After the procedure, a layer of either Alba Un-Petroleum Jelly or Aquaphor will be applied to the treated areas. Your treated skin must be covered with either Alba Un-Petroleum Jelly or Aquaphor continuously for the first 24 hours after treatment.
The immediate post laser treatment consists of covering the lasered skin with Vaseline (Aquaphor or whatever the specific product you are instructed to use) and using cold packs for discomfort and swelling. The best treatment to be comfortable is to apply cold compresses to the treated areas of the face.
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.
Answer: Moisturizing Opti-Ceramide cream after laser procedures Post laser we recommend an Opti-Ceramide moisturizing cream which hydrates the skin, helps retain deep moisture and reduce peeling. Elevase Moisture Booster is what we recommend to our patients.
Aquaphor is less greasy than Vaseline and this will be contained in your laser pack. In around one percent of cases patients may suffer with contact allergy to Aquaphor. The patient usually notices this when there is persistent stinging, burning and discomfort after application.
An ointment such as Vaseline® or moisturizing creams such as Eucerin®, or Aquaphor® are then applied. The purpose of using ointments or creams is to prevent any scab formation. In general, the areas heal in five to 21 days, depending on the nature of the condition that was treated and type of laser used.
Actions To Avoid Following Laser Resurfacing
Do not use active ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids, or retinol. Also, avoid direct sunlight or UV rays while your skin is healing.
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.
Avoid skincare products with active ingredients including vitamin A, vitamin C and exfoliants for 3-5 days. No high intensity exercise or excessive heat (hot, steamy showers or hot yoga) in the day that follows as heat can irritate hair follicles. Wear sunscreen always, and staying out of the sun is recommended.
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.
Moisturize
Moisturizing your skin post-laser will help keep it hydrated and prevent dryness and itching. Use a moisturizer specifically designed for use after laser resurfacing to help keep your skin healthy and hydrated.
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.
Your skin may be dry with peeling five to seven days after laser skin resurfacing. You may wash your face 2-5 times a day using saline solution or dilute vinegar solution, depending on a dermatologist's recommendation. Sleep on an extra pillow during the first four nights after the procedure.
Wash face GENTLY with Cetaphil in lukewarm, (NOT HOT water), and pat dry in the morning and evening. Be aware that you won't be able to get all the aquaphor off your skin. You may remove the excess Aquaphor with a tongue blade. Do not attempt to scrub it off!
After CO2 Laser Treatment
You will also have some crusting, bruising, swelling, and/or scabbing for one to two weeks following a treatment. Your treatment team will change the wound dressing daily using an ointment called Aquaphor. They will also apply a non-stick dressing material and secure it with gauze and netting.
Drugstore brands such as CeraVe, Cetaphil, Eucerin, and Neutrogena make gentle, hydrating moisturizers that can be used after laser treatments.
Recovery times will vary depending on your treatment
CO2 laser resurfacing: Generally up to two weeks. Erbium laser resurfacing: One full week.
The short answer is Yes. The treated area may experience some reddening and swelling. After treatment, you can apply Vaseline, after-sun cream, or aloe Vera gel to the treated area for soothing skin. The area might need to be soothed by applying an ice pack when you use old laser technology.
It's beneficial to use aloe vera gel on affected areas after laser treatment as it can help keep swelling and redness to a minimum. You might find that your skin is tender after laser treatment, but aloe vera can help reduce this. It helps keep the skin moisturised, which also helps to speed up the healing process.
Skincare After Several Days
During this stage, look for lotions that focus on moisturizing the skin rather than products that actively fight wrinkles. A lotion with hyaluronic acid is often ideal during this period.
Check the label for directions about any areas or types of skin where you should not apply the product (such as on the face, any areas of broken/chapped/cut/irritated/scraped skin, or on a recently shaved area of the skin).
“Applying a thin layer of Aquaphor on the face during drier times of the year can help keep the skin well moisturized,” says Dr. Kagha. “This can be especially helpful for those with drier skin or who live in drier climates.”
If you plan on using it all over the face it is best to use Aquaphor at night. This is a process called slugging, it helps lock in the products and promotes their benefits. Other ways to use Aquaphor include on the eyelashes and eyebrows, it can strengthen both and help them look shinier and healthier.