Wear a protective covering within the first few hours after you've left your doctor's office. After that, you just have to wait until the next morning (at least 12 hours after) to wash your face. Avoid scalding water—tepid is best—and only use a gentle cleanser as recommended by your doctor.
It's recommended to wait at least 6-8 hours after a laser hair removal session before taking a shower; which should be cold or very mild. This gives the skin time to cool down and for any redness or swelling to subside.
Recovery instructions for post-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.
In most cases you do not need to continue Aquaphor after one week. People can develop an irritation to the Aquaphor. After three days please call our office if the swelling continues or the area becomes more red, as this could be a reaction to the Aquaphor.
Use Gentle Cleansers: Wash your face with mild, non-abrasive cleansers that won't strip your skin or cause irritation. Avoid products with harsh chemicals or fragrances during the healing phase. Avoid Picking or Scrubbing: It's crucial to let your skin heal naturally.
Day 2 to 5 – Begin showering twice a day and gently washing face with Cetaphil cleanser. Apply Vaseline/Aquaphor to all treated areas. Continue with the cold packs. Day 5 to 7 – Continue washing the treated areas with Cetaphil cleanser.
Proper skincare also includes the application of moisturizer, like Vaseline, or another approved product, for several days. This speeds up the healing process and prevents the appearance of scabs. Using a gentle cleanser in the shower aids with recovery by helping remove excess moisturizer.
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.
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.
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.
You might find yourself uncertain about when it's safe to resume your regular shower routine. Typically, it's best to wait at least 24 hours before showering post-treatment. This gives your skin time to heal and reduces the risk of irritation or infection.
Drugstore brands such as CeraVe, Cetaphil, Eucerin, and Neutrogena make gentle, hydrating moisturizers that can be used after laser treatments.
The ideal time to wait before swimming following laser hair removal treatment is 48-72 hours. This recovery period enables the treated skin to mend properly without risk of irritation. Deciding when it's safe to swim after laser hair removal treatment requires patience.
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. Continue spritzing as needed with Avene Thermal Spring Water.
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.
Aquaphor may be a better option to use on your face if you have oily skin or are prone to acne. Vaseline is less likely to cause redness and swelling when used for healing a wound after surgery. Vaseline is a safer option if you're allergic to wool, lanolin, or other sheep products.
The hero ingredient is petroleum jelly, which works alongside glycerin, lanolin, and mineral oil to provide a protective barrier over the skin. “Aquaphor can be used to soften and smooth the skin as well as reduce transepidermal water loss,” explains dermatologist and surgeon Kristina Collins, MD, FAAD.
Wear a protective covering within the first few hours after you've left your doctor's office. After that, you just have to wait until the next morning (at least 12 hours after) to wash your face. Avoid scalding water—tepid is best—and only use a gentle cleanser as recommended by your doctor.
Individuals up to their 50s benefit greatly from laser fractional resurfacing treatments. Skin concerns like sun damage and deeper wrinkles are common in this age group.
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.
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.
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.