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.
The recovery time is up to 3 to 5 days for the non-ablative lasers, and 1 to 2 weeks for the ablative lasers. You should avoid sun exposure, or use a good sunscreen, for several weeks afterwards to minimize the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
The immediate post laser treatment consists of covering the lasered skin with Vaseline (Aquaphor or whatever the specific product you are instructed to use) and using cold packs for discomfort and swelling. The best treatment to be comfortable is to apply cold compresses to the treated areas of the face.
Avoid alcohol, caffeine, cigarettes, high-sodium foods, high sugar foods, Niacin supplements, refined carbohydrates, and spicy foods for 48 hours after treatment.
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.
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.
DAY OF AND DAY AFTER LASER SKIN RESURFACING PROCEDURE
Sleep on your back with your head elevated about 30-40 degrees (2-3 pillows). Do not sleep on your side. Keeping your body more upright will minimize swelling. You do not want the laser treated areas to be pressing against your pillow.
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.
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.
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.
Applying a moisturizer regularly will not only combat dryness but also soothe your skin, leaving it feeling smooth and revitalized. We also suggest choosing a fragrance-free moisturizer to avoid potential irritation on areas of the skin that may be sensitive after laser hair removal.
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.
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.
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 recommended to wait at least 6-8 hours after a laser hair removal session before taking a shower; which should be cold or very mild. This gives the skin time to cool down and for any redness or swelling to subside.
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.
Initial treatments may cause short term muscle spasm, mild fatigue, mild nausea or headaches. It is thought that these healing reactions are the result of increased metabolites in the blood stream. This usually subsides within 48 hours.
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.
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.
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.
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.
You can also stay hydrated by: Eating Water-Rich Foods: Fruits and vegetables like cucumbers, watermelon, and oranges are excellent for hydration. Using Hydrating Skincare Products: Incorporating a good moisturiser and hydrating serums into your post-treatment routine can help lock in moisture.