From dental surgeries to corrective eye procedures, lasers are quickly becoming one of the go-to devices in healthcare. The field of dermatology has certainly taken advantage of these innovative tools for laser dermatology treatments. According to Board Certified Dermatologist, Dr. Jennifer Holman of U.S. Dermatology Partners Tyler, “Lasers are used to improve skin health and appearance in a variety of ways. From reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and creating a more even skin tone and texture to managing common skin conditions like eczema and acne, laser treatments offer a wide array of benefits. Finding the right laser treatment and caring for skin after your session is essential to achieve the desired results and maintain them as long as possible.” In this blog, Dr. Holman talks about post laser treatment skincare to maximize your results.
Reducing Swelling
Swelling is one of the biggest concerns following any dermatologic treatment, including laser therapies. According to Dr. Holman, “Depending on the type of procedure and location, there are a variety of ways to reduce post-procedure swelling. Using a cold compress or ice pack is one simple way to reduce inflammation. You can wet a washcloth, using cold water and apply it directly to the treatment area or place an ice pack covered with a rag for short periods of time. You should also take anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen that can be purchased over the counter. Try staying upright or sleeping propped up as gravity is the biggest driver of the day 1-3 post facial swelling. Finally, be careful when spending time outdoors as sun damage can lead to greater or prolonged inflammation. Warm temperatures and water treated with chlorine in pools and hot tubs can also make laser treatment recovery take longer and lead to more swelling.”
Cleansing and Moisturizing
Swelling isn’t the only side effect of laser dermatology treatment. Dr. Holman says, “Skin redness, dryness, itching, and irritation are also common after laser treatment, so it’s important to be gentle with skin and ensure you are applying enough moisturizer.” Following treatment, you should use gentle cleaners and moisturizers. Check your current skincare products and make sure that there are no fragrances or dyes as these can be irritating. Look for products marketed as hypoallergenic as they tend to be gentler on skin. When cleansing, you should ensure you are not using an abrasive or exfoliating cleanser. Instead, use a gentle cleanser. Wet skin and gently apply cleanser with your fingertips. Rinse skin thoroughly as soap scum left behind can lead to increased skin dryness and irritation. After cleansing, unless expressly directed to use other products by your dermatologist, follow up with a good moisturizer. Over the treated area, you may want to use an occlusive moisturizer like petrolatum to lock in moisture and promote healing. When in doubt, ask your dermatologist for specific product recommendations.
Ingredients to Avoid Post Laser Treatment
There are numerous ingredients found in skincare products that hinder healing following laser treatments. While these products offer benefits for skin’s health and appearance, they aren’t recommended for use immediately following laser treatments. Some ingredients you should cut out of your skincare routine post laser treatment until approved by your dermatologist include:
- Retinol and prescription-strength retinoids
- Alpha hydroxy acids (AHA)
- Beta hydroxy acids (BHA)
- Hydroquinone
- Salicylic Acids
- Sugar or salt scrubs
- Benzoyl Peroxide
When to Wear Makeup
In addition to skincare products with the ingredients above, cosmetics may also irritate skin or prolong healing. While some laser treatments may have low to no downtime and you can quickly return to wearing make-up, others may require a week to 10 days post treatment to allow your skin to heal. Your dermatologist will give you a specific timeline. When you do start to use makeup, choose medical-grade products to avoid skin irritation and minimize risk for infection. Your dermatologist can recommend products that are skin-friendly.
Sunscreen and Skin Protection
Finally, sunscreen should be an essential aspect of your daily skincare routine, but it becomes even more important following laser treatments. You should minimize sun exposure for the first few weeks after treatment. Cover the treated area whenever possible outdoors and apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
Maintenance for Long-Term Skin Health
When it comes to maintaining laser treatment results in the long-term, Dr. Holman recommends, “First and foremost, follow your dermatologist’s instructions to the letter. They know what you need to do to avoid negative side effects, but they also recommend laser treatment aftercare measures to ensure you maximize your results. Once your skin heals, work with your dermatologist to develop a skincare routine to keep skin looking and feelings its best. In most cases, I recommend laser treatments to accelerate toward a specific goal. For example, patients who want to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles can see more significant improvement in the appearance of these signs of aging with laser treatment, but there are numerous effective skincare products that can prolong the results and further slow skin aging. You should also schedule regular follow-up treatments with your dermatologist. Finally, make sure you’re drinking enough water, getting enough sleep, and eating a nutrient rich diet. These healthy lifestyle choices promote healthy skin.”
Gentle, Healing Post-Laser Treatment Skincare
According to Dr. Holman, “Laser dermatologic treatments have come a long way. They are much more precise and targeted than they have ever been before. This means they are less damaging or irritating to skin, but the right post-treatment plan is still essential to achieve your desired results to improve skin’s health and appearance. Follow any specific instructions provided by your dermatologist. In general, be gentle on skin, give yourself plenty of time to rest, and contact your dermatologist if you notice any skin health concerns or you just want some post laser healing tips.”
Talk to a Professional Dermatologist
It’s important to follow any aftercare tips provided by your dermatologist to ensure skin heals fully and you make the most of your treatment. If you’re interested in laser treatment, concerned about your skin healing follow laser light therapy, or you just want to improve your skin health, don’t hesitate to reach out to the U.S. Dermatology Partners to schedule an appointment. The scheduling process is simple. You’ll just need to take a few moments to complete our online scheduling request form. Once we received your request, we’ll reach out to finalize the details of your appointment.
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