Article Overview
- Follow specific aftercare steps such as avoiding sun exposure and strenuous exercise to ensure optimal results and minimize side effects.
- Use gentle skincare products and avoid picking or scratching the skin to aid in healing and prevent scarring.
- Incorporate recommended products such as Soothing Cleanser and C E Ferulic to soothe, hydrate, and protect the skin.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle to improve skin health and maximize laser treatment results.
Laser treatments are a popular choice for those looking to improve the appearance of their skin and address concerns such as wrinkles, discoloration, and acne scars. While these treatments can be highly effective, it's important to properly care for your skin afterward to ensure optimal results and minimize any side effects. To learn more about post-laser skin care, we spoke to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Jenny Liu.
The Science Behind Laser Treatments and How They Work in Skincare
Laser treatments work by emitting concentrated beams of light that target specific concerns in the skin. The light energy is absorbed by the skin's chromophores, which are molecules that absorb light. This absorption of light energy causes the chromophores to heat up, which in turn stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, the proteins responsible for the skin's firmness and elasticity. Laser treatments can also target specific pigments in the skin, such as those responsible for discoloration, and break them up, leading to a more even skin tone . Different types of lasers target different chromophores, such as melanin for pigmentation or water in collagen for skin resurfacing.
The Different Types of Laser Treatments
There are many different types of laser treatments available, each with its own specific purpose and benefits. Some of the most common types of laser treatments include:
- Ablative lasers: These lasers (like CO2 and Eribum YAG)remove the top layer of skin, stimulating the production of new, healthy skin cells.. Ablative lasers offer greater improvement for deep wrinkles and significant sun damage. but require more downtime.wntime. are often used to treat wrinkles, scars, and sun damage.
- Non-ablative lasers: These lasers do not remove the top layer of skin, but instead work by heating the deeper layers of skin to stimulate collagen and elastin production. Non-ablative lasers are often used to treat fine lines, wrinkles, and discoloration.
- Fractional lasers: These laser can either be ablative or non-ablative.These lasers create tiny, microscopic injuries in the skin, which triggers the body's natural healing response and stimulates the production of new collagen and elastin. Fractional lasers are often used to treat a variety of skin concerns, including wrinkles, scars, and acne scars and require less downtime than fully ablative lasers.
Common Side Effects of Laser Treatments
While laser treatments are generally safe and effective, there are some common side effects that can occur, including:
- Redness: It is common for the skin to appear red and inflamed after a laser treatment. This redness typically fades within a few days.
- Swelling: Swelling can also occur after a laser treatment, especially if the treatment was performed on the face. Swelling typically peaks within 24-48 hours and then gradually subsides.
- Bruising: Bruising can occur if the laser treatment was performed on an area with thin skin, such as the eyelids. Bruising typically fades within a few weeks.
- Crusting: Some laser treatments can cause the skin to develop a crust, which is a protective layer that forms over the treated area. This crust typically falls off within a few days.
- Dryness: Laser treatments can also cause the skin to become dry, especially if the treatment was performed on the face. It is important to keep the skin hydrated after a laser treatment to prevent dryness.
- Itching: Itching can occur after a laser treatment, especially if the skin is dry. It is important to avoid scratching the skin, as this can damage the healing tissue.
- Roughness: Surface roughness is commonly seen after fractional laser treatments
What to Avoid After an In-Office Laser Treatment
There are certain things you should avoid after an in-office laser treatment to ensure optimal results and minimize any side effects. These include:
- Avoid sun exposure: It is important to avoid sun exposure for at least 24 hours after a laser treatment. Sun exposure can increase the risk of developing side effects, such as redness, swelling, and pigmentation changes.
- Avoid strenuous exercise: Strenuous exercise can increase blood flow to the treated area, which can lead to increased swelling and redness. It is important to avoid strenuous exercise for at least 24 hours after a laser treatment.
- Avoid using harsh skincare products: Harsh skincare products such as alpha hydroxy acid and beta hydroxy acids can irritate the skin immediately after a laser treatment. It is important to use gentle skincare products that are fragrance-free and non-comedogenic .
