After laser, it is best to avoid using products on your skin which could aggravate it further, such as vitamin serums, chemical exfoliants and any scented lotions or cleansers that could irritate it further.
Apply ice packs directly on the treated area after laser therapy to minimize swelling and redness, or take over-the-counter pain relievers as necessary.
Cold Compresses
Cold compresses can provide relief after laser treatment by relieving any discomfort you might be feeling and speeding recovery time. Cold temperatures also work to limit blood flow and help numb any pain or inflammation; you can make your own cold compress simply by placing a damp towel or washcloth over the area being treated, and applying for 20 minutes.
Scratching after laser treatments can make skin itchy, but this will only hinder healing and cause your newly resurfaced skin to form scabs. As an alternative, consider applying soothing lotion or ointment; there are numerous choices available at drug stores or grocery stores – Vaseline may be suitable, though any gentle enough solution would work just as well.
For severe itching, witch hazel can provide relief. Available from natural food stores and proven safe for topical application on skin, witch hazel has anti-inflammatory properties which help alleviate itching after laser therapy treatments.
If your skin feels parched after laser treatment, a facial moisturizer containing shea butter could be beneficial. Shea butter can be purchased both from natural food stores and mainstream drugstores; be mindful that any moisturizer containing retinol might irritate it further and may make matters worse!
Use a sunscreen with an SPF rating of at least 30 to protect yourself from sun-damage and keep your face looking its best. Direct sun can cause the skin to darken over time; so, using sunscreen to shield your face is crucial.
Moisturizer
Moisturizer is an essential skin care product after laser treatment, particularly during its recovery phase. Without sufficient hydration, skin may heal more slowly or may start scabbing prematurely resulting in less desirable results.
The ideal moisturizers to choose are non-comedogenic, which means that they won’t clog pores or cause acne, and lightweight and nongreasy with broad spectrum SPF protection. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream is particularly suitable for laser recovery as it renews protective skin barriers while providing 24-hour hydration.
Utilise a gentle cleanser such as Cetaphil’s Gentle Skin Cleanser twice daily to wash your face and maintain moisturized skin. Avoid products containing harsh acids or retinoids (consult with your physician as to which ones are acceptable), and physical exfoliating for at least two weeks post laser treatment.
Additionally, it’s vital to stay out of the sun and protect your skin with an effective sunscreen with UVA/UVB protection. Not only can the sun increase hyperpigmentation risk and dark spot formation, it may also wreak havoc with laser treatment results.
Dr. Kilmer advises her patients to use broad-spectrum sunscreen, like EltaMD UV Elements Broad-Spectrum SPF 44 ($37), to limit UV absorption and decrease the chance of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) or scar darkening. In order to keep skin protected, she suggests wearing clothing such as long sleeves and pants which cover skin as much as possible; otherwise the heat generated from fabrics could cause it to sweat which in turn causes irritation to your skin. She further cautions her patients to avoid hot showers or baths because hot showers or baths will wash away essential fatty substances from skin which help retain moisture – this advice from Dr. Kilmer can only help patients whose patients will benefit most.
Sunscreen
After laser treatments, it is essential to protect the skin from UV rays by wearing sunscreen with at least an SPF 30 rating or higher. We strongly suggest investing in such protection for optimal results.
Sunscreen can help reduce hyperpigmentation and other signs of sun damage such as wrinkles. However, direct sunlight should also be avoided until your skin has fully recovered.
If you do need to go outside, be sure to wear a hat and sunglasses, in addition to using a broad spectrum sunscreen that protects from both UVA and UVB rays. Physical sunscreens tend to be less irritating than their chemical counterparts.
Beyond using sunscreen, we advise using a moisturizer designed to soothe post-laser skin. Choose one without fragrances and oils to prevent irritation.
After receiving laser treatments, skin may appear dry and flaky and become itchy. While scratching may feel tempting, refraining from doing so could result in scarring. You can reduce this itchiness with cold compresses or over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
As winter nears, it can be easy to overlook protecting yourself from UV rays. Unfortunately, they can be just as damaging during this season compared to summer; so it is crucial that you begin using a facial moisturizer with SPF daily and reapply every two hours when outdoors. For best results, avoid artificial tanning beds and limit UV exposure as much as possible; doing this may help preserve laser treatment results and boost overall health.
Avoid Harsh Skin Care Products
Recovery time may differ depending on which laser treatment option has been selected by you and your physician, but there are some things you can do to speed up this process and increase results.
Cold compresses may help relieve swelling and redness following an ablative procedure, while sun exposure must be limited in order to avoid dark spots or other pigment changes on your skin. Your doctor may suggest using broad-spectrum sunscreen in order to keep your skin safe from UV rays.
Your esthetician may advise against products containing acids, retinol and other harsh ingredients as these can harm the skin while it heals after laser treatment. Instead, use a gentle cleanser with lukewarm water, patting dry the area instead of rubbing, and applying aloe vera gel as needed to soothe your skin and provide comforting effects.
Before consulting your physician, any type of treatments or peels – facials, chemical peels, waxing or any other procedures which might exacerbate sensitivity – should not be performed on the treated area. This includes facials, chemical peels and waxing services which could irritate sensitive skin.
Skin is highly vulnerable and vulnerable during its recovery after laser treatment, and adhering to these guidelines will ensure a quick and smooth healing period resulting in stunning, youthful-looking results! You and your doctor will work together to design an optimal skincare regime tailored specifically for you – contact us now if you want to look younger and healthier – we look forward to meeting you!
Sleep Elevated
After laser treatment, your skin may become more delicate than usual and become irritated for several weeks. During this time it is essential that any products which could damage it be avoided along with touching affected areas to help avoid infection and scarring; also direct sunlight can increase bruising and dark spots – it would also be wise to use a moisturizer with hyaluronic acid in it which will help skin cells retain water efficiently and regulate moisture balance within them.
Sleeping elevated on pillows or foam can help further minimize swelling by reducing redness and discomfort after laser treatments.
Laser treatments have grown increasingly popular. Backed by numerous celebrities like Chelsea Handler, laser treatments can be an excellent way to achieve younger-looking skin. From fine line reduction to sun damage reduction, laser treatments offer beautiful results that will add beauty and improve your appearance.
Before beginning laser resurfacing, it is important to discuss any medications or supplements with your doctor. Some NSAIDs and vitamin E may interfere with clotting; you may need to discontinue taking these for 10 days prior to surgery. Your physician may also suggest starting an antiviral medication, particularly if treating areas around the mouth are targeted – this may help decrease risks of cold sore reactivation (herpes).
