Using a gentle cleanser and warm clean water can help remove these small particles of dirt and debris that are often invisible to the naked eye. This process will also help remove dead skin cells covering up healthy skin underneath.
It is important to carefully wash and dry your face each morning and night for several days. Water should be lukewarm or cold and you should carefully blot your face dry. The goal for washing is to remove any dead skin and ensure your body's natural oils are not harshly scrubbed off.
The best way to get rid of stubble and help your skin heal is to exfoliate following the instructions our team gives you after your facial laser treatment. You can exfoliate using a regular wash cloth, but don't begin exfoliation until about a week after your treatment to avoid irritating the area.
Can I exfoliate my face after laser hair removal? Yes, you can begin exfoliating the face 3-4 days after your treatment. Yes, you can use an exfoliant, AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) or BHA (beta hydroxy acid), to go over the area in circular motions to help the dead skin cells shed off.
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.
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.
Ways to Speed Healing:
Soak the treated skin with a plain white vinegar solution at least 4 to 8 times each day. You can't soak too much. Soaking reduces redness and speeds healing! Do not pick, rub, scrub, or irritate your skin while it is healing.
Minimizes Blemishes: Exfoliating regularly can prevent clogged pores and acne breakouts following laser sessions when dead skin cells and oil buildup are most likely. Enhances Results: Removing the top layer of dead cells smooths and evens texture for noticeably softer, brighter skin that shows off your laser results.
Searching for over-the-counter products meant for dry, sensitive skin will be a good place to start finding the right moisturizer for you. Drugstore brands such as CeraVe, Cetaphil, Eucerin, and Neutrogena make gentle, hydrating moisturizers that can be used after laser treatments.
If you use a scrub or chemical exfoliator, apply the product gently using small, circular motions. Do this for about 30 seconds, and then rinse off with lukewarm — not hot — water. If you use a brush or sponge, use short light strokes. Never exfoliate if you have open cuts or wounds or if your skin is sunburned.
Use a soft washcloth or a mild exfoliating scrub in gentle circular motions. This can help expedite the shedding and smooth the skin. Moisturise regularly: Keeping the skin hydrated is essential. Use a fragrance-free, gentle moisturiser to soothe the skin and enhance its natural regeneration.
Patients may notice more hair 1 – 3 weeks after laser hair removal sessions as follicles in the growing cycle begin to shed. During this process, exfoliating the skin, once swelling and redness have dissipated, can help hairs shed faster, leaving skin feeling smoother.
Spend 10 minutes soaking the area of your skin that has toughened in warm water. This will make it easier to scrub off dead skin cells by dissolving them. Then, exfoliate your skin to eliminate the dead skin cells with a light body scrub that is suitable for your skin type.
Glycolic and salicylic acid are also sometimes used to treat underarm odor. Make sure to wait at least a week before and after your laser appointment before using such products. You can also consider treatments like Botox or Morpheus8 to potentially curb sweating.
Let your skin breathe
We recommend that you don't overly stress healing skin with perfumed skin creams and oils, or apply heavy face or skin makeup for about one week. The aim is to not clog your skin pores, which might cause irritation. Give laser-treated skin these first few days to breathe and heal.
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.
Immediately after treatment:
Use the product at least 14 days or more after treatment. Seal in moisture and protect lasered skin with an occlusive ointment like EltaMD Laser Post Procedure Balm or PCA SKIN Skin Procedure Healing Ointment.
Gentle physical exfoliation: Some people may tolerate gentle physical exfoliation techniques, such as using a soft washcloth or a gentle scrub, after the initial healing period.
Skin irritants pose a significant risk to healing after laser facial treatments. Avoid strong soaps, medicated washes, and exfoliants for at least 4 weeks post-procedure. Refrain from using hydrogen peroxide, retinoids, and exfoliating products for a minimum of one week.
Here's What to Expect After Laser Resurfacing Treatment
Treatments that go deeper can also incur a period of extreme dryness and flaking as skin heals. The degree of peeling and flaking is related to the depth of your laser resurfacing treatment.
In addition to balancing pH levels and fighting acne, vinegar acts as a natural exfoliant that removes dead skin cells. When used as a soak or incorporated into skincare products like washcloths or masks, vinegar helps slough off dull surface cells without irritating them.
Ablative lasers are best for individuals with significant skin damage or aging concerns who are looking for substantial improvements. However, because they are more aggressive, they come with longer recovery times and a higher risk of side effects like redness, swelling, and scarring.
After something like a laser resurfacing treatment, you're going to need a super-gentle cleanser to wash your face. Cetaphil is a go-to, as it has everything you need to keep skin hydrated, soothed, and protected like glycerin, panthenol, and niacinamide.