Post-CO2 Laser Skin Care: Essential Tips for Healing and Maintenance

Q: Post-CO2 Laser Skin Care: Essential Tips for Healing and Maintenance

Hello： 1) If the scab has fallen off, it indicates that the epidermal layer has healed. <br>In principle, basic skincare products can be used, but attention should be paid to the ingredients. <br>If they contain whitening toners or lotions, their use should be delayed. <br>For su

Post-Care for Skin After eCO2 Laser Treatment

Hello Doctor: I underwent full facial laser scar removal surgery last week.
The scabs on my face have completely fallen off, but my face still appears somewhat red, and there are some areas that feel itchy.
The doctor who performed the laser treatment advised me to focus on moisturizing and provided me with a bottle of blue copper peptide serum.
I would like to ask the doctor: 1.
Can I use regular skincare products (such as toners and lotions) or sunscreen at this time? 2.
I previously used almond acid and rhododendron acid in my skincare routine; when can I resume using those? 3.
Besides moisturizing, are there any other skincare precautions I should be aware of? Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions.

Nick, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2013/03/25

Dr. Lin Xinpeng reply Dermatology

Hello: 1) If the scab has fallen off, it indicates that the epidermal layer has healed.
In principle, basic skincare products can be used, but attention should be paid to the ingredients.
If they contain whitening toners or lotions, their use should be delayed.
For sunscreen, it is advisable to choose products with purely physical ingredients to avoid allergic reactions.
2) Acid-based skincare products should be used only when the face is no longer red to minimize irritation.
3) After undergoing fractional laser treatment, moisturizing should be the first priority.
If you experience any issues one week post-treatment, you should return for a follow-up appointment with the physician who performed the laser procedure to assess your post-operative condition.
It may be that your moisturizing routine is insufficient and needs to be enhanced, and sometimes oral medications may be necessary to reduce inflammation.

Reply Date: 2013/03/25

More Info

Post-CO2 Laser Skin Care: Essential Tips for Healing and Maintenance
After undergoing a CO2 laser treatment, it is crucial to follow a proper skincare regimen to ensure optimal healing and to minimize any potential complications. Your skin is in a sensitive state post-treatment, and understanding how to care for it can significantly impact the healing process and the final results. Here are some essential tips and answers to your questions regarding post-laser care.

1. Using Skincare Products: After your CO2 laser treatment, it is generally advisable to avoid using any harsh or active ingredients in your skincare routine for at least a week or until your skin has fully healed. This includes products containing acids (like alpha hydroxy acids or beta hydroxy acids), retinoids, and other exfoliants. Since you mentioned that your scabs have completely fallen off but your skin is still red and itchy, you should focus on gentle, hydrating products. You can use a mild, fragrance-free moisturizer and a gentle cleanser. As for sunscreen, it is vital to protect your healing skin from UV exposure. You can start using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher as soon as your skin feels comfortable, typically after the scabs have fallen off.

2. Resuming Active Ingredients: Regarding your previous use of almond acid and azelaic acid, it is best to wait until your skin has fully healed before reintroducing these products. This could take anywhere from two to six weeks, depending on your skin's sensitivity and how well it is healing. Once you feel that your skin has returned to a more normal state, you can gradually reintroduce these products, starting with lower concentrations to see how your skin reacts.

3. Additional Skincare Considerations: Beyond hydration, there are several other factors to consider in your post-laser skincare routine:
- Avoiding Irritants: Steer clear of any products that may irritate your skin, including those with alcohol, fragrances, or other potential allergens.

- Gentle Cleansing: Use a gentle, non-foaming cleanser to avoid stripping your skin of its natural oils. Pat your skin dry instead of rubbing it.

- Moisturization: Continue to apply your blue copper peptide serum as recommended by your physician. This can help with healing and skin repair. Additionally, consider using a thicker moisturizer or an occlusive agent like petroleum jelly if your skin feels particularly dry.

- Avoiding Sun Exposure: Protect your skin from the sun as much as possible. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and seek shade when outdoors. Sun exposure can lead to pigmentation changes in healing skin, which can be difficult to treat later.

- Monitoring for Complications: Keep an eye on your skin for any signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, or discharge. If you notice any concerning symptoms, contact your healthcare provider promptly.

In summary, post-CO2 laser care is all about being gentle with your skin and allowing it to heal properly. Focus on hydration, sun protection, and avoiding irritants. Gradually reintroduce your previous skincare products once your skin has stabilized. If you have any concerns or if your skin does not seem to be healing as expected, do not hesitate to reach out to your dermatologist for further guidance. Your skin's health is paramount, and proper care will help you achieve the best results from your treatment.

Similar Q&A

Understanding CO2 Laser Treatment for Scars: What You Need to Know

Hello, I had a car accident at the end of September two years ago, which left me with two scars on my chin. I have undergone corticosteroid injections, cryotherapy, and dye laser treatments. The most recent treatment was a combination of carbon dioxide (CO2) laser and dye laser. ...

Dr. Lu Daokuan reply Plastic Surgery
Complete wound maturation may take 1 to 2 years. You might be doing too much, which may not necessarily be beneficial. It would be advisable to consult a physician experienced in scar management who is also patient, to discuss further steps. At 19 years old, if you are developing...

Can You Safely Use CO2 Laser After Skin Barrier Recovery?

I would like to ask the doctor, previously my skin barrier was in a normal state and I had never experienced any mite infestations. However, due to improper skincare, my skin barrier has been severely damaged, which immediately led to a mite infestation. Now that the treatment fo...

Dr. Wu Yuxin reply Dermatology
Excessive laser treatment can lead to damage. As long as postoperative repair and maintenance are done properly, there is generally no need to worry too much, but it is not absolute; you still need to have a physician check on you.

Can CO2 Laser Treatment Flatten Raised Moles and Scars?

Doctor, I would like to ask if CO2 laser treatment can flatten raised moles after the procedure? Is it possible to use CO2 laser to flatten mature hypertrophic scars?

Dr. Lu Daokuan reply Plastic Surgery
For laser mole removal, please consult a dermatology