5 days after Halo Laser my skin is dry and tight. Would Aquaphor or something else help more than Cicalfate? (photos)

Question

Halo done on monday. It is now friday. My skin is so dry and tight. Looks like peeling. But it's so dry it's like crystalized. Feels like sandpaper. They prescribed cicalfate a zinc based product.. it doesn't seem to moisturize as it feels more "baked on" to the dryness.. and advise against aquaphor. Should keep advise or use the aquaphor? Other suggestions?

Burke Robinson, MD, FACS · Answer

The dryness you’re experiencing is normal after HALO.
 I find that “sand paper” texture typically resolves completely within
7-10 days.  I have not found Aquaphor to be necessary post HALO.  I also
use Avene Cicalfate after HALO.  However, washing the face 3-4 times a day with a gentle
cleanser (ELTA MD Foaming Cleanser) I find it removes the old cream without
drying the skin and allows for easy reapplication to alleviate the dry
texture.  You will need to re-apply the moisturizer frequently (3-4 times a
day). The dry phase you are experiencing is temporary. Your results will be
worth it!  Hang in there.  Hope you find this answer helpful.

Faiyaaz Kalimullah, MD, FAAD · Answer

Thank you for your question and for submitting your photos.  The dryness and peeling you're experiencing is actually completely normal after Halo.  I find that peeling typically peaks at day 3-4, and resolves completely within a week or so for most patients.  Aquaphor is a little too thick and occlusive, and is unnecessary after Halo.  Instead, I would recommend using a gentle moisturizer like Cetaphil or Cerave lotion several times daily to keep your skin hydrated.  An over-the-counter antihistamine like Zyrtec or Benadryl can help with itching, if you experience any.  Best of luck!

Robert G. Aycock, MD, FACS · Answer

There is no need for aquaphor at this point. It's normal to feel dry after Halo. You will need to reapply moisturizer a couple times to help with the dryness. Depending on the intensity of the treatment that you received, it could take about 10 days for all the coffee grinds to fall off. This dry phase is only temporary.

David A. Sieber, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for the great question. Depending on the depth of treatment, your skin can get really dry and flaky after treatment. It's important to keep the skin as well moisturized as possible as this will help it heal up faster. Overall your skin looks exactly like it should at this point in time after treatment. I tell patients to use a water base moisturizer at first and if they are still dry with that, then they can use aquaphor. The issue with aquaphor is that it's a petroleum based moisturizer so it may cause you to break out and some patient's skin gets irritated by it. Another moisturizer to look into is Albolene which is another petroleum based product which tends to be a little less irritating. Best of luck and I hope you love your results!~Dr. Sieber

Davin Lim, MBBS, FACD - Account Suspended · Answer

This is normal - it can take up to 9 days to settle depending on the passes, density and level. No need to worry. For now- use a gentle cleanser, use a moisturiser such as Obaji Hydrate or Luxe- at least 4-5 times a day. I have posted a clip on YouTube entitled how to heal faster from fractional laser (Halo is a hybrid fractional laser). You can try this method to remove the brown marks. All the best. Oh, stay out of the sun for the next two weeks, at least. Wishing you well, Dr Davin S. Lim. Brisbane. Australia.

5 days after Halo Laser my skin is dry and tight. Would Aquaphor or something else help more than Cicalfate? (photos)

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