person. If redness or irritation lingers longer than expected, it's recommended to extend the use of STEP1 (Ultra Cera-Rich) and switch to STEP2 (Hydro Re-Boosting) once the skin has settled.
- If my skin becomes sensitive again after switching to STEP2, can I go back to STEP1?
- Yes, you can always go back to STEP1 to prioritize soothing and barrier care whenever needed based on your skin's condition. The order isn't a fixed rule but a flexible guide to be adjusted according to your skin's condition.
Medically reviewed by 아비쥬의원 의료진. (September 10, 2026)