Can I Use Retin A or Vitamin C After Laser Treatments

Usually Retin A is used to help prepare for laser treatments since it helps increase the turnover of new skin cells. However, it should be stopped about a month before the treatment date.

After the procedure, the skin needs to be healed before resuming Retin A or applying topical vitamin C. The healing process is different for different people. It is also different depending on the type of laser system that is used. For example, Fraxel Repair usually requires about 4 weeks for the skin to fully heal. 

Your dermatologist can give you a more specific time frame to refrain from Retin A or Vitamin C after your laser treatment.

I typically recommend a customized skin care regimen for my patients after a laser treatment.  Depending on which type of laser treatment is being performed, it is possible to have downtime during which period the skin is wounded, sensitive and needs to heal.  My patients are told to avoid RetinA, Vitamin C or glycolic during that healing period and focus on bland emolliation, gentle cleansing and sun protection. Once the skin is healed, I encourage them to restart or initiate treatment with RetinA, glycolic and/or Vitamin C to enhance and maintain the results of the laser treatment.  As some of these (RetinA, glycolic) can be drying and slightly irritating, it is important to give your skin time to get used to them by applying  them less frequently initially and with moisturizers.

Thank you for your question. It is recommended that you avoid these kinds of products after laser treatment to give your skin time to heal. Your doctor should be able to tell you for how long, as she/he knows your situation best. Always follow your doctor's recommendations.