Is It Normal for Your Skin to Feel Like Sandpaper on Your 4th Day After Fraxel Re:store?

Your skin texture and condition is totally normal as you are still in the beginning phase of the healing process.


During the first 24 hours after treatment (Saturday), your skin should have felt as though it is sunburned and appeared pink or red.

This is then followed in the next 24-48 hours(Sunday and Monday) by swelling and a darkening effect referred to as bronzing. 

Once the skin has bronzed it will then start to peel around days 5-10, (which for you will be Thursday-Monday).  During this time you may experience minor itching or flaking.

MOST IMPORTANT, you should keep the skin moist and hydrated and DO NOT pick at or attempt to speed up the peeling process because if you do you run the risk of infection, hyperpigmentation, or scarring.

The energy settings used for acne scars is more significant than that for pigmentation. You are feeling some flaking skin roughness and some of the skin's removal of damaged collagen (microscopic epidermal necrotic zones). Ask your doctor what emollients and skin cleansing program they recommend for your skin type and for the type of procedure you had.

Thank you for your question. I can understand your concerns but this is normal. This is happening because it is starting to heal. Once your skin has bronzed it will start peeling around 5-10 days during which you might get minor itchy or flaking, you must keep your skin moist and hydrated. Do not try to speed the process of peeling as you might develop the risks of infection, hyperpigmentation or scarring. Hope this information helps. Best of Luck!