How many times a day should I wash my face after CO2 laser?

Author: Tyson Green  |  Last update: Tuesday, August 5, 2025

Wash your face 3-6 times a day after the first 24 hours. Following cleansing, you may want to use a white vinegar solution to ease any discomfort, such as itching. Mix a solution of 1 teaspoon white vinegar with 1 cup cold water.

How often should I wash my face after a CO2 laser?

Be sure treated areas are completely covered in Aquaphor at all times. Always wash your hands before touching your face. Gently cleanse the skin 3 times a day with plain, lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser (such as Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser) beginning the morning after the treatment.

When to wash face after 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 do you take care of your skin after CO2 fractional laser?

For the first 2 to 3 days after your treatment:

Apply an ice pack wrapped in a soft cloth to the treated area. Hold the ice pack on the treated area for 15 to 20 minutes. Put the ice pack on the treated area every few hours, or 1 to 5 times each day. After the first 2 to 3 days, use the ice pack as needed.

How to speed up healing after CO2 laser?

You can ensure a smoother recovery and better results by avoiding picking at treated skin, keeping healing skin moist and hydrated, using sunscreen, and using gentle skin products.

Dr. Kristina Tansavatdi | Post-Care Instructions for CO2 Laser Resurfacing

What is the best moisturizer after CO2 laser treatment?

Before you depart, we will apply a thin layer of Aquaphor, CeraVe healing ointment, or Alastin Skin Nectar to your treatment area. Afterward, you can also periodically spritz with Avene Thermal Spring Water, available for purchase at our office, to alleviate discomfort and to keep the skin hydrated.

How long does it take for brown spots to fall off after laser?

In general, it can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks for the pigmentation to fade. BBL and laser treatment are not one-off treatments. Multiple sessions may be required to achieve optimal results.

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 long to use Aquaphor after CO2 laser?

✓ Moisturize – Re-apply Aquaphor® for first 2 or 3 days, then after than stop using Aquaphor® and replace it with Medical Barrier Cream. Pain: Other than a mild burning sensation for the first few hours, most patients experience no other pain.

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.

What is the best face wash after CO2 laser?

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 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.

How long after CO2 laser will I see results on my face?

Your skin will need a brief recovery period that can take up to three weeks, but once this period passes, you'll begin to notice a smoother texture and more even tone. Then, in the coming months, additional improvements will start to develop, including the reduction of: Age spots and sunspots.

What serum is best after CO2 laser?

The perfect product to slowly introduce into your routine three to five days after your laser treatment is SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic. This serum has been tested and deemed suitable for use post-laser.

Does CO2 laser tighten jowls?

Yes, the CO2 laser is renowned for its ability to tighten jowls and rejuvenate the lower face. By enhancing collagen production and boosting elasticity, the treatment reduces skin laxity along the jawline, helping to lift and sculpt a more contoured appearance.

When can I sleep on my side after CO2 laser?

Sleeping on your back for the first two weeks helps to ensure this. Following your laser procedure, a Silon dressing will be applied over your face. This dressing, which looks like Saran wrap, will provide a moist environment for quicker healing and less discomfort.

Is Aquaphor or Vaseline better after CO2 laser?

The only substance that should be applied to your skin after full ablation for the first month after surgery is Aquaphor OR Vaseline. These two products are safe and the risk of irritation, inflammation and delayed healing is minimal with these products.

How often should you wash your face after CO2 laser?

Wash your face 3-6 times a day after the first 24 hours. Following cleansing, you may want to use a white vinegar solution to ease any discomfort, such as itching.

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.

What not to do after a CO2 laser?

Remember not to rub in the cleansing cream but only dab it on. You can perform your normal activities but avoid strenuous exercise to reduce sweating in the face. 3 – 4 days after treatment: The skin swelling will resolve but the redness will remain and some flaking of skin will occur.

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 is the downside of a CO2 laser?

Disadvantages of CO2 Resurfacing

Like dermabrasion, this type of laser resurfacing requires a good deal of recovery time. The patient's skin will be weepy for two weeks and will require thorough cleaning four to five times daily, along with application of ointment to keep the skin from scabbing.

Does CO2 laser get rid of brown spots?

CO2 laser therapy treats pigmentation by destroying the outer layers of the skin and stimulating re-epithelialization and cell turnover in the deeper layers. This removes pigmentation and restructures collagen to both improve dark spots and reduce wrinkles.

What does shedding after laser look like?

Shedding after a laser hair removal treatment typically occurs around one to three weeks after your treatment, and may look like stubble or blackheads.

Why do dark spots get darker after laser?

Post-laser hyperpigmentation may occur due to inflammation of the skin caused by the laser device, especially when inappropriate laser settings or laser type are selected for treating a patient.

Previous article
How do I know if I am gaining muscle?
Next article
At what age do Muslims wear hijab?