Immediately After Treatment Before you depart, we will apply a thin layer of Aquaphor, CeraVe healing ointment, or Alastin Skin Nectar to your treatment area.
You must keep your face moist with moisturizers, such as Vaseline, Aquaphor, or Double Antibiotic ointment.
Use petrolatum ointment to cover any area with oozing and keep moist. Use of icepacks helps alleviate the heat sensation. You may also cleanse your face with a mild cleanser. First Few Days.
Answer: Moisturizing Opti-Ceramide cream after laser procedures Post laser we recommend an Opti-Ceramide moisturizing cream which hydrates the skin, helps retain deep moisture and reduce peeling. Elevase Moisture Booster is what we recommend to our patients.
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.
When can you go back to your own skin care routine post procedure? Retinol / retinoids (including prescription Accutane, Oratane, Adapalene, Tretinoin): 5-21 days post laser resurfacing. Start every second night, increase as tolerated. Hyaluronic acids: you can recommence 3- 10 days post procedure.
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.
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.
You can start using a physical sunscreen like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide on your skin. A good sunscreen is EltaMD UV Physical Tinted Face Sunscreen with an SPF protection of more than 40.
Grid marks on the face are a result of the laser fractionation and also resolve over 5-7 days. Continue to cleanse the treated area with Cetaphil Gentle Face Wash for 7 days. DO NOT SCRATCH, PICK OR RUB THE SKIN VIGOUROUSLY. On day 4, you may stop using the Aquaphor and allow your skin to breath.
Sunscreen and post-laser hyperpigmentation
Photoprotection is crucial in the successful management of post-laser hyperpigmentation, PIH, and especially melasma. Both UVB and UVA rays can stimulate melanin production by melanocytes, which is why it is important to seek broad-spectrum sunscreens for adequate protection.
After a carbon laser facial treatment, it is important to keep your skin hydrated to promote healing and prevent dryness. Drink plenty of water and apply a gentle, non-comedogenic moisturiser to your skin. Avoid using heavy or oily moisturisers, as they can clog your pores.
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.
After cleansing your face in the morning, apply sunscreen. You may also switch to a lighter moisturizer such as Cetaphil or Cerave Cream. The first two weeks, apply sunscreen at least three to four times a day. Afterward, daily use for at least three months is required.
Be sure to use a gentle hydrating moisturizer to replenish lost moisture and soothe any discomfort or tightness you may feel. Look for products that are free from harsh chemicals or fragrances that could irritate your sensitive skin.
Immediately After Treatment
Before you depart, we will apply a thin layer of Aquaphor, CeraVe healing ointment, or Alastin Skin Nectar to your treatment area.
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.
Moisturize
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.
Seal in moisture and protect lasered skin with an occlusive ointment like EltaMD Laser Post Procedure Balm or PCA SKIN Skin Procedure Healing Ointment. For itchy, hot spots, apply FixMySkin 1% Hydrocortisone Healing Body Balm as needed, up to four times daily.
Avoid alcohol, caffeine, cigarettes, high-sodium foods, high sugar foods, Niacin supplements, refined carbohydrates, and spicy foods for 48 hours after treatment.
These are the only two things that should be used to maintain the healing skin over the next 4 weeks. There are also medications in the pack and you will be instructed on how to use these. After fully ablative laser the face should be washed twice a day. The first wash should be on the morning after surgery.
Finally, apply a thin coat of Vaseline to keep the area moist. You can repeat this procedure every 2 – 3 hours or less often, depending on how quickly crusts re-form. 1 – 2 days after treatment: The treated skin will still look red and swollen but gradually less than on the first day.
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.
Ways to Speed Healing:
Soak the treated skin with a plain white vinegar solution at least 4 to 8 times each day. You can't soak too much. Soaking reduces redness and speeds healing! Do not pick, rub, scrub, or irritate your skin while it is healing.