Most moisturizer without alpha-hydroxy acids will work. You may also use aloe gel to relieve redness during the first 24 hours. Never use petroleum base “ointments” as they lock the heat in. You may apply deodorant after 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.
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.
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.
Niacinamide serum by itself is a form of vitamin B3 and is included in many skincare products that contain acids. You should wait at least 72 hours before applying this to your skin after laser hair removal treatment, or longer if your treatment provider says so.
For a long time, the belief was to steer clear of all active ingredients post-laser treatment. However, new studies suggest otherwise . 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.
Drugstore brands such as CeraVe, Cetaphil, Eucerin, and Neutrogena make gentle, hydrating moisturizers that can be used after laser treatments.
Well-hydrated skin heals faster. Protect your skin from the sun: Patients often ask how long they need to avoid the sun after a laser treatment. Sun exposure can slow healing and increase the risk of complications, so you should stay out of direct sunlight until your skin is fully healed.
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.
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.
We like to have all patients on Retin-A and skin care products before and after their skin resurfacing. We generally begin the post laser skin care 4-6 weeks after the laser procedure. Your new skin is sensitive and requires gentle care.
The downtime after laser treatment usually depends on the type of procedure and how far the light goes into the skin. Most people will experience some redness, swelling, or stinging on the face. An ice pack or cool wet cloth can be applied on the skin to relieve these side effects.
Once the immediate post-laser wounds are healed and most of the inflammation has been resolved, all laser patients must utilize antioxidants every morning, specifically SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic. When SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic is used after laser surgeries, the serum can: Speed healing. Reduce inflammation.
In the days after treatment:
Cleanse the treated area with Vanicream Gentle Cleanser, which is free of irritants like fragrance and preservatives. Moisturize the treated area with Epionce Medical Barrier Cream.
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.
Do not use any products that contain harsh chemicals or fragrances on your skin until it has fully healed. Refrain from using any type of facial treatment for at least two weeks after laser resurfacing to reduce the risk of infection.
A soothing application (i.e. Aloe Vera, Aquaphor Healing Ointment, Biafine) and/or cool compress or ice pack (over a thin towel) may be applied until the sensation, and any redness and/or swelling subsides. Avoid hot water for 24–48 hours.
The best moisturizer on the market today for post treatment care is Oxygenetix Oxygenating Hydro-Matrix. Specifically designed to be used after laser procedures, Hydro-Matrix is safe for compromised skin up to a third degree burn.
Months 2-6. The magic of collagen rebuilding becomes more apparent in the months following the procedure. Patients often observe a tighter and smoother skin texture as the newly stimulated collagen continues to develop. The skin feels rejuvenated, and the results become increasingly noticeable.
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.
Day 4-5. For days 4 and 5 post-treatment, you may begin to cleanse your face with a mild facial wash such as CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser. Follow these washes with a thin layer of ointment.
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.