Laser and light treatments are some of the most popular in-office skin treatments and can treat a wide range of common skin concerns, including dark spots, lines and wrinkles, uneven skin texture, acne scars and more. While your recovery experience afterwards will depend in part on the type of laser or light treatment you’ve received, you can follow these general tips to help your skin heal and self-rejuvenate after a laser treatment.
1. Take It Easy the Rest of the Day
While many laser and light treatments come with minimal downtime, you’ll still want to plan to rest and relax for the rest of the day afterwards, as your skin may be red, tender or slightly swollen. Thus, your laser treatment appointment day isn’t the best day to schedule a heavy workout or important social event. Instead, opt for a relaxing day at home to allow your skin to heal effectively.
2. Soothe Red Skin
To help reduce any redness, swelling or other signs of inflammation after your laser skin treatment, you can gently apply a cool compress or use over-the-counter pain medications. Our treatment specialists will send you home with detailed recommendations about what you should and should not apply to your skin directly after your appointment, as well as more detailed guidelines for reducing temporary side effects like redness and swelling that are specific to the type of laser or light treatment you’ve had.
3. Stay Out of the Sun
While sun protection is always important, it is even more crucial in the days and weeks after your laser treatment. Not only can sun exposure hinder your results, but it can also damage your skin while it is healing. We recommend avoiding direct sun exposure as much as possible, but if you have to be outside, be sure to wear post-procedure sunscreen and use sun-protective clothing like a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
4. Gently Cleanse Your Skin
It is important to keep your skin clean and free of debris as it heals after your laser treatment. When washing your face, use a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser with lukewarm – not very hot or very cold – water. Avoid harsh scrubs, exfoliants or other strong active ingredients like retinol and vitamin C during this time. Gently pat your face dry with a clean towel rather than vigorously rubbing, as friction on the skin can cause inflammation and irritation.
5. Keep Your Skin Moisturized
Proper hydration is key to promoting skin healing and maintaining a healthy moisture barrier after your laser treatment. We can recommend the best moisturizers suited for your skin type and post-treatment needs. Generally speaking, look for soothing and hydrating ingredients like aloe vera, green tea extract, ceramides and niacinamide to gently replenish moisture and soothe dryness or tightness. Apply moisturizer generously to the treated areas as needed throughout the day, or as directed by your treatment specialist at SpaVie.
If you still have questions about how to care for your skin after laser treatments or to schedule a consultation to discuss your laser treatment options, call our Plymouth office at 612-213-1111 or contact us online.
Author: Dr. Jennifer Harrington
Dr. Jennifer Harrington is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon and the medical director at SpaVie in Minneapolis. Dr. Harrington is recognized as one of the best female plastic surgeons, and is locally and nationally renowned for bringing the highest standards of medical excellence and aesthetic sensitivity to all procedures of the breast, body and face.
