Are you looking for ways to keep your skin looking its best after laser skin resurfacing? Laser skin resurfacing is a great way to reduce wrinkles, acne scars, and other signs of aging. But it’s important to take the right steps to ensure that your skin stays healthy and looks its best. Here are some essential skin care and makeup tips to help you get the most out of your laser resurfacing treatment.
1. Right After the Procedure
If you decide to undergo an ablative laser resurfacing procedure, such a CO2 laser resurfacing, the beam destroys the top layer of your skin while encouraging a more rapid production of new skin cells. Nonablative resurfacing doesn’t damage the epidermis. Instead, it reaches below the skin, damaging the collagen and encouraging the production of new collagen.
Right after the resurfacing procedure, the skin on your face may hurt or itch. You might also experience some swelling. Pinkness or redness is common. You might look as though you have a mild or severe sunburn, depending on how your skin reacts. How long your skin stays red depends on the procedure you choose.
Typically, a surgeon will put a dressing or ointment over the skin right after the resurfacing treatment. You might be able to use ice packs to reduce swelling and take an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. After an ablative resurfacing procedure, the treated areas of your skin might release a yellow fluid which will dry out and form a crust. You can reduce your risk of scarring by resisting the urge to scratch.
2. Use sunscreen
Sun protection is an essential part of maintaining results after laser skin resurfacing.
- Choose a sunscreen specifically designed for sensitive skin after laser resurfacing. This will help protect your delicate layers of skin and keep it healthy.
- Apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 every day, even on cloudy days. Make sure to apply it generously and evenly to all exposed areas of skin.
- Reapply sunscreen throughout the day, especially if you are sweating or swimming.
- Wear protective clothing such as a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses when outdoors to further protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays.
- Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, especially during peak hours (10am-4pm).
3. Moisturize
Moisturizing your skin post-laser will help keep it hydrated and prevent dryness and itching.
- Use a moisturizer specifically designed for use after laser resurfacing to help keep your skin healthy and hydrated.
- Moisturize your skin twice daily, morning and night, to help speed up the recovery time after laser resurfacing.
- Look for moisturizers that contain hyaluronic acid or glycerin to help lock in moisture and keep your skin moist.
- Avoid using products with fragrances or alcohol as these can irritate the delicate layers of skin post-laser treatment.
4. Don’t pick or scratch your skin
While you may be tempted to pick at scabs or flaking skin, doing so can increase your risk of infection as well as further damage your skin cells
- If you experience any pain or discomfort, take the prescribed pain medication as directed by your doctor.
- If you have any skin conditions, such as cold sores, take the prescribed antiviral medication to help reduce the risk of infection.
- Keep your skin healthy by following a regular skincare routine that includes cleansing, moisturizing, and protecting with sunscreen.
5. Avoid using harsh cosmetics
After laser resurfacing, it’s best to opt for gentle non-chemical products on the skin until it has fully healed (usually about 2 weeks).
- Choose skin care products that are specifically designed for use after laser resurfacing.
- Look for mineral foundations and other makeup products that are free of harsh chemicals, fragrances, and dyes.
- Use gentle cleansers to help keep your skin healthy and hydrated.
- Avoid using heavy creams or lotions as these can clog pores and cause irritation.
- Opt for natural ingredients such as aloe vera, chamomile, and green tea extract to help soothe the skin.
- Use a light moisturizer with SPF to protect your beautiful skin from the sun’s harmful rays.
6. Don’t use facial treatments
Facials should be avoided while you are healing from laser treatment due to the potential risk of infection from bacteria that may be present in the salon environment or skin care products used during them.
- Avoid facial treatments such as chemical peels, cosmetic procedures, and laser peel while healing from laser resurfacing.
- Do not use any products that contain harsh chemicals or fragrances on your skin until it has fully healed.
- Refrain from using any type of facial treatment for at least two weeks after laser resurfacing to reduce the risk of infection.
- If you are considering a facial treatment, consult with your doctor first to ensure it is safe for your skin.
- Be sure to follow all post-treatment instructions provided by your doctor to ensure proper healing and recovery.
7. Avoid direct sunlight
Direct sunlight should be avoided for at least four weeks after laser resurfacing since prolonged exposure increases the chances of hyperpigmentation or discoloration forming where areas were treated during your procedure .
- Avoid direct sunlight for at least four weeks after laser resurfacing to ensure proper healing and healthy skin.
- Wear a hat and protective clothing when outdoors to reduce sun exposure.
- Reapply sunscreen every two hours, especially if you are sweating or swimming.
- Avoid prolonged sun exposure as this can increase the risk of hyperpigmentation or discoloration forming where areas were treated during your procedure.
- If you must go out into direct light for a period of time, wearing long sleeves, pants and/or a wide-brimmed hat can help protect your skin until it has finished healing completely.
8. Avoid strenuous activities
- Avoid strenuous activities such as swimming since water contains different types of bacteria which can lead to infection if they come into contact with newly treated areas of the face.
- Avoid also running, or lifting weights for at least two weeks after laser resurfacing to ensure proper healing of the skin.
- Refrain from any type of physical activity that could cause excessive sweating or friction on the treated area.
- Wear protective clothing and a hat when outdoors to reduce sun exposure and prevent further irritation.
- Take extra care when engaging in activities that involve contact with water, such as showering or bathing, as this can increase the risk of infection.
- Consult with your doctor before engaging in any physical activity to ensure it is safe for your skin.
Contact us Today!
If you have recently undergone a laser procedure, it is important to take the necessary steps to ensure proper healing and recovery. Following the right skin care and makeup tips after laser resurfacing can help you achieve optimal results from your laser procedure. At our clinic, we offer personalized advice on how to best care for your skin during the healing process. Contact us today, call the office at (301) 222-2020 to learn more about how we can help you get the most out of your laser procedure!.
