For days 4 and 5 post-treatment, you may begin to cleanse your face with a mild facial wash such as CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser. Follow these washes with a thin layer of ointment. You may also now shampoo your hair.
You may change to a bland, fragrance free moisturizer lotion or cream once the skin is no longer sensitive, oozing, or raw. We recommend CeraVe Face Moisturizer. DO NOT apply makeup to the treated area until your skin has been reevaluated by the physician.
Both are thick emollients that keep things moist. Once all the skin has peeled/ sloughed off, we usually recommend Cetaphil moisturizer as it is gentle and safe with added ingredients that would irritate the skin; we also like Elta MD moisturizer and Epionce medical barrier cream .
Answer: Microneedling Cleanser Directly after microneedling, you will want to avoid harsh cleansers while the skin is healing. Choosing a gentle hydrating cleanser such as CeraVe or Alastin's Ultra Calm Cleansing Cream is ideal for post-treatment skin.
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.
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.
2. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream. This skin barrier–restoring cream from CeraVe helps lock in essential moisture with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and petrolatum. It's great for mitigating the dryness and irritation that can come with using retinoids.
Hyaluronic acid after microneedling
This naturally occurring ingredient has an incredible ability to retain moisture. As a result, it helps hydrate the skin and plump up fine lines and wrinkles. Plus, after microneedling, your skin is more receptive to absorbing nutrients, making hyaluronic acid even more effective.
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
CeraVe's moisturizing cream is a must for everyday use, regardless if you are dermaplaning. The mix of ceramides and hyaluronic acid will help restore and maintain the skin's natural barrier while retaining moisture.
Keep Your Skin Hydrated: Laser treatments can leave your skin feeling dry and sensitive. Apply a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer several times a day to replenish moisture and protect the skin's barrier. Apply Sunscreen: Your skin becomes especially sensitive to UV rays after laser treatment.
You may use Cetaphil Moisturize. The moisturizer is applied generously to the lasered skin and since it is less greasy than Vaseline, you need to apply more moisturizer and use it more frequently. The whole idea is to hydrate the skin so it does not dry out during the healing process.
Apply over-the-counter hydrocortisone 1% mixed with either Vaseline®, Aquaphor® or Aloe Vera gel, up to three times daily or as needed until resolved. Apply cold packs (wrapped in a barrier like a towel) to the affected area(s), taking them on and off every three to five minutes for one to two hours.
The best moisturizer on the market today for post treatment care is Oxygenetix Oxygenating Hydro-Matrix. Specifically designed to be used after laser procedures, Hydro-Matrix is safe for compromised skin up to a third degree burn.
What is the recovery like? As you have seen, your face will be red and sensitive for about a day. You will want to moisturize well. For the first day after the treatment, you'll want to use Aquaphor or some other nourishing serum that we will give you.
All of your skin care products should be non-irritating and non-clogging for the first week or so after a Fraxel treatment. Examples of brands that offer very gentle and inexpensive products that are ideal to use: Aveeno, Cerave, Dove, Neutrogena, and Cetaphil.
Hydrating Moisturizer: Apply a gentle, hydrating moisturizer. We recommend Vivier LEXXEL Moisturizing Cream, CeraVe Moisturizing Cream, or Aquaphor Healing Ointment.
Avoid Exfoliants, Retinoids, And Acids
Those who undergo microneedling are advised to avoid retinoids and acids such as glycolic and alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) at least 1 week following the treatment. 72 hours following treatment, patients can wear makeup again.
How to use retinol and ceramides: retinol and ceramides are a great match. We recommend using a ceramide enriched moisturiser after your retinol serum to help support your skin moisture barrier.
Ingredient-splaining
Bottom line: Vanicream has less ingredients, so it's better for people who are allergic to, you know, EVERYTHING. Otherwise, Cerave has better, more sophisticated ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid—it's the clear winner in this round.
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream can be applied as a face cream or body cream to help restore the appearance of hydrated, healthy-looking skin. This makes it a convenient skincare option for anyone who prefers formulas that can be used on multiple areas.
Immediate Care Tips for Post-Laser Recovery
Keep It Cool: Use cool compresses to soothe the skin. Apply gently to reduce swelling and discomfort. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate and Moisturize: Hydration is key to skin recovery. Use a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer to help maintain moisture balance.
Niacinamide serum by itself is a form of vitamin B3 and is included in many skincare products that contain acids. You should wait at least 72 hours before applying this to your skin after laser hair removal treatment, or longer if your treatment provider says so.
Moisturize
Look for moisturizers that contain hyaluronic acid or glycerin to help lock in moisture and keep your skin moist. Avoid using products with fragrances or alcohol as these can irritate the delicate layers of skin post-laser treatment.