Care After Laser Treatment
Some redness and swelling in the area is normal after laser treatment and may feel similar to a sunburn. This should resolve within several hours to several days after treatment.
- After lasers continuous usage of sunscreens and general measures of sun avoidance are mandatory
- Gently clean area twice daily.
- Post laser soothing and repair creams are prescribed for better and faster regeneration of laser treated skin
- Avoid irritants (glycolics, retinoids etc.) for seven days after treatment.
- Lightening creams and moisturizers are necessary for maintaining hydration and preventing pigmentary changes post laser and should be used.
- Face washes and cleansers of neutral pH should be used
Facials, cleanup, bleaching hair coloring straightening or perming.etc should be avoided in the immediate post laser treatment phase. - Do not tan the areas to be treated for 4 weeks prior to treatment.
What to avoid after laser treatment on face: Skin Treatment Aftercare Tips
Proper laser treatment after care is crucial to ensure optimal results and minimize the risk of side effects. Whether you’ve undergone laser toning, resurfacing, or any facial laser procedure, your skin will be sensitive and more prone to damage during the recovery period. That’s why knowing what to do after laser treatment and, more importantly, what to avoid, is a key part of healing.
Here are some essential precautions after treatment on face:
- Avoid direct sun exposure – Always wear a high-SPF sunscreen if you must go outside.
- Don’t touch, pick, or scratch the treated area – This can lead to scarring or infection.
- Avoid using harsh skincare products – Skip exfoliants, retinoids, and alcohol-based toners for at least a week.
- No heavy workouts or sweating – This can irritate your skin and slow healing.
- Skip makeup for at least 24-48 hours – Let your skin breathe and recover.
Following a gentle laser toning after care routine that includes moisturizing and avoiding irritants will support the healing process. Remember, these do’s and don’ts after face laser treatment can make a significant difference in achieving glowing, rejuvenated skin. Always follow your dermatologist’s post laser treatment care instructions for the best outcome.
FAQs
What to do after laser treatment on face?
Gently cleanse the treated area with cool water or saline and pat dry. Keep the skin moist by applying a thin layer of a physician-recommended ointment or petrolatum (e.g., Vaseline). Stay hydrated, use a broad-spectrum SPF30+ sunscreen daily and follow your doctor’s specific aftercare instructions.
What to avoid after laser treatment on face?
Avoid direct sun and heat immediately after facial laser. Stay out of direct sunlight (or wear a high-SPF Sunscreen and Hat) for at least several weeks. Also skip hot showers, saunas and strenuous exercise and do not use harsh skincare (retinoids, glycolic/salicylic acids, etc.), heavy makeup or scratch the healing skin.
How to care for skin after laser treatment?
Use a gentle routine: wash the face with a mild, non‑abrasive cleanser and pat it dry. Apply a fragrancefree, hypoallergenic moisturizer or the prescribed healing cream several times daily to lock in moisture. Always protect the area from UV with broad-spectrum SPF30+ and avoid any abrasive or irritating products until the skin is fully healed.
How to take care of face after laser treatment?
Treat the face like a healing wound. In the first 1–2 days, use cool compresses and keep your head
elevated to reduce swelling. Apply a thin layer of Vaseline or recommended ointment after
cleansing each day. After about a week, when the skin starts to smooth out, switch to a gentle
moisturizer (e.g., Cetaphil) and continue daily SPF30+ to protect the sensitive skin.
What cream to use after laser treatment?
Start with a gentle, occlusive ointment. Many dermatologists recommend plain petroleum jelly
(Vaseline) or an emollient ointment (like Aquaphor) for the first several days post-laser to keep the skin moist. After about 5–7 days of healing, you can switch to a mild, fragrance-free moisturizer (such as Cetaphil or CeraVe) in place of the petrolatum.
What is the fastest way to heal skin after laser treatment?
The best healing comes from following aftercare closely. Cleanse gently and apply any prescribed
healing creams or ointments exactly as directed, and keep hydrated (drink plenty of water) . Protect
the area with SPF30+ and avoid irritants (do not pick, skip harsh products or makeup); this minimizes complications and promotes faster recovery. Some practices also use growth-factor serums or low‑level light therapy to support healing if recommended by a professional.
What to use after laser treatment?
Stick to basic, soothing products. Immediately after the laser, use a gentle wash (often saline or diluted vinegar) and then apply a thin layer of Vaseline or an antibiotic ointment as instructed. Continue with a simple fragrance-free moisturizer and don’t forget a broad-spectrum SPF30+ daily. Avoid any active ingredients or scrubs until fully healed.
When can I use retinol after laser treatment?
Avoid retinol during the initial healing. Experts advise waiting until the skin has fully re-epithelialized – Usually at least 1–2 weeks for mild resurfacing and about 3–4 weeks for deeper laser treatments
. When you resume, start very gradually (e.g. every few nights) and watch for any irritation.
What to expect after laser?
Immediately after treatment your skin will look red and feel swollen, warm or sunburned. This
usually lasts a few days. In the first week the area will begin to dry and peel as the old skin sheds.
Ablative lasers (like CO₂ or erbium) often cause more intense redness and flaking for up to 1–2 weeks. These reactions are normal; just keep the skin protected and moisturized while it heals.
How to take care of skin after CO2 laser?
CO₂ laser is more aggressive, so treat it like a controlled wound. Immediately apply ice packs, then cover the area with petroleum jelly or an antibiotic ointment and a non-stick bandage. At home, gently clean (e.g. saline/vinegar solution) and reapply the ointment under a dressing multiple times per day. Keep the site out of sun and expect crusting and redness for 1–2 weeks; do not pick at flakes or scabs (they will fall off on their own).