Finally, apply a thin coat of Vaseline to keep the area moist. You can repeat this procedure every 2 – 3 hours or less often, depending on how quickly crusts re-form. 1 – 2 days after treatment: The treated skin will still look red and swollen but gradually less than on the first day.
Use gentle soap on the treated areas. Apply bacitracin or Vaseline to the treated areas at least 2 times per day. Reapply as needed to keep wounds moist at all times. A moist wound heals better than a dry, scabbed wound.
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.
Immediately following laser treatment, a liberal amount of white soft paraffin (Vaseline) is applied to the area(s). This may soften and drip off the treated area along with any serous fluid. Do not worry this is normal. These areas must be cleansed every 3 to 4 hours during the first 2-3 days following treatment.
Answer: CO2 laser resurfacing You can try Cetaphil or Cerave Cream. Both are good moisturizers that do not clog pores (non-comedogenic). I also recommend a gentle cleanser such as Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser or Cerave Hydrating Cleanser.
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.
Burning Phase (up to 3 hours): apply a cold gel / ice pack to face, keep face moist. After heat has been dissipated apply Aquaphor®.
Use a moisturizing or hydrating product before slugging as Vaseline® Original Healing Jelly will lock this into your skin. And finally, apply an even layer of Vaseline® Original Healing Jelly on your face over your skincare products.
Use cold compresses: Applying cold compresses during the first 24 to 48 hours after your treatment can help reduce swelling and discomfort. Stay cool: Avoid hot showers, saunas, and strenuous exercise for the first few days after treatment. Heat can increase inflammation and slow healing.
No exercise, gym, or other strenuous activity for at least 4 days. Avoid hot environments, saunas and swimming pools. You can shower but hot water/steam should be avoided. When showering, be sure to wash your hair behind you to avoid getting shampoo directly on the treated area.
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.
After a carbon laser facial treatment, it is important to keep your skin hydrated to promote healing and prevent dryness. Drink plenty of water and apply a gentle, non-comedogenic moisturiser to your skin. Avoid using heavy or oily moisturisers, as they can clog your pores.
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.
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. You may also cleanse your face with a mild cleanser.
Yes, the CO2 laser is renowned for its ability to tighten jowls and rejuvenate the lower face. By enhancing collagen production and boosting elasticity, the treatment reduces skin laxity along the jawline, helping to lift and sculpt a more contoured appearance.
The Right Products for Post-Laser Skin Care
Moisturizing Creams: Choose creams with ingredients like hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture without clogging pores. Barrier Creams: A good barrier cream can protect the skin from further irritation, especially in the days immediately following your treatment.
The first week after laser skin resurfacing is challenging in terms of care. You will be swollen, covered with Vaseline and not presentable to leave the house. This all begins to change at about day 5-6. After this the recovery is much easier.
Drugstore brands such as CeraVe, Cetaphil, Eucerin, and Neutrogena make gentle, hydrating moisturizers that can be used after laser treatments.
Harsh skincare products: Avoid using exfoliants, retinoids, or products containing alcohol for at least one week post-treatment. These products can be irritating and slow down the healing process.
While Vaseline helps seal moisture into the skin, some experts have suggested that it may also trap in oil and dirt. As such, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) warn that people who are prone to acne may experience breakouts after applying Vaseline to the face.
Yes, you can use both ointments on your face, and both are often used in slugging. Because it's 100% petroleum jelly, Vaseline is more effective at reducing water loss from the skin. However, it's thicker and greasier than Aquaphor, so some people may prefer to use Aquaphor.
', the answer is yes, thanks to the protective layer the petroleum jelly forms over your skin, to protect and hydrate it as you sleep. So slugging helps to make the skin of your dreams a reality, as a beauty treatment that literally promotes beauty sleep!
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.
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.
Recovery time with CO2 laser resurfacing is up to two weeks. Erbium laser resurfacing is designed to remove superficial and moderately deep lines and wrinkles on your face and should require only local anesthetic. This laser can also be used on your hands, neck or chest.