What's the Best Moisturizing Cream to Use After Laser Resurfacing?

Question

I had CO2 laser resurfacing 10 days ago. I love the new and emerging skin, however, I don't know what everyday moisturizing cream (with sunscreen) is recommended post surgery. Any suggestions?

Matthew Richardson, MD · Answer

Each physician will have their own recommendations regarding post-laser skin care. After the initial 7-10 day healing period, I recommend different moisturizers and sunscreens based on each patient's skin type, likelihood of acne eruptions, outdoor activities, etc. I tend to use products from medical-grade skin care lines such as SkinCeuticals, Obagi, or Elta.All the best,

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Fractional laser is an amazing and highly effective treatment in our office. We use the laser treatment to help with acne scars, large pores, fine wrinkles, tissue collagen loss, scars, sebaceous hyperplasia, active acne, and for brightening dark pigmentation. Although there are very strong fractional lasers such as CO2 laser, we use lighter treatments for corrective skincare and maintenance of results. Our Thulium fractional laser, clear and brilliant laser, and Ultra Thulium laser are excellent options in our clinic. We also perform CO2 fractional and erbium depending on skin tone and tolerance for downtime. Patients do have to use a Melarase cream before and after treatment to help further reduce pigmentation after laser. Dark spots can improve with these treatments. I recommend fractional laser for incisional scars as well, especially after plastic surgery.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Amy Y. Paul, DO, FAAD · Answer

Thanks for your question.  We apply Aquaphor to the skin for the first few days after CO2 resurfacing, then have patients switch to Avene Tolerance emulsion or cream.  Some patients still continue to apply Aquaphor occasionally if they feel especially dry, but you don't want to get too much occlusion of the skin and develop acne or follicular occlusion.  I hope you love your results!

Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Post laser we recommend an Opti-Ceramide moisturizing cream which hydrates the skin, helps retain deep moisture and reduce peeling. Elevase Moisture Booster is what we recommend to our patients.

Sapna A. Patel, MD · Answer

There are various ones out there and each provider likely has there preference. When patients are still peeling, I like Aquaphor ointment or Elta MD laser balm. Both are thick emollients that keep things moist. Once all the skin has peeled/ sloughed off, we usually recommend Cetaphil moisturizer as it is gentle and safe with added ingredients that would irritate the skin; we also like Elta MD moisturizer and Epionce medical barrier cream .

What's the Best Moisturizing Cream to Use After Laser Resurfacing?

Answers (10)

Answer: Moisturizing Opti-Ceramide cream after laser procedures

Answer: Moisturizing Opti-Ceramide cream after laser procedures

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Answer: Moisturizing creams post- CO2 laser

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What's the Best Moisturizing Cream to Use After Laser Resurfacing?

Answers (10)

Answer: Moisturizing Opti-Ceramide cream after laser procedures

Answer: Moisturizing Opti-Ceramide cream after laser procedures

Answer: Moisturizing creams post- CO2 laser

Answer: Moisturizing creams post- CO2 laser

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Laser Resurfacing

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.