Fraxel Day 3: Washed face. Flaky skin has come off. Now looks BRIGHT red. Is this normal? How soon until the redness resolves?

Question

Fraxel Day 3: Skin is very dry, cracked and flaky. After washing my face this evening with Cetaphil and gently massaging with water and my fingertips, a lot of the flaky skin has come off. Now, my skin looks bright red. Is this normal?! How soon until the redness resolves?

William Groff, DO · Answer

Day 3 is early for the skin to come off and my guess is that you rubbed it off when you were washing your face. This is not ideal.  As a dermatologist, I frequently remind my patients not to pick or rub their skin off prematurely, as this can lead to problems. In the meantime, it is critical that you take excellent care of your vulnerable skin to ensure the best outcome. Use topical products recommended by your doctor to keep the area hydrated and protect your skin from direct sun exposure. If you must go out, wear sun protection without fail as your skin is particularly prone to damage and burning right now. I suggest you go back and see whomever treated you.

S. Randolph Waldman, MD · Answer

This is very normal post Fraxel and not a reason to be concerned. Treatment redness is expected to fade to a light pink and then resolve within a few weeks. It is important to keep the skin hydrated with aquaphor or post healing balm provided by your physician. Keeping the skin hydrated will promote faster healing.

Fraxel Day 3: Washed face. Flaky skin has come off. Now looks BRIGHT red. Is this normal? How soon until the redness resolves?

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Fraxel Day 3: Washed face. Flaky skin has come off. Now looks BRIGHT red. Is this normal? How soon until the redness resolves?

Answers (2)

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Everything you need to know about Fraxel Laser

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