Why is my skin bumpy after laser facial?

Author: Delpha Macejkovic  |  Last update: Sunday, October 5, 2025

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. These bumps also are called milia.

Why do I get bumps on my face after laser?

Folliculitis: Hair follicle inflammation or infection can result in foliculitis, a common skin condition. The heat produced by the laser during the hair removal process may cause it to start. Heat-related irritation and inflammation can result in acne-like red bumps and pustules.

Why is my skin bumpy after a facial?

Why does skin break out in spots after a facial? Most commonly, certain products used could be too heavy or pore-clogging, says Dr. Rashid. Notoriously pore-clogging ingredients can range from natural oils like coconut oil to moisturizers like shea butter, both of which are often found in face creams and masks.

How long is skin rough after laser?

Your skin may be dry with peeling five to seven days after 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. Sleep on an extra pillow during the first four nights after the procedure.

Do laser bumps go away?

In most cases, it'll fade within just a few hours of appearing. Occasionally, it may take a few days to clear. Following some of our treatment recommendations below might help you get rid of the bumps a little faster.

5 Things to Know About CO2 Laser Resurfacing

What are the lumps after laser treatment?

Milia, which are small, white bumps, may appear in the laser-treated areas during healing (up to a month after treatment). These may be removed by gentle cleansing with a washcloth. Hyperpigmentation, and more rarely, hypopigmentation, may result in the laser-treated areas.

What does an allergic reaction to laser look like?

Clusters of small, raised, pale bumps or red welts around hair follicles. Itchy, burning, or stinging sensations in the treatment area. Papules (small red bumps) that develop into hives.

Why does my face feel rough after laser?

Once redness begins to fade the treated area will appear dry and flaky. It may feel rough like sand paper. In general, the face may feel rough for up to 10 days following treatment. The neck and chest may take up to 2 weeks.

Do and don'ts after facial laser?

Use Gentle Cleansers: Wash your face with mild, non-abrasive cleansers that won't strip your skin or cause irritation. Avoid products with harsh chemicals or fragrances during the healing phase. Avoid Picking or Scrubbing: It's crucial to let your skin heal naturally.

What is the fastest way to heal skin after laser treatment on face?

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.

How to fix textured bumpy skin?

Exfoliate. Regularly exfoliating removes dead cells on your skin's surface for a smoother appearance. Use a gentle exfoliator and avoid scrubbing aggressively to prevent abrasions. Chemical exfoliators with acids like glycolic acid or salicylic acid can also help diminish the appearance of blemishes and large pores.

Why is my face bumpy after a face lift?

After a facelift, it is common for patients to experience some swelling and lumps. But, the lumps and bumps on the skin generally fade over time. Therefore, you have to distinguish between normal post-operative swelling and lumps requiring medical attention.

Why is my face skin suddenly bumpy?

For many people, skin bumps on the face are caused by an acne breakout. But not all bumps are acne. Growths, like moles, cysts, and milia, can form bumps on your face. You can also get cancers on your face.

What are the stages of skin healing after laser?

The Healing Process after Laser Treatment

As the skin heals, new collagen is produced, resulting in smoother, more youthful-looking skin. The healing process after laser treatment typically occurs in three stages: inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling.

What is the best moisturizer after laser treatment?

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.

Is it normal for skin to bubble after laser?

Body Response. Blisters after laser tattoo removal are not uncommon. They are, in fact, a common side effect and should not be seen as a complication or mistake during the procedure. When these blisters appear, it's crucial to understand they are part of your body's healing process.

How long does a laser facial take to heal?

Recovery times will vary depending on your treatment

CO2 laser resurfacing: Generally up to two weeks. Erbium laser resurfacing: One full week.

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.

What products not to use after face laser?

Actions To Avoid Following Laser Resurfacing

Do not use active ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids, or retinol. Also, avoid direct sunlight or UV rays while your skin is healing.

Why is my face bumpy after laser?

Lasers can trigger breakouts in acne-prone skin due to shifts in oil production, leading to new acne on cheeks, jawline, back, and other treated areas. Rarely, the skin might have a severe reaction to the laser, resulting in contact dermatitis, which presents as red, scaly, itchy bumps.

What are the disadvantages of laser on face?

Risks. Laser resurfacing can cause side effects, though they're milder and less likely with nonablative approaches than with ablative methods. Inflamed, swollen, itchy and painful skin. Treated skin may swell, itch or have a burning sensation.

How long will my face feel like sandpaper after laser?

The treated skin may feel like sandpaper and some patients may have a bronzed appearance. These areas will exfoliate over 5-7 days following your treatment. One week after treatment, the treated areas are typically healed.

What do laser bumps look like?

Those bumps are frequently due to the skin glands being over stimulated by the laser which causes localized irritation and inflammation. The bumps look like milia or white heads. the bumps usually resolve themselves in a few days.

Why is my face rough after laser?

Furthermore, some amount of skin peeling afterward is to be expected. The main goal behind each of these laser treatments is to exfoliate the top layer of skin so that new skin can form. We like to tell our patients the skin is similar to different grades of sandpaper following BBL laser treatment.

Why is my skin prickly after laser?

Laser hair removal works by targeting the pigment in the hair root. This pigment absorbs the laser energy and gets heated up. The heat destroys the hair root, stopping hair growth. This heat can sometimes irritate the skin around the hair and cause small swellings causing itchy bumps after laser hair removal.

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