05 Jul Post-Laser Skin Resurfacing Care Musts
Your appointment is scheduled for ResurFX, AcuPulse, or another laser resurfacing treatment—you’re excited, a little nervous, and wondering if there’s anything you can do to make this treatment the best it can be. There is! At Parson Skin Center, we match clients with the best laser(s) to achieve the results they want, but it’s also important to consider your pre-and post-laser skin care. Every client is provided a customized strategy to optimize the results, and this will be discussed with you in-depth prior to your treatment. However, if you want to do a little prep work on your own, there are some best practices that can help you achieve a gorgeous outcome.
Laser resurfacing is a fantastic solution for just about every skin woe, from an uneven tone and texture to treating acne, eczema, and reversing the signs of aging. Lasers start working the moment the energy contacts the skin, but the work doesn’t stop when the machines turn off. What you do before and after your treatment plays a big role in the results.
Before Laser Resurfacing
Prior to your laser treatment, wearing sunscreen and taking other measures to protect the skin are important. You can also use a Vitamin C serum to help with collagen production and elasticity. Talk to your esthetician prior to your treatment to go over what products you’re currently using, which might need to be temporarily suspended (with doctor approval if it’s a prescription), and which products you might want to add to help with the laser results. Some products with retinoids, peptides, and growth factors can all be helpful, but should also be approved by the provider first.
Unlike retinoids, retinol can make skin more sensitive and may need to be avoided for at least 48 hours before your treatment (and ideally for one or two weeks). Some NSAIDs and vitamin supplements that can increase bruising and sunburns may also need to be stopped for a while depending on the kind of laser that will be used. It’s critical to share all topicals and oral medications and supplements with your provider in order to ensure a safe and comfortable experience.
Lasers and Skin Hydration
No matter what type of laser is used, a calming moisturizer after the treatment is essential. If the laser is less aggressive, a mild moisturizing routine recommended by your provider will be needed. Aggressive laser treatments might call for a 1 – 2 week pause from your usual skin care products so that a new superficial layer of skin is allowed to form. Ablative and semi-ablative lasers can put skin at risk of viral and bacterial infections during this timeframe post-treatment, so following an individualized skin care routine after the treatment is a must.
Those who undergo a gentler laser resurfacing treatment may benefit from products with peptides and growth factors to optimize the skin. Antioxidants to reduce inflammation can also be helpful. Products that irritate the skin should be avoided. If you’re uncertain whether your current skin care routine and products will be aggravating to newly resurfaced skin, talk to your esthetician prior to treatment. At Parson Skin Center, we will work with you to make sure you have the perfect post-treatment care plan (and products!) in place.
Clean and Healthy Skin
Properly cleansing skin that is freshly lasered is important, and a sulfate-free gentle cleanser is a great choice. Avoid hot water, any devices for cleaning, and using washcloths or loofahs for a few days. Avoid products that have alcohol or fragrances, which can irritate and dry out the skin. You may also be asked to stop using products with tretinoin, which makes skin sensitive, as well as alpha-hydroxy acids that tend to aggressively exfoliate. Stop all essential oil use as well, at least in the lasered areas.
When it comes to staying hydrated, it’s a must in order to replenish the water that is lost through the skin (transepidermal water loss). An occlusive product is great for non-ablative laser recovery, otherwise, a post-laser breakout can occur. Finally, you definitely need to step up your sunscreen game if you get a laser treatment. Choose a broadband product with an SPF of 30 – 50. The sun can break down the collagen that the laser is stimulating, so sunscreen helps you protect your results.
If you’re thinking about laser treatment, consider what you’re trying to tackle. If it’s “just” hyperpigmentation, then you may want to wait until autumn or winter due to an influx in sun exposure. However, lasers for everything else including acne, skin disorders, and aging skin are a great choice for summer. Book your consultation now at Parson Skin Center in Scottsdale by calling the office or filling out the online form.