Immediately After Treatment. Use a bland moisturizer (i.e. Cetaphil® cream) or a very thin layer of petrolatum ointment (i.e. Aquaphor®). Use petrolatum ointment to cover any area with oozing and keep moist. Use of icepacks helps alleviate the heat sensation.
On day 4, you may stop using the Aquaphor and allow your skin to breath. You may change to a bland, fragrance free moisturizer lotion or cream once the skin is no longer sensitive, oozing, or raw.
On your first night post-treatment, continue to use cool compresses with water-soaked, tightly woven gauze to soothe your skin and reduce inflammation. Pat the compresses gently on your skin and follow with Aquaphor, Alastin Skin Nectar, or one of the other ointments I recommended.
Gotta wait up to 48 hours before you can apply moisturiser!
Setting Yourself Up For a Smooth Recovery
You can ensure a smoother recovery and better results by avoiding picking at treated skin, keeping healing skin moist and hydrated, using sunscreen, and using gentle skin products.
Remember not to rub in the cleansing cream but only dab it on. You can perform your normal activities but avoid strenuous exercise to reduce sweating in the face. 3 – 4 days after treatment: The skin swelling will resolve but the redness will remain and some flaking of skin will occur.
The immediate post laser treatment consists of covering the lasered skin with Vaseline and using cold packs for discomfort and swelling. Your face will ooze and swell for the first 48 hours, then will quickly improve.
Drugstore brands such as CeraVe, Cetaphil, Eucerin, and Neutrogena make gentle, hydrating moisturizers that can be used after laser treatments.
✓ Moisturize – Re-apply Aquaphor® for first 2 or 3 days, then after than stop using Aquaphor® and replace it with Medical Barrier Cream. Pain: Other than a mild burning sensation for the first few hours, most patients experience no other pain.
Sunscreen and post-laser hyperpigmentation
Photoprotection is crucial in the successful management of post-laser hyperpigmentation, PIH, and especially melasma. Both UVB and UVA rays can stimulate melanin production by melanocytes, which is why it is important to seek broad-spectrum sunscreens for adequate protection.
The perfect product to slowly introduce into your routine three to five days after your laser treatment is SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic. This serum has been tested and deemed suitable for use post-laser.
A typical result is an 8-10 year reduction in age appearance when laser treatment on the face is done on a highly effective setting so that a 55 year old may look 46 after treatment and healing is complete. Milder treatments can be done, but are not as effective.
Disadvantages of CO2 Resurfacing
Like dermabrasion, this type of laser resurfacing requires a good deal of recovery time. The patient's skin will be weepy for two weeks and will require thorough cleaning four to five times daily, along with application of ointment to keep the skin from scabbing.
After cleansing your face in the morning, apply sunscreen. You may also switch to a lighter moisturizer such as Cetaphil or Cerave Cream. The first two weeks, apply sunscreen at least three to four times a day. Afterward, daily use for at least three months is required.
DAY OF AND DAY AFTER LASER SKIN RESURFACING PROCEDURE
Sleep on your back with your head elevated about 30-40 degrees (2-3 pillows).
Most moisturizer without alpha-hydroxy acids will work. You may also use aloe gel to relieve redness during the first 24 hours. Never use petroleum base “ointments” as they lock the heat in. You may apply deodorant after 24 hours.
The only substance that should be applied to your skin after full ablation for the first month after surgery is Aquaphor OR Vaseline. These two products are safe and the risk of irritation, inflammation and delayed healing is minimal with these products.
Immediately After Treatment. Use a bland moisturizer (i.e. Cetaphil® cream) or a very thin layer of petrolatum ointment (i.e. Aquaphor®). Use petrolatum ointment to cover any area with oozing and keep moist. Use of icepacks helps alleviate the heat sensation.
Apply an ice pack wrapped in a soft cloth to the treated area. Hold the ice pack on the treated area for 15 to 20 minutes. Put the ice pack on the treated area every few hours, or 1 to 5 times each day. After the first 2 to 3 days, use the ice pack as needed.
Although you may think that a moisturizing lotion helps make your skin smooth after laser hair removal, it could do the opposite and irritate the skin further. Your best bet is to leave the area of skin where you had laser hair removal free of any product, aside from aloe vera, for at least 24 hours.
How Do I Take Care of My Skin After a Carbon Laser Facial? Keep your skin moist with a moisturizer containing no retinals or other harsh ingredients. It's normal to see some flaking or experience dryness for a few days, Use sunscreen regularly with at least SPF 30+ for several days after treatment.
Hyaluronic acids: you can recommence 3- 10 days post procedure.
Apply Vaseline/Aquaphor to all treated areas. Continue with the cold packs. Day 5 to 7 – Continue washing the treated areas with Cetaphil cleanser. Begin using Cetaphil moisturizer instead of Vaseline/Aquaphor if skin is smooth, without crusts and not oozing.
You can also stay hydrated by: Eating Water-Rich Foods: Fruits and vegetables like cucumbers, watermelon, and oranges are excellent for hydration. Using Hydrating Skincare Products: Incorporating a good moisturiser and hydrating serums into your post-treatment routine can help lock in moisture.