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.
Gently wash the treated area by switching between washing with diluted white vinegar. and water and liquid soap and water. For example, you can wash with vinegar and water in the morning, and soap and water at night.
After that, you just have to wait until the next morning (at least 12 hours after) to wash your face.
1 – 2 days after treatment:
You can take a shower but do not directly let the shower hit the treated skin, to avoid injury and scarring.
After 3 days, you may begin gently cleansing the treated area with Riversol® gel cleanser twice a day. Continue to apply Aquaphor® moisturizer to the treated area after cleansing. After 3 days, you may apply mineral powder or makeup if desired. If prescribed, continue taking Valtrex; one pill twice a day for 7 days.
You might find yourself uncertain about when it's safe to resume your regular shower routine. Typically, it's best to wait at least 24 hours before showering post-treatment. This gives your skin time to heal and reduces the risk of irritation or infection.
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.
DAY OF AND DAY AFTER LASER SKIN RESURFACING PROCEDURE
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. Continue this for one week.
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.
In most cases you do not need to continue Aquaphor after one week. People can develop an irritation to the Aquaphor. After three days please call our office if the swelling continues or the area becomes more red, as this could be a reaction to the Aquaphor.
The ideal time to wait before swimming following laser hair removal treatment is 48-72 hours. This recovery period enables the treated skin to mend properly without risk of irritation. Deciding when it's safe to swim after laser hair removal treatment requires patience.
Recovery instructions for post-laser skin resurfacing
You may wash your face 2-5 times a day using saline solution or dilute vinegar solution, depending on a dermatologist's recommendation.
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 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. You may also now shampoo your hair.
When you take a hot shower, the blood flow to the surface of your skin increases, this can cause swelling and irritation to the treatment area, which can impact the effectiveness of your laser hair removal.
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. Day 5 to 7 – Continue washing the treated areas with Cetaphil cleanser.
Patients can expect on average 2-3 days of redness and 4-7 days of a “sandpaper” feeling or dryness of the skin.
Avoid alcohol, caffeine, cigarettes, high-sodium foods, high sugar foods, Niacin supplements, refined carbohydrates, and spicy foods for 48 hours after treatment.
In both cases, the treated skin is temporarily red, sensitive, and oozy with mild bleeding and discharge. This first phase lasts 7-10 days with ablative laser and 5-7 days with fractional laser. After that you can wear makeup, but still need sun protection.
Treated skin may swell, itch or have a burning sensation. Your skin may look inflamed for several months following ablative laser treatment. Acne. Applying thick creams and bandages to your face after treatment can worsen acne or cause tiny white bumps to form for a short time.
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.