Skin Care After a Laser Treatment

The Dos and Don’ts of Skin Care After a Laser Treatment

woman applying skin care after a laser treatment

Laser therapies are aesthetic procedures using light sources from a laser. Fun fact: laser is an acronym for light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation! Lasers guarantee that Dr. Levitt can treat areas with precision and efficiency, while leaving surrounding areas unharmed. 

At Levitt Medical Aesthetics, we offer a wide array of laser treatment therapies that address a variety of skin care concerns. As the premier destination for all medical aesthetic treatments in Albany, Oregon, you can rest assured that you are getting the absolute best care when you’re at our office. We pride ourselves on our gorgeous, long-lasting results, but to increase the longevity of your facial rejuvenation, follow these tips for skin care after a laser treatment!

What does laser therapy treat?

Laser treatments are an incredible resource for anyone looking to achieve aesthetic goals because they are able to treat so many different areas of concern, including:

  • Wrinkles and fine lines
  • Unwanted pigmentation
  • Age spots
  • Sun damage
  • Sagging skin
  • Unwanted hair
  • Acne scarring
  • Lesions
  • Rough texture
  • Uneven skin tone

Side effects of a laser treatment

Depending on the strength of the laser you and your provider decide to use, your recovery period will look different. Typically, patients report a sunburn sensation or mild burning during their recovery. Swelling and redness is also common.

You and your doctor will discuss post-treatment care guidelines in detail. Follow these dos and don’ts of skin care after a laser treatment in order to optimize your recovery period and bolster the longevity of your results!

The dos of skin care after a laser treatment

  • Do wash the treated area regularly

For the healing process, you’ll want to kick it old school, washing with warm water and a super gentle cleanser. Your skin is exposed to a lot of debris during this time, so make sure to rinse it at least a few times a day. 

  • Do use cold compresses and ice packs to alleviate swelling

Swelling, redness, and a sensation of heat are common side effects. One of the best tips for skin care after a laser treatment is to use cold compresses or ice packs on the affected skin to help alleviate these symptoms. Not only will it feel super good, but it will help to cut down your recovery time.

  • Do stay out of the sun and avoid tanning beds

Your skin is extremely sensitive after laser therapy, and exposing it to harmful UV rays can cause unwanted pigment changes that may be irreversible. It is imperative that you stay indoors during your recovery period. If you must go outside, even just to run to the car and back, wear sunscreen to protect your skin.

The don’ts of skin care after a laser treatment

  • Don’t smoke

This is important for your skin in general, but especially following a laser treatment! Nicotine restricts your blood vessels, reducing oxygen flow and blocking nutrients from reaching your skin. While your skin is healing from your laser treatment it needs all the good oxygen and nutrients it can get, so avoid cigarettes and vapes if you can. 

  • Don’t pick at the affected area

If you undergo a more intense treatment you may experience peeling. Trust us, we understand the urge to pick at peeling skin just as much as the next person, but for the sake of your beautiful skin, don’t do it! 

Picking at your skin while it’s healing will force it to begin the healing process over again, and will likely lead to lasting scars or depressions in the skin. 

  • Don’t overwhelm your skin with makeup and heavy ingredients

If you’ve got a multi-step skin care routine, we love that! But while you’re recovering from your laser treatment, your skin needs space to breathe. Enjoy some time off from your makeup and skin care routine and instead get back to basics; warm water, a gentle cleanser, and a light moisturizer will do wonders.

Reach out to us

Have you got some more questions regarding skin care after a laser treatment, or just about skin care and  laser treatments in general? We’ve got answers! At Levitt Medical Aesthetics we love going over customized treatments plans for our patients.  Reach out to us about scheduling a consultation at our practice located in Albany, Oregon.