How long does your face peel after laser resurfacing?

Author: Mr. Olaf Cummings  |  Last update: Sunday, January 25, 2026

Usually, about five days to a week after laser skin resurfacing, your skin will become dry and peel.

How long do you peel after laser resurfacing?

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.

How do you remove dead skin after laser treatment?

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.

How long does it take collagen to rebuild after resurfacing?

The journey of collagen rebuilding after laser skin resurfacing is a gradual but transformative process. Patients can witness immediate improvements in the weeks following the procedure, with continued enhancement over the next several months.

How many layers of skin does laser resurfacing remove?

During ablative laser resurfacing, an intense beam of light energy is directed at your skin. This laser beam destroys the outer layer of skin, also called the epidermis. At the same time, the laser heats the underlying skin, called the dermis.

Caring for your Skin after Laser Resurfacing

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

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.

How much younger does laser resurfacing 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.

What is the best age for laser resurfacing?

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.

Can you really put collagen back into your skin?

Yes, it is possible to rebuild collagen in the face to reduce signs of skin aging and achieve smoother, firmer skin. Collagen formation can be stimulated through collagen treatments such as dermal fillers which increase levels of hyaluronic acid and promote cell growth for healthy cells.

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.

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.

Why is my skin peeling after laser?

As the damaged surface layers peel away, it allows for the renewed and regenerated skin underneath to emerge. So while peeling may seem unusual, it's actually a positive sign of cellular turnover and your skin rejuvenating itself post-treatment!

How can I speed up dead skin removal?

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.

What does your face look like after a laser peel?

Immediately after treatment, your skin will be red and feel sensitive and sunburned. Redness, swelling, itching or stinging may last for a few days. Depending on the treatment, skin may even appear raw, ooze a yellow liquid and even blister.

Do you use moisturizer after resurfacing peel?

An oil can be used after the peel, though a moisturizer is recommended to maximize the peel's effectiveness. Leave Peel on overnight, it will absorb into skin. Follow your usual skin care routine in the morning.

Can you overdo laser resurfacing?

Overexposure to laser light can result in skin burns, varying in severity from mild redness and discomfort to more blistering, severe burns. Individuals with sensitive skin or undergoing multiple laser therapy sessions in a short timeframe are at a higher risk of experiencing these burns.

What are the first signs that collagen is working?

The first signs that collagen is working can be noticed when you look at your skin; regular collagen can begin to improve the skin's overall elasticity and improve hydration levels after (at least) six weeks.

What drink is high in collagen?

Bone Broth

Chicken bone broth is a potent source of collagen. This broth, made by boiling chicken bones in water, is believed to extract collagen, thus supporting body health.

How long does it take to rebuild collagen in face?

However, new collagen growth can take anywhere from four to 12 weeks to complete. Keep in mind that while certain procedures can be very effective at restoring and replacing collagen, these results aren't permanent. Depending on the collagen rebuilding procedure and areas treated, results can last a year or longer.

What are the cons of laser resurfacing?

Cons of Laser Resurfacing

Risk of Side Effects: Potential side effects include redness, swelling, and temporary discomfort. In some cases, changes in skin pigmentation or scarring may occur.

How much does skin resurfacing cost?

Determining the Laser Skin Resurfacing Cost

A single treatment session usually costs between $500 and $3,000. But it's important to keep in mind that you might need more than one lesson to get the results you want.

What is the best laser for a 60 year old?

If you're in your 50s-60s: At this point, you want your laser skin resurfacing treatment to remove the topmost dermis layers, as that's the best way to reveal glowing skin. For these reasons, we suggest using one of the following laser resurfacing systems: EndyMed Intensif, Fraxel Dual, and Fraxel CO2.

Why is laser resurfacing so expensive?

Laser skin resurfacing prices will be based on the expertise and qualifications of the person performing the procedure, the type of procedure used, the time and effort the treatment requires, as well as geographic office location.

What is the best age to get laser done?

While laser hair removal can be safe for teens with parental consent, the best age is usually in your twenties and thirties when hormonal levels are more stable. 2. . Can teenagers undergo laser hair removal? Yes, teenagers can undergo laser hair removal, but parental consent is required for anyone under 18.

What is the best laser resurfacing for your face?

The best in class for wrinkle removal, treatment of crow's feet, sun damage removal and overall skin rejuvenation is the Fraxel Re:pair laser. Yes, there is some downtime with Fraxel, but after a couple days looking like you have a sunburn, your skin will look 10 years younger, tighter and completely refreshed.

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