Aloe Vera Aloe vera is one of the best natural ingredients for calming post-laser skin. It's soothing, anti-inflammatory, and hydrating, making it an excellent choice for reducing redness and cooling the skin.
"Great post-treatment moisturizers should contain ingredients such as petrolatum, vitamin E, vitamin C, antioxidants, ferulic acid, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, lanolin, or aloe, which all help hydrate the skin while preventing water loss," Graf continues.
Apply Vaseline/Aquaphor to all treated areas. Continue with the cold packs. 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.
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.
Some good moisturizers for this are: CeraVe's Daily Moisturizing Lotion, the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer, the Vanicream Moisturizing Cream, the Bioderma Atoderm Intensive Baume, and theAvene Cicalfate+ Restorative Cream.
Thicker creams or occlusive products may trap heat and block proper healing. Dr. Soni recommends gentle, water-based lotions that absorb quickly. Reputable brands like Cetaphil, CeraVe, and Vanicream offer options specifically for sensitive post-procedure skin.
Although you may think that a moisturizing lotion helps make your skin smooth after laser hair removal, it could do the opposite and irritate the skin further. Your best bet is to leave the area of skin where you had laser hair removal free of any product, aside from aloe vera, for at least 24 hours.
The Right Products for Post-Laser Skin Care
Moisturizing Creams: Choose creams with ingredients like hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture without clogging pores. Barrier Creams: A good barrier cream can protect the skin from further irritation, especially in the days immediately following your treatment.
Setting Yourself Up For a Smooth Recovery
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.
Avoid skincare products with active ingredients including vitamin A, vitamin C and exfoliants for 3-5 days. No high intensity exercise or excessive heat (hot, steamy showers or hot yoga) in the day that follows as heat can irritate hair follicles. Wear sunscreen always, and staying out of the sun is recommended.
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.
Skincare After Several Days
During this stage, look for lotions that focus on moisturizing the skin rather than products that actively fight wrinkles. A lotion with hyaluronic acid is often ideal during this period.
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.
Let your skin breathe
We recommend that you don't overly stress healing skin with perfumed skin creams and oils, or apply heavy face or skin makeup for about one week. The aim is to not clog your skin pores, which might cause irritation. Give laser-treated skin these first few days to breathe and heal.
Infused with avocado oil, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory agents, Balense® Recovery Cream is designed to calm inflammation and relieve irritated, dry skin. This anti-bacterial formula is perfect for calming skin after sunburn, bites, laser treatments, or cosmetic procedures.
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.
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.
Apply a cool compress or a wrapped ice pack for 15 minutes every one to two hours as needed, during the first 24 to 48 hours. Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly (or any occlusive moisturizer) or antibiotic ointment (such as bacitracin) to the area twice a day until the skin heals.
Keep the area moist with Cetaphil Cream, Cerave Cream, or Aquaphor Healing Ointment until the inflammation resolves and the area is healed. Keep the treated area out of the sun. If sun exposure is unavoidable, cover it or apply a broad-spectrum sunblock with SPF 30 or above for at least four weeks following treatment.
AVOID APPLYING HEAVY MOISTURISER
Moisturisers with rich formulas can be too heavy for post-procedure skin with open pores. Avoid thick moisturisers or creams for 24-48 hours after your appointment and opt instead for hydrating gel or mist formulas.
Creams based on natural ingredients such as aloe vera, calendula or chamomile are particularly effective in this respect, thanks in particular to their anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
This is a sign that the laser successfully treated the follicle, and it's clearing out the dead hair shaft. This shedding process, also called “peppering,” can last anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks. In some cases, it may feel like the hair is growing back because it's breaking through the skin.