A Post-Procedure Skincare Protocol
Your Patients Will Actually Use
CODE3 delivers Tranexamic Acid, Bakuchiol, and Quercetin in a single, fragrance-free formula — refined over 12 years and 2,500+ patients by a board-certified plastic surgeon who needed it in his own practice.
Dr. Daniel Jacobs, MD — Plastic Surgeon & Founder, Alón Labs
Dr. Jacobs developed CODE3 over 12 years of clinical use across more than 2,500 patients, refining the formula specifically for the post-procedure window when standard actives are contraindicated — with particular attention to higher-Fitzpatrick patients at elevated PIH risk and to the day 1–14 healing-skin constraint.
The Clinical Rationale for Each Active
Post-procedure skin faces one primary threat: melanocyte overactivation via the plasmin pathway, driving post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). CODE3 addresses this with three synergistic actives — each with independent peer-reviewed support — in concentrations proven effective on healing skin.
Inhibits plasmin upstream of melanogenesis, blocking the plasminogen–keratinocyte interaction that drives melanocyte activation after trauma. Controlled trials report efficacy comparable to hydroquinone for melasma and PIH — without the bleaching mechanism, irritation profile, or prescription requirement (PMID 38918942; PMID 39045920). Well-tolerated on re-epithelializing skin from day 5 post-procedure.
Produces retinoid-functional effects on collagen synthesis and epidermal remodeling without photosensitization. A 2018 double-blind BJD trial (Dhaliwal et al., PMID 29947134) compared bakuchiol 0.5% twice daily with retinol 0.5% once daily over 12 weeks; both groups showed comparable improvement in photoaging and fine lines, and bakuchiol users reported less facial scaling and stinging. A well-tolerated option when retinol is contraindicated post-procedure (PMID 33346506).
Addresses the third pathway in the platform: oxidative stress. Neutralizes the post-procedure free-radical burst and downregulates NF-κB inflammatory signaling — closing the loop on the inflammation that would otherwise amplify melanocyte activation and undercut TXA's effect. No irritation or sensitization risk on compromised skin.
How CODE3 Compares
CODE3 is formulated for the specific window when standard actives are contraindicated — and for patients who cannot tolerate or do not want prescription options.
| Property | Hydroquinone 4% | Retinol 0.5% | CODE3 (TXA + Bakuchiol + Quercetin) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prescription required | Yes (US, >2%) | No | No |
| Safe post-procedure | No — avoid on healing skin | No — photosensitization risk | Yes — from day 5 post-procedure |
| PIH prevention mechanism | Bleaching (melanin inhibition) | Indirect (cell turnover) | Plasmin reduction (upstream of melanogenesis) |
| Collagen stimulation | No | Yes | Yes (via Bakuchiol) |
| Fitzpatrick III–VI tolerability | Variable — rebound risk | Poor — irritation at darker tones | Well-tolerated across all skin types |
| Fragrance-free | Varies by formulation | Varies | Yes |
When to Recommend CODE3
| Procedure | Start TXA + Bakuchiol | Continue Through |
|---|---|---|
| Fractional Laser | Day 5–7 | Week 8 |
| Ablative Laser (CO₂ / Er:YAG) | Day 10–14 | Week 10–12 |
| Medium Chemical Peel (TCA) | Day 7–10 | Week 8 |
| Superficial Peel (Glycolic / Mandelic) | Day 3–5 | Week 6 |
| Microneedling (0.5–1.5 mm) | Day 3–4 | Week 6 |
| IPL Photofacial | Day 3–5 | Week 6 |
| Rhinoplasty / Facelift (skin prep) | 4 weeks pre-op | Week 8 post-op |
What to Tell Your Patients
Scripted language your team can use at discharge or during post-op calls.
On why they need a specific skincare product now:
"Your procedure activated the cells that produce pigment. If we don't interrupt that signal right away, you can develop dark spots that are harder to treat than what we addressed today. This formula does that without irritating your healing skin."
On why not to use their existing retinol or hydroquinone:
"Retinol increases cell turnover and causes photosensitivity — both problems while your skin is healing. Hydroquinone isn't formulated for healing skin. CODE3 achieves the same clinical goal through a different mechanism that's safe to use now."
On when to start:
"Once the surface of your skin is intact — no raw areas — you can start. For most patients after [procedure], that's around day [X]. Apply morning and evening as directed."
Stock CODE3 in Your Practice
Available for wholesale. Request samples, pricing information, and patient handout materials.
Frequently Asked Questions
This page is intended for licensed healthcare professionals. CODE3 is a cosmetic product, not a drug. Clinical references are provided for informational purposes. Individual patient results will vary. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Consult current clinical literature for patient care decisions.