How long after laser can you wash your face?

Author: Davon Gleichner  |  Last update: Wednesday, August 20, 2025

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.

Can I wash my face after laser treatment?

After your laser peel, you'll want to wait about 12 hours before washing your face. When you wash your face, use the gentlest cleanser you can find. Avoid anything with enzymatic acids, exfoliants, retinol, or other anti-aging ingredients. Rinse with warm water (not hot) and pat dry.

How many hours can I wash after laser?

It is recommended to wait 24 hours before showering after laser hair removal to allow your skin to heal. However, if you must shower before this time, wait at least 8 hours and take a cold shower to minimize irritation or other skin reactions.

When can I wash my face with water after fractional laser?

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.

How long should I avoid water after laser?

2 -3 weeks is the time suggested by doctors to keep your eyes safe from water. As a lasik patient, I would say, make it 3-4 weeks, it's for your eyes. There was a long list of precautions I received from eye7 consultants via mail that has to be taken care of after the surgery. -stay in clean environment.

Caring for your Skin after Laser Resurfacing

What is the fastest way to heal skin after laser treatment?

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.

Can I shower 12 hours after laser?

Soni advises waiting at least 24 hours before showering after laser hair removal. It's best to avoid water exposure for a full day to allow the treated area time to heal. Showering too soon can disrupt results and cause issues like: Infection from bacteria entering microscopic blisters or openings.

What is the best thing to put on your face after laser treatment?

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.

Can I put water on my face after laser?

Washing your face immediately after laser treatment is not recommended. Wait at least 24 hours to allow a protective barrier to form. When you wash, use lukewarm water and gentle, fragrance-free cleansers to minimise irritation.

Do and don'ts after laser treatment?

‍Post-Laser Treatment Dos and Don'ts
  • ‍Let your skin breathe. ...
  • ‍Wear a SPF on the treatment area‍ ...
  • ‍Avoid strong irritants on laser treated skin. ...
  • ‍Avoid hot and high-pressure water, as well as therapeutic water treatments. ...
  • ‍Can you shave after laser hair removal? ...
  • ‍Can you shower after laser hair removal?

What is the best moisturizer after laser resurfacing?

Drugstore brands such as CeraVe, Cetaphil, Eucerin, and Neutrogena make gentle, hydrating moisturizers that can be used after laser treatments.

How long after laser can I use skincare?

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.

What are the stages of skin healing after laser?

The Healing Process after Laser Treatment

As the skin heals, new collagen is produced, resulting in smoother, more youthful-looking skin. The healing process after laser treatment typically occurs in three stages: inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling.

When can I scrub my face after laser?

Don't exfoliate within the first 24 hours of Fox Vein & Laser Experts treatment, as it could irritate, but exfoliation is key in between appointments following that initial 24-hour period. Exfoliation is the process of removal of dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, which helps to improve its appearance.

Which laser is best for skin tightening?

Expert Dermatologists Name 8 Best Lasers and Devices for Skin Tightening
  • Laser and energy-based therapy is the gold standard for non-surgical skin tightening. ...
  • LaseMD Ultra. ...
  • Active FX and Deep FX. ...
  • Fraxel Repair. ...
  • Erbium YAG. ...
  • RF Microneedling. ...
  • Ellacor. ...
  • Sofwave.

What can you not put on your face after laser?

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.

How can I speed up healing after laser?

Ellis to help you heal quickly and get great results from your CO2 laser skin treatment.
  1. Listen to Your Doctor's Advice. ...
  2. Keep Skin Moist. ...
  3. Stay Out of the Sun. ...
  4. Drink Lots of Water. ...
  5. Don't Pick Your Skin. ...
  6. Use Gentle Skin Products. ...
  7. Sleep with Your Head Up. ...
  8. Eat Healthy Foods.

Should I ice my face after laser?

Right After Treatment: Mitigate Swelling and Redness

Most people will experience some redness, swelling, or stinging on the face. An ice pack or cool wet cloth can be applied on the skin to relieve these side effects. An over-the-counter pain reliever can be useful to reduce swelling and alleviate more severe pain.

What foods should you avoid after laser treatment?

Avoid alcohol, caffeine, cigarettes, high-sodium foods, high sugar foods, Niacin supplements, refined carbohydrates, and spicy foods for 48 hours after treatment.

How to clean face after laser treatment?

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. Sleep on an extra pillow during the first four nights after the procedure.

How long does it take for face to heal after laser treatment?

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. Once the areas have healed, makeup may be worn to camouflage the pink to red color that is generally seen after laser skin resurfacing.

How much younger does a CO2 laser make you look?

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.

Are you allowed to wash your face after laser?

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.

Can I put moisturizer after laser?

Yes, you can, and should, moisturise after laser hair removal. While you should not moisturise before your laser hair removal appointment, after your appointment is a different story. The best moisturisers to use after laser hair removal are perfume free. This will help to avoid excess skin irritation.

How long does face swelling last after laser treatment?

SWELLING AND BRUISING: The area treated will be red and raw and will then heal in about 3-7 days for the face and 7-12 for the hands and chest. Swelling and bruising should be resolved over the same time. REDNESS: Persistent redness to pinkness is usually limited to 2-3 weeks.

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