Best Skin Aftercare Following Laser Resurfacing?

Post procedure aftercare following laser treatment can vary depending on the type of laser with different power and depth parameters. However as a general rule, keeping the skin moist and lubricated promotes faster healing and Vaseline and Aquaphor are two of the most commonly used topicals with minimal reactivity/sensitivity issues. In cases when risk of infection is considered to be higher vinegar soaks play a role too. Overall, in the earlier days of recovery the skin is more sensitive to chemicals and prone to infection. Another major factor is strict adherence to minimal sun exposure postoperatively which can otherwise result in pigmentation issues. Sun lotions of different SPFs are recommended to be started after 2-3 weeks and continue for months.

Post Laser treatments it is very important to use a minimum of a SPF 30. However, patients are still asked to refrain from sun exposure. Skin laser resurfacing aftercare recommendations depend on the the treatment that was done. For general aftercare, Aquaphor is very helpful for the first week. Patients purchase Emollience by SkinCeuticals to use for the second week and beyond.                                                                                                                                  

Thanks for your question and for being committed to optimizing your result.  There are many ways to approach recovery from a significant laser procedure and they all require a certain level of discipline to ensure that the products are applied correctly.  In our practice, we use the Alastin Recovery Kit that contains all of the essential elements for a successful recovery with easy to follow directions.  I had my mother use it after her laser and she loved it!

For after care, I recommend skin care with vitamin c, b5 hydrator, silicone based scar gels with growth factors and enzymatic washes with papaya enzyme. PDT therapy can help calm inflammation. Sun protection is essential. Typically I recommend adding Cosmelan and viva 4-6 weeks after lasers to improve outcomes along with microneedling/prp to get the best outcomes with texture and tone.  Please see an expert. Best, Dr. Emer.

The best post-laser skincare regimen varies depending on the type of laser used and the aggressiveness of the treatment. For more aggressive fractional CO2 or Erbium resurfacing treatments that I perform, I typically have patients use a very simple petroleum-based moisturizing ointment for the first week. Less aggressive moisturizer can start to be used after that point. Most importantly, patients are instructed not to pick at peeling skin or wash the face with anything other than water during that first week. Each doctor will have their own aftercare regimen, so be sure to discuss this with them.All the best,