Bad breakouts after CO2 laser, is it normal?

Acne breakouts are not very common after CO2 treatments. It's hard to assess without understanding your past history with acne breakouts. Some breakouts can be due to environmental factors while some are hormonal. If you recently introduced any brand new products or chemically-harsh exfoliants, it's possible to cause a breakout. I would suggest following up with a dermatologist for review of your acne breakout. In regards to proper post-laser care, I always stress the basics. It's best to stay well hydrated to promote fast recovery and turnover of healthy skin. Avoid sunlight to reduce risks of hyperpigmentation. Keep the skin clean with a gentle cleanser and moisturize the skin with a fragrance-free moisturizer. Best, Dr. Anil Shah

I recommend following up with a cosmetic dermatologist for a formal evaluation and after care recommendations. I recommend skin care with vitamin c, b5 hydrator, silicone based scar gels with growth factors and enzymatic washes with papaya enzyme to give improvement. Sun protection is essential. Lasers like Co2 work best in combination with other treatments in order to improve the skin's texture and collagen. After Co2, I recommend adding fraxel lasers, microneedling/prp and radiofrequency treatments. Best, Dr. Emer

Thank you for your question. If you have any questions about skin response after a CO2 treatment, I would recommend scheduling a follow up with the provider that performed the treatment. Due to the extreme heat and ablation, sometimes there can be purging of skin of anything underlying which could possibly result in a breakout. Since the skin is raw after the procedure, it is very important to keep the skin clean and allow it to heal properly to help prevent infection.