I’m on my 2nd Profractional and I have a hard time with the aquaphor. What should I do?

Thank you for your question.The aquaphor creates a barrier on the skin as it is healing. It is normal that all of it will not be removed with just splashing the water on your face. The first few days, keeping the face clean with water and re-applying aquaphor is all you need. As the skin heals and is not as sensitive, you can start using soap with your fingertips and lightly washing. Hang in there.

Aquafor is very difficult to remove with just water. After any fairly aggressive laser treatment, we do recommend Aquafor to soothe the treated skin. The other product that we typically recommend in conjunction with the Aquafor is the Alastin Gentle Cleanser. It is specifically formulated to remove healing ointments and other occulusive preparations. The only caution with the Alastin Gentle Cleanser is to avoid getting it into the eyes, as it can cause stinging.

Every office has different protocols when it comes to laser aftercare. You should be able to clean off the aquaphor with gauze, cotton pad, and/or towel without rubbing too hard. It's better to give your laser provider a call just in case.

Ideally an occlusive moisturiser is used post laser. If you have problems with this, your specialist will guide you as we all have our own post op care. Try soaking a cloth with dilute saline, apply 30 min, then gently wash off. With the permission from your doctor, you may swap to aqueous cream. All the best, Dr Davin S. Lim. Brisbane. Australia.