When can I use moisturizer after a CO2 laser?

Author: Katrine Borer  |  Last update: Tuesday, April 1, 2025

On day 4, you may stop using the Aquaphor and allow your skin to breath. You may change to a bland, fragrance free moisturizer lotion or cream once the skin is no longer sensitive, oozing, or raw.

When to apply moisturizer after CO2 laser?

Immediately After Treatment. Use a bland moisturizer (i.e. Cetaphil® cream) or a very thin layer of petrolatum ointment (i.e. Aquaphor®). Use petrolatum ointment to cover any area with oozing and keep moist. Use of icepacks helps alleviate the heat sensation.

How soon after laser can I moisturize?

Gotta wait up to 48 hours before you can apply moisturiser!

What moisturizer is best after co2 laser?

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.

What is the best aftercare for co2 laser?

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.

Dr. Kristina Tansavatdi | Post-Care Instructions for CO2 Laser Resurfacing

When to stop using Aquaphor after CO2 laser?

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.

Can I use moisturizer after carbon laser?

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.

When can I wash my face after a CO2 laser?

After the first 24 hours, please wash the treated areas with a gentle cleanser like Cetaphil to gently remove the Aquaphor or Alba Un-Petroleum Jelly. Always wash your hands thoroughly using antibacterial soap before touching the treated skin. Wash your face 3-6 times a day after the first 24 hours.

How can I make my CO2 laser heal faster?

CO2 Laser Treatment Recovery Time and Healing Tips
  1. Keep your skin clean: Gently cleanse and frequently apply the prescribed ointment as your provider instructs.
  2. Do not scratch the area: Though swelling and itching occur for a few days, avoid picking or rubbing your skin.

How do you moisturize your face after laser treatment?

The whole idea is to hydrate the skin so it does not dry out during the healing process. Day 2 to 5 – Begin showering twice a day and gently washing face with Cetaphil cleanser. Apply Vaseline/Aquaphor to all treated areas. Continue with the cold packs.

What foods to avoid after CO2 laser treatment?

Avoid alcohol, caffeine, cigarettes, high-sodium foods, high sugar foods, Niacin supplements, refined carbohydrates, and spicy foods for 48 hours after treatment.

What moisturiser can I use after laser?

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.

How long after a CO2 laser can I wear makeup?

You can use make-up 7-10 days after your treatment. You will need to purchase new make up to avoid bacteria to your new skin. It is also imperative you thoroughly clean all of your makeup brushes, or purchase new brushes.

Can I use Cerave after a CO2 laser?

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.

How much younger does a CO2 laser make you look?

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.

When can I moisturise after laser?

For 24 -48 hours after the treatment, please avoid excessive sweating, hot showers, shaving, waxing, and plucking the treatment area. For the next 5 days after the treatment, please liberally apply Skinstitut® Laser Aid both morning and evening or as many times as your skin feels sensitive.

What is the best moisturizer after CO2 laser treatment?

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.

Why use vinegar soaks after CO2 laser?

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.

What is the downside of a CO2 laser?

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.

Does CO2 laser tighten jowls?

Yes, the CO2 laser is renowned for its ability to tighten jowls and rejuvenate the lower face. By enhancing collagen production and boosting elasticity, the treatment reduces skin laxity along the jawline, helping to lift and sculpt a more contoured appearance.

How can I speed up the healing of a CO2 laser?

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. Staying hydrated and eating healthy also promotes healthy skin renewal.

How long should you use Aquaphor after a CO2 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.

How soon can I wash my face after a CO2 laser?

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.

What moisturizer can I use after laser?

Drugstore brands such as CeraVe, Cetaphil, Eucerin, and Neutrogena make gentle, hydrating moisturizers that can be used after laser treatments.

Can I use hyaluronic acid after CO2 laser?

Hyaluronic acids: you can recommence 3- 10 days post procedure.

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