Vinegar soaked gauze placed on the area also helps to reduce itching. 4. Use the vinegar wash at least 4-6 times a day the first 2-3 days while you may be swollen and your skin sensitive.
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.
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.
Avoid applying makeup too soon. Like skincare products, cosmetics can irritate the skin after laser skin resurfacing. You should wait 2-3 weeks for the skin to recover, or you can consult a dermatologist for the proper use of cosmetics. Sunlight exposure is the most crucial thing to avoid after laser skin resurfacing.
Immediate Care Tips for Post-Laser Recovery
Keep It Cool: Use cool compresses to soothe the skin. Apply gently to reduce swelling and discomfort. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate and Moisturize: Hydration is key to skin recovery. Use a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer to help maintain moisture balance.
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.
The immediate post laser treatment consists of covering the lasered skin with Vaseline (Aquaphor or whatever the specific product you are instructed to use) and using cold packs for discomfort and swelling. The best treatment to be comfortable is to apply cold compresses to the treated areas of the face.
The short answer is Yes. The treated area may experience some reddening and swelling. After treatment, you can apply Vaseline, after-sun cream, or aloe Vera gel to the treated area for soothing skin. The area might need to be soothed by applying an ice pack when you use old laser technology.
At Laser Clinics Australia, we advise our clients to shave the treatment area 12-24 hours before their session, avoid sun exposure or tanning, and refraining from waxing or plucking. Understand that laser hair removal usually requires multiple sessions to achieve the best results.
In general, it can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks for the pigmentation to fade. BBL and laser treatment are not one-off treatments. Multiple sessions may be required to achieve optimal results.
For the first 2 to 3 days after your treatment:
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.
In some situations we use a vinegar solution soak prior to bandage changes. This soak will act as an antibiotic as the vinegar solution is a deterrent to certain bacterial growth.
Vinegar wash instructions
Make a vinegar solution with one teaspoon of white vinegar in two cups of water. Soak gauze in the vinegar solution and gently apply dripping wet to the treated areas, allowing the gauze to remain in place for approximately 10 to 15 minutes.
Other factors that may impact your pain levels during laser:
Those with conditions like dermatitis or eczema might find their skin is more reactive to treatments. Some medications can increase sensitivity to light, making the laser treatment feel more intense.
Avoid alcohol, caffeine, cigarettes, high-sodium foods, high sugar foods, Niacin supplements, refined carbohydrates, and spicy foods for 48 hours after 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.
Ablative lasers are best for individuals with significant skin damage or aging concerns who are looking for substantial improvements. However, because they are more aggressive, they come with longer recovery times and a higher risk of side effects like redness, swelling, and scarring.
It's beneficial to use aloe vera gel on affected areas after laser treatment as it can help keep swelling and redness to a minimum. You might find that your skin is tender after laser treatment, but aloe vera can help reduce this. It helps keep the skin moisturised, which also helps to speed up the healing process.
One study found that after Fraxel laser, applying a topical vitamin C serum has been shown to reduce the injury of the skin's surface barrier and even help restore pH.
You can also stay hydrated by: Eating Water-Rich Foods: Fruits and vegetables like cucumbers, watermelon, and oranges are excellent for hydration. Using Hydrating Skincare Products: Incorporating a good moisturiser and hydrating serums into your post-treatment routine can help lock in moisture.