“Soliciting Suggestions for Optimal Healing Beginning One Day Post Active FX”

Do not use the Aquaphor after the first day. It will be too occlusive and clog your pores. I've had 5 ActiveFX procedures, so I have personal experience, but I'll mention that I have extremely oily skin as well. After day two, use a VERY PLAIN, sunblock-free, AHA-free, retinoid-free moisturizer AS LONG AS IT DOESN'T STING. If anything stings, immediately wash it off with the mild cleanser. As for the Aquaphor, if it's the only thing you can tolerate, use the lightest layer possible. You may find that you don't even really need a moisturizer. I believe I go to your physician in KOP. Good luck! You'll be fine.

I should also note what I *have* used as well as what not to use. Post -recovery, I've used (and am currently using) Hyulunia's hyaluronic acid, Olay's Regenerist, and Creme de la Mer as moisturizers post-recovery. I just had my eye area re-done on Monday, May 18. We can heal together. If you'd like, I can email you photos.

As for avoiding any discolorations, stay out of the sun, and wear sunblock constantly -- every day, all day, whether you're going outside or not. But do not go outside during your healing period if at all posible. If you do have to go outside, wrap up your face with scarves, under a hat, and wear sunglasses. After 3 days of recovery you can try applying a mildly formulated sunblock (not a chemical sunscreen). I LOOOOOOVE EltaMD UV Shield SPF 45 Oil-Free and EltaMD UV Physical SPF 41 (with the light tint). They're elegantly formulated, and your doctor sells them (if it's my doctor as well). But still cover up -- don't just rely on the block. And don't go outside frivolously. You have new, baby skin that can become hyperpigmented easily by any slight sun exposure, especially with some types/heritages of skin. Also, I've found that giving in to temptation and scritching at the skin when it starts to flake off can reveal overly sensitive/not-quite-ready-to-peel areas that can turn darker red and take longer to heal. So DON'T SCRITCH! Those areas sting when applying moisturizers afterward to, so it becomes doubly bad.

Our doctor is indeed very good. I had great results with my face -- smoothed texture, reduced pore size, initial tightness around my eyes. I went back two months later for my neck, and then another two months for my decollete area, and a re-do on that area the following month. I've found that sun-induced hyperpigmentation is more difficult for ActiveFx to remove, but it's great for texture and very fine lines. I haven't had tons of tightening, but I don't tend to produce a lot of collagen at once -- guess I'm stubborn. That's why I just had my eye area re-done. As for your itching and dry skin, if you don't have a tendency to break out or get clogged pores (which I do in a heartbeat!), then I wouldn't worry about the Aquaphor. But what I'd do is soak a clean washcloth and really get my face wet so the dry bits gets fully hydrated. Then quickly/topically dry off the skin only such that you can pat on a layer of the Aquaphor to seal in the hydration. Someone somewhere suggested placing clean, very wet washcloths in ziplock bags in the fridge and using them for itching relief whenever you need them. They worked for me for my full-face treatment. What day did you have your treatment done? -Tracey

I had ActiveFX on my face 16 days ago. The redness seems to be getting slightly worse around my mouth and eyes now and I'm concerned with hyperpigmentation developing. (I've been COMPLETELY out of the sun) I have some Obagi Clear that I was using for brown spots. Does anyone know if using it now (16 days post-laser) is OK - and if it will prevent the development of hyperpigmentation? Thanks!

I had my procedure done 2 days ago and I am a fright to look at! I can't believe I will heal in a week. I am also doing vinegar/water soaks 4 times per day and using steroid cream under the aquaphor after the soaks. Anyone else using these post procedure?