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.
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.
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.
Naturally, the skin will start to dry out, crust, and flake. Dr. Bodian may ask patients to wait 24– 48 hours after treatment to apply lotion to the skin. Any lotions should be approved by your doctor and be scent-free to minimize skin irritation.
Immediately after treatment:
Use the product at least 14 days or more after treatment. Seal in moisture and protect lasered skin with an occlusive ointment like EltaMD Laser Post Procedure Balm or PCA SKIN Skin Procedure Healing Ointment.
Searching for over-the-counter products meant for dry, sensitive skin will be a good place to start finding the right moisturizer for you. Drugstore brands such as CeraVe, Cetaphil, Eucerin, and Neutrogena make gentle, hydrating moisturizers that can be used after laser treatments.
The short answer is Yes. The treated area may experience some reddening and swelling. After treatment, you can apply Vaseline, after-sun cream, or aloe Vera gel to the treated area for soothing skin. The area might need to be soothed by applying an ice pack when you use old laser technology.
It's beneficial to use aloe vera gel on affected areas after laser treatment as it can help keep swelling and redness to a minimum. You might find that your skin is tender after laser treatment, but aloe vera can help reduce this. It helps keep the skin moisturised, which also helps to speed up the healing process.
After that, you just have to wait until the next morning (at least 12 hours after) to wash your face.
Strenuous activities: Sweating can irritate treated skin, so we ask that you avoid activities or exercise that cause excessive sweating for at least 48 hours post-treatment. Harsh skincare products: Avoid using exfoliants, retinoids, or products containing alcohol for at least one week post-treatment.
One study found that after Fraxel laser, applying a topical vitamin C serum has been shown to reduce the injury of the skin's surface barrier and even help restore pH.
Immediate Care Tips for Post-Laser Recovery
Keep It Cool: Use cool compresses to soothe the skin. Apply gently to reduce swelling and discomfort. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate and Moisturize: Hydration is key to skin recovery. Use a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer to help maintain moisture balance.
Apply over-the-counter hydrocortisone 1% mixed with either Vaseline®, Aquaphor® or Aloe Vera gel, up to three times daily or as needed until resolved. Apply cold packs (wrapped in a barrier like a towel) to the affected area(s), taking them on and off every three to five minutes for one to two hours.
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.
Whether you've had a tattoo laser removal or laser hair removal, it is recommended you avoid strong soaps on the treatment area, that includes medicated skin washes, skin scrubs or harsh exfoliants, as well as hydrogen peroxide. Follow the aftercare advice given by your medical or cosmetic clinic provider.
Look for moisturizers that contain hyaluronic acid or glycerin to help lock in moisture and keep your skin moist. Avoid using products with fragrances or alcohol as these can irritate the delicate layers of skin post-laser treatment.
Avoid applying makeup too soon. Like skincare products, cosmetics can irritate the skin after laser skin resurfacing. You should wait 2-3 weeks for the skin to recover, or you can consult a dermatologist for the proper use of cosmetics. Sunlight exposure is the most crucial thing to avoid after laser skin resurfacing.
Avoid alcohol, caffeine, cigarettes, high-sodium foods, high sugar foods, Niacin supplements, refined carbohydrates, and spicy foods for 48 hours after treatment.
Your skin may continue to improve up to a year and the improvement may last for several years. Normal aging will eventually lead to new wrinkles, which can be treated with laser resurfacing again. You should avoid the sun as much as possible and apply sunscreen every day.
For many people, laser therapy, which is also called photorejuvenation, is an effective method of diminishing wrinkles and making skin look younger. Results may last as long as 10 years. Dermatologists at NYU Langone use fractional CO2 lasers and erbium lasers on the face, hands, chest, and neck.
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.
Day 5 to 7 – Continue washing the treated areas with Cetaphil cleanser. Begin using Cetaphil moisturizer instead of Vaseline/Aquaphor if skin is smooth, without crusts and not oozing. Stay out of the sun!