Do I Need To Worry About Weather Conditions After Facial Co2 Fract. Laser?

In my patients, I would recommend a grace period of about 3 days post fractional CO2 laser before exposing your skin to the environment. Patients are advised to use Melaquin AM, which has four active sunscreens, for at least four weeks post laser resurfacing. In the Santa Monica and Los Angeles areas, the weather is more temperate and extremes of hot and cold are less of an issue.

It is imperative that you protect your face from the sun for about 6-8 weeks after co2. I do not have my patients wear sunscreen for about a week after the procedure but they must wear a hat. After the 1st week, you can start wearing sunscreen daily. You must also avoid a dirty environment (constructions areas, etc.). Dr Behnam

Sun exposure after the laser can cause pigment changes. Also, the tissue need to be moisturized constantly after the laser. If these 2 things are done, then you will be fine. So: 1. Stay out of the sun if possible. If you have to be in the sun, use a wide-brimmed hat and lots of SPF 15 or higher sun block. 2. The first couple days after use Aquaphor. After that use a thick moisturizing cream. Ponds, Alessi Skin Care Night cream, or Le Mer work well... more