4 days post Halo Laser having extremely dry cracking skin. What can I do?

Question

Hello! I had a Halo treatment done on Friday (May 4th) and it is now May 6th and the skin around my mouth and nose is so dry it feels like I have Elmer’s glue all over my face. It is so tight I have difficulty opening my mouth without pain. The skin is starting to wrinkle from all the dryness. I’ve been applying non stop moisturizer, doing the vinegar mask, and it is becoming painful. I knew there would be dryness but my skin feels like it’s ready to splinter. Is this normal. What do I do

Kriston Kent, MD, MPH · Answer

Hi, and thanks for the question.
I'm sorry that you experienced significant dryness and
tightness after your recent Halo treatment. It is certainly not uncommon for
your skin to feel dry and a little tight 3-5 days later, especially if the area
has not been adequately moisturized. However, it sounds like you have been
moisturizing and taking good care of the treated area. Because it is becoming
painful, it is a very good idea for you to contact your physician and probably
have them evaluate the area treated to assure that your healing is progressing
as expected. Best of luck

Kara K. Criswell, MD, FACS · Answer

It is not uncommon to have dryness and irritation immediately following a Halo treatment. You will go through a series of skin changes as your healing progresses. It is important to carefully follow the Halo aftercare instructions you were given, and not add or subtract any steps which might compromise your healing and results. If the dryness and cracking are causing you significant discomfort, you should call your provider for guidance. Your provider will provide you with instructions along with follow up appointments to make sure you are healing well. It is important that you keep your skin well protected during your healing and using a UV sunscreen will keep your healthy new skin safe.

Rebecca Gelber, MD · Answer

Days 4 and 5 are often the most dry period where the peeling happens. Use a neutral cleanser like cetaphil and either vaseline or believe it or not, crisco can be a very neutral, soothing balm for a few days. be sure not to use any other agents on your face until your treating office tells you it's ok. Keep your face strictly out of the sun and do check in with your treating office with your concerns.

Susan Buenaventura, MD, FACS · Answer

You should see the doctor who performed the HALO to assess you.  You may just be dry, you may have infection or may be allergic to the product you are using.  Treating your skin properly after HALO is critical.  If you had been using retin a prior to laser it is recommended to stop before having any laser treatments.

Thomas D. Griffin Jr., MD · Answer

It would be my recommendation that you make sure you are not applying anything extra to your skin yet. Make sure you are not using any topical medications that contain retinol or retin-a, glycolic acid, benzoyl peroxide or any other facewashes that have irritants or acne products yet at this time. I would recommend you keep your regimen simple at this time, use a gentle facewash and a moisturizer multiple times daily. The moisturizer can be a cera ve cream or even a vaseline like ointment for a few days while your skin heals. If you pre-soak the skin with a warm, water soaked, washcloth before applying your moisturizer, it should improve the hydration. Please consult your treating doctor for any further specific tips that they may have.

4 days post Halo Laser having extremely dry cracking skin. What can I do?

Answers (5)

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