- Avoid picking or scratching the skin: Picking or scratching the skin can damage the healing tissue and lead to scarring. It is important to avoid picking or scratching the skin after a laser treatment.
Dermatologist Tips to Maximize Laser Treatment Results
In addition to following the aftercare instructions provided by your dermatologist, there are a few things you can do to maximize the results of your laser treatment. These include:
- Start with a consultation: Before undergoing a laser treatment, it is important to consult with a board-certified dermatologist to discuss your goals and expectations. Your dermatologist can help you choose the best laser treatment for your individual needs and skin type.
- Follow the aftercare instructions: It is essential to follow the aftercare instructions provided by your dermatologist to ensure optimal results and minimize any side effects.
- Protect your skin from the sun: Sun exposure can damage the skin and reverse the results of your laser treatment. It is important to protect your skin from the sun by wearing sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat when outdoors.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise can help to improve your skin's overall health and appearance. This can help to maximize the results of your laser treatment.
Maximize Treatment Results with SkinCeuticals Integrated Skincare Product Pairings
Using high-quality skincare products is crucial in maintaining the results of your laser treatment Some of the best SkinCeuticals products to use after a laser treatment include:
- Advanced RGN-6: This cutting-edge skin regeneration cream, features a synergistic blend of six key active ingredients. It is specifically formulated to enhance the results of in-office laser treatments by soothing the skin, reducing recovery time, and maximizing anti-aging benefits such as wrinkle reduction, improved firmness, and skin laxity correction. Additionally, it helps reduce discoloration, enhance brightness, and smooth the skin's texture, effectively reinforcing the skin's defense system.
- C E Ferulic: A powerful vitamin C serum, renowned for its ability to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, brighten the skin's complexion, and protect against environmental damage. This serum combines potent antioxidants, including 15% pure vitamin C, 1% vitamin E, and 0.5% ferulic acid, to enhance the skin's natural protection against oxidative stress. Ideal for use in conjunction with laser treatments, C E Ferulic helps to accelerate the skin's healing process and improve treatment outcomes by reinforcing the skin's natural defense system.
- Phyto Corrective Gel: A soothing botanical serum perfect for skin that has undergone laser treatments. It helps to calm irritation and reduce redness with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, cucumber, and thyme. This hydrating gel supports the healing process, promoting a clearer and more refreshed complexion, making it an excellent choice for post-laser care.
- Hydra Balm: An intensely hydrating balm specifically formulated to provide relief to dry and severely dry skin. Enriched with aloe vera and squalane, it effectively soothes and nourishes the skin, creating a protective barrier that aids in preventing moisture loss. This balm is particularly beneficial for skin recovering from laser treatments, as it helps to restore hydration and promote healing, ensuring the skin remains soft and healthy-looking during the recovery process.
- Soothing Cleanser: This gentle foaming facial cleanser designed to cleanse delicate and sensitive skin without causing irritation. Its formulation includes a blend of sorbitol and glycerin, which help to moisturize and soothe the skin. This makes it an excellent choice for those who have undergone laser treatments, as it effectively removes impurities while maintaining the skin's natural moisture barrier, aiding in the healing process and ensuring the skin remains calm and comfortable.
Consult with Your Dermatologist
If you are considering a laser treatment, it is important to consult with a board-certified dermatologist to discuss your goals and expectations. Your dermatologist can help you choose the best laser treatment for your individual needs and skin type, and can provide you with detailed aftercare instructions to ensure optimal results.
To discover the best skincare products for your skin after a laser treatment, use our online Routine Finder, visit one of our SkinCeuticals SkinLab locations, or schedule an appointment with a SkinCeuticals Skincare Professional for a one-on-one consultation.
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Jenny Liu, MD is a board-certified dermatologist and assistant professor in the Twin Cities. Her interests include ethnic dermatology, complex medical dermatology, and medical education. Online, Dr. Liu shares beauty advice, educates on skin and haircare ingredients, and skin safety.
