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.
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.
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.
Answer: CO2 laser resurfacing You can try Cetaphil or Cerave Cream. Both are good moisturizers that do not clog pores (non-comedogenic). I also recommend a gentle cleanser such as Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser or Cerave Hydrating Cleanser.
Apply Aquaphor or Alba Un-Petroleum Jelly immediately after cleansing. It is imperative that the treated skin does not dry out; otherwise it may increase the risk of scar formation and/or infection. To that end, please reapply the Aquaphor or Alba Un-Petroleum Jelly if the treated skin feels tight or dry.
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.
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.
First Week of Healing. Keep treated area clean; avoid smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, excessive exercise, perspiring, swimming, or exposing skin to heat and sun. Skin Care Products. All of your skin care products should be non-irritating and non-clogging for the first week or so after a Fraxel treatment.
Can I wash my face after carbon laser peel? Following a carbon facial treatment, you should avoid direct sunlight for at least 12 to 24 hours. You can wash your face two to three times a day using a gentle facial cleanser.
Hyaluronic acids: you can recommence 3- 10 days post procedure.
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.
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.
In conclusion, using vitamin C after a carbon peel is possible, but it's important to be patient and cautious. Wait at least 24 hours before reintroducing any skincare products to the skin, and choose a gentle, non-irritating vitamin C serum that's appropriate for your skin type.
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.
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.
We recommend CeraVe Face Moisturizer. DO NOT apply makeup to the treated area until your skin has been reevaluated by the physician. DO NOT put any other creams or lotions on the skin except for the CeraVe Face Moisturizer.
Day 3-6 – Exfolitaion Phase (Aquaphor® no longer needed): at least 3 times a day - cleanse with Cetaphil, soak with diluted vinegar solution, then apply a thin layer of Medical Barrier Cream. Exfoliation/ shedding will be completed during this phase – don't pick!
How Do I Take Care of My Skin After a Carbon Laser Facial? Keep your skin moist with a moisturizer containing no retinals or other harsh ingredients. It's normal to see some flaking or experience dryness for a few days, Use sunscreen regularly with at least SPF 30+ for several days after treatment.
An ointment such as Vaseline® or moisturizing creams such as Eucerin®, or Aquaphor® are then applied. The purpose of using ointments or creams is to prevent any scab formation. In general, the areas heal in five to 21 days, depending on the nature of the condition that was treated and type of laser used.
Following your treatment, you may experience a sunburn-like sensation, which will be alleviated using cold compresses/soaks until you are ready to leave the office. Before you depart, we will apply a thin layer of Aquaphor, CeraVe healing ointment, or Alastin Skin Nectar to your treatment area.
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.
Following a carbon facial treatment, you should avoid direct sunlight for at least 12 to 24 hours. You'll also want to wash your face two to three times a day using a gentle facial cleanser. It is important to keep your face clean, as well as your bedding and pillows.
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.
This foundation works to camouflage redness, incisions and even scars. Those with rosacea or acne will also benefit. Oxygenetix may be used after a rhinoplasty, facial surgery bruising, scar revision, CO2 laser skin resurfacing, injectables, eyelid surgery, dermabrasion and chemical peels.