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.
Moisturize
Moisturizing your skin post-laser will help keep it hydrated and prevent dryness and itching. Use a moisturizer specifically designed for use after laser resurfacing to help keep your skin healthy and hydrated.
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.
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.
✓ Moisturize – Re-apply Aquaphor® for first 2 or 3 days, then after than stop using Aquaphor® and replace it with Medical Barrier Cream. Pain: Other than a mild burning sensation for the first few hours, most patients experience no other pain.
The only substance that should be applied to your skin after full ablation for the first month after surgery is Aquaphor OR Vaseline. These two products are safe and the risk of irritation, inflammation and delayed healing is minimal with these products.
Before you depart, we will apply a thin layer of Aquaphor, CeraVe healing ointment, or Alastin Skin Nectar to your treatment area. Afterward, you can also periodically spritz with Avene Thermal Spring Water, available for purchase at our office, to alleviate discomfort and to keep the skin hydrated.
Be sure treated areas are completely covered in Aquaphor at all times. Always wash your hands before touching your face. Gently cleanse the skin 3 times a day with plain, lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser (such as Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser) beginning the morning after the treatment.
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.
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.
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.
Hyaluronic acids: you can recommence 3- 10 days post procedure.
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.
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.
Avoid aggressive facial treatments, such as tretinoin or glycolic acid for four weeks and any topical products that may cause irritation for six weeks following treatment. Avoid activities that can cause flushing for two weeks after treatment. Don't smoke. Smoking slows 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.
Your skin will need a brief recovery period that can take up to three weeks, but once this period passes, you'll begin to notice a smoother texture and more even tone. Then, in the coming months, additional improvements will start to develop, including the reduction of: Age spots and sunspots.
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.
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.
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.
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. Apply a mineral sunscreen like TiZO Ultra Zinc Mineral Sunscreen for Face and Body SPF 40.
Keeping your face well hydrated after receiving laser skin resurfacing can help alleviate this with the use of doctor-approved moisturizing creams or lotions. Hydrating your skin will not only allow your skin to be more elastic and heal faster but also offers a degree of comfort as you contract facial muscles.
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.