Can Laser Resurfacing Cause Acne Breakouts?

Patients who tend to break out should be on antibiotics to prevent spreading the acne after laser resurfacing. Using Vaseline can only make the acne worse and we normally do not recommend applying it after the laser. Patients actually break out more from the Vaseline because it’s too heavy and occlusive so it does not let you skin breath to recover. Vaseline also traps the heat underneath which will prolong the healing. You may use skin repair creams, such as Cicalfate by Avene or thermal spring water to help with the recovery without making your acne flare up. Once you heal Alceara treatment may help

I find that some patients are prone to acne breakouts after laser resurfacing, while others actually see a reduction in acne after the initial recovery period. I do think that the aggressive moisturizers we often use after laser resurfacing contribute to occlusion of pores and subsequent acne production. I find this to be mostly superficial pustules that are short-lived rather than cystic acne.Placing a patient on antibiotics after laser resurfacing and minimizing the use of heavy ointments may be helpful to reduce acne flare-ups.All the best,

Laser Resurfacing should not cause an acne breakout. However, following the procedure there are usually topical treatments used for healing that could cause acne. Ask your doctor about skin cleansing products to use to combat the breakout.