Guide to Post-Laser Skin Care

Laser skin treatments, such as Lumenis M22 or Genesis Laser Toning, are among of the most effective ways of removing wrinkles, scars, and other blemishes from your skin. Also known as ablative resurfacing, these techniques use lasers to remove the upper layers of the skin, while encouraging your body’s natural healing properties. The results can be remarkable, removing blemishes you’ve had for years and restoring your skin’s youthful look.

These techniques are minimally invasive and only slightly uncomfortable, but they do leave your skin vulnerable for a few days afterward. After-care is important, for you to see the best results from your laser skin treatment.

So, in this guide, we’ll cover the effects you’re likely to see after a laser skin treatment, and how to properly encourage your skin to heal afterward.

The Importance Of Skin Care After Laser Treatments

Since ablative resurfacing takes off some of the upper layers of the skin, it will leave the skin somewhat raw for a short time afterwards. Redness, swelling, and mild discomfort are common. More than anything else, it’s important to treat your skin gently during the recovery period, until the skin has had time to heal.

Your skin care clinic will give you instructions on care, and probably some products to use during the healing process. Be sure to follow their directions carefully!

Aside from that, these are the most important things to keep in mind.

1 – Stay out of the sun

Try to avoid direct sunlight for a few days after your laser treatment. Your skin will be very vulnerable to ultraviolet light at this time, which can damage the skin and slow down healing. It may even cause changes in your skin’s pigmentation, basically very rapid tanning, which could throw off the effects of the laser treatment.

If you must go outdoors after treatment, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher for protection. We also recommend using sunglasses or wide-brimmed hats to put more shade on your face.

2 – Keep moisturized

Moisturization is key for your skin to properly heal after any damage, including laser treatments. Professional-grade skincare products, like SkinMedica and ZO Skin Health, have gentle moisturizers which keep your skin hydrated while infusing it with vital vitamins and minerals which encourage healthy skin regrowth.

If you aren’t sure which moisturizers are right for your skin, just ask the experts at The Skin Clinic! We’re always glad to help.

3 – Manage the swelling

Swelling is a common side-effect of laser treatments, so managing the swelling will also help encourage your skin to heal properly and quickly. We recommend using a cold compress, or an ice pack wrapped in a towel, for 10-15 minutes at a time to discourage the swelling. You’re also free to use over-the-counter anti-inflammatory painkillers (NSAIDs) such as Advil or Aleve to relieve any pain and also help with swelling.

4 – Keep your head elevated

Try to avoid activities which will encourage blood to rush to your head or face, as this will increase swelling. Avoid any strenuous labor, or bending over so far that your head is below the level of your heart.

In addition, you may want to sleep propped up at an angle, so that your head is higher than the rest of your body. This, again, discourages swelling.

5 – Be gentle; avoid makeup

Chances are the skin will be sore enough that you won’t want to use makeup on the affected area. Either way, resist the temptation to try to ‘cover up’ the redness with makeup. Many makeups have chemicals which will irritate your skin after a laser treatment, causing pain and slowing healing.

Plus, in general, be gentle with that area of your face. Only use mild soaps or moisturizers, and avoid putting any cloth – such as masks – on the area while it heals.

Maintaining Your Results

Once your skin heals up after a laser skin treatment, you should be able to easily see the difference. Your wrinkles will be less noticeable, or those scars may be entirely gone. This effect is semi-permanent, but will not prevent new damage to the skin over time.

For best long-term results:

• Maintain a good skin-care routine. Cleanse and moisturize your skin on a regular basis, with products like SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum which encourage healthy skin growth and regrowth.
• Keep using sun protection. UV light is one of the biggest dangers to your skin’s long-term health. Use sunscreen when you go outdoors, and look for ways to keep your face shaded when in direct sunlight.
• Eat skin-friendly foods. Foods full of “good fats” such as fatty fish, avocados, and large nuts will encourage healthy, youthful skin. Also look for foods full of antioxidants like broccoli, spinach, kale, and potatoes, which reduce the effects of aging.

The Skin Clinic offers a truly luxurious experience, as we roll back the years and restore your skin’s youthful appearance. To learn more about our laser skin care services, please contact us.