How many days after laser can I wash my face?

Author: Alysson Christiansen  |  Last update: Sunday, December 28, 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.

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.

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.

Can you shower after laser treatment on your face?

After the initial waiting period, it's safe to take a mild/cold shower. But it's important to avoid using harsh soaps, hot water, or scrubbing the treated area too vigorously. Gentle washing with cool water and a gentle, fragrance-free soap can help to soothe the skin and remove any remaining debris.

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.

CO2 Fractional Laser: Recovery Day by Day

How long should I wait to wash my face after laser treatment?

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.

Do and don'ts after facial laser?

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.

When 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.

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.

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.

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.

How long does a face laser take to heal?

You may take a pain reliever and use ice packs. New skin usually covers the area in 7 to 10 days. Full recovery takes at least a month. During this time, don't use products that may irritate your face, such as cosmetics.

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.

How long should I avoid water after laser?

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.

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.

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

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.

Why can't I wash my face after laser?

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.

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.

When can I wash my face after fractional laser?

After the first 24 hours, please wash the treated areas with a gentle cleanser like Cetaphil to gently remove the Aquaphor or Alba Un-Petroleum Jelly. Always wash your hands thoroughly using antibacterial soap before touching the treated skin. Wash your face 3-6 times a day after the first 24 hours.

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.

How long to use Aquaphor after laser resurfacing?

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.

How soon can I wash my face after a carbon laser?

Can I wash my face after carbon laser peel? Following a carbon facial treatment, you should avoid direct sunlight for at least 12 to 24 hours. You can wash your face two to three times a day using a gentle facial cleanser.

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.

What products not to use after face laser?

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.

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.

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