The Ultimate Guide to Taking Care of Post-Fractional Laser Skin

Dermatologists do the heavy lifting when you head into the office for a laser, like for a fractional laser treatment. But that doesn’t mean the work is done when you step out of the building.

Your skin is delicate after laser treatment, and you need to take care of it for the best possible results during your recovery. If you’re unsure how, keep reading for our top aftercare tips.

What is a Fractional Laser Treatment?

First, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of what a fractional laser treatment actually is.

Laser treatments can address a vast range of skin conditions, offering everything from redness-fighting solutions to minimally invasive, resurfacing treatments.

Many people opt for nonablative fractional laser treatments for minimal discomfort and downtime instead of aggressive, ablative, ‘tissue-destroying’ lasers.

The goal of fractional lasers is to improve the appearance and feel of the skin, whether targeting texture, pore size, wrinkles, or pigment, using the least aggressive method necessary.

Think of fractional lasers as the next generation of skin procedures instead of the more aggressive, ablative lasers of the past.

Fractional lasers were developed from the innovative technique of ablative resurfacing to treat fine lines and wrinkles and enhance skin texture and overall quality.

Nonablative fractionated lasers heat the targeted tissue without destroying it, stimulating the body’s collagen production to plump wrinkles and refine skin texture and tone.

Fractional lasers aim to:

• Destroy old, damaged tissue
• Trigger new epidermal tissue
• Tncrease collagen levels

The aim of fractional lasers is to destroy old, damaged tissue and to trigger new epidermal tissue and increase collagen levels.

There are a ton of benefits of fractional lasers compared to lasers we’ve used in the past, including:

• Reduced downtime
• Less discomfort
• Quicker recovery
• Less risk of complications

Keep your Skin Clean

Let’s get onto how you can look after your recovering post-laser skin. Firstly, keep your skin nice and clean.

After your skin has experienced lasering, it’s more important than ever to ensure that it remains clean.

Use a mild cleanser with water twice a day and avoid using skincare products containing harsh ingredients like acids and retinoids. Be sure to ditch the makeup until your skin has completely healed, and sleep with a fresh, clean pillowcase.

If you’re unsure what you can or can’t use on your skin during recovery, ask your dermatologist or doctor.

The Revision Gentle Cleansing Lotion is exactly as it sounds – a mild, soft cleanser to clean the skin without upsetting its delicate moisture balance. The cleanser contains hydrating properties to keep your skin replenished and healthy. It’s gentle enough for use after professional treatments like lasers, as well as peels for clean, soft, and nourished skin.

Apply Daily Sun Protection

The sun is one of the biggest threats to delicate, post-laser skin. If you don’t protect it after treatment, the sun can cause your skin to become more damaged than before the procedure and may contribute to dark spots.

If you can, opt to undergo laser treatment in the colder winter months. During this time, you’re less likely to spend time outside in the sun unprotected. But no matter what season you choose for your laser treatments, avoid the sun’s beaming rays and use a high-quality sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection, even when you’re in the shade, or it’s an overcast day.

The Replenix Hydrating Oil-Free Face Mineral Sunscreen contains SPF 50+ and provides a powerful blend of medical-grade antioxidants for excellent broad-spectrum and free radical protection. The sunscreen is ideal for all skin types, including those that are sensitive and acne prone.

Moisturize Regularly

Without adequate moisture, your post-laser skin will heal much slower. It may even scab after treatment, which, of course, isn’t a good look.

Be sure to apply plenty of moisturizer to the treated area of the skin for several days following treatment. If your dermatologist doesn’t prescribe or recommend a specific moisturizer, opt for a simple, mild moisturizer. Or ask your dermatologist or doctor for a suggestion.

Wait to Exfoliate

While you may be used to incorporating acids into your nighttime routine, you need to be patient and avoid exfoliators after laser treatment. After laser treatments, your skin can easily be sensitive and irritated.

Avoid exfoliation for at least two weeks following treatment. Then when your skin is ready, perform a gentle, manual skin exfoliation to smooth away all the lingering transitional skin cells for smooth, radiant skin.

Do you want more skincare advice? Find out the best natural oils to nourish and rejuvenate your skin here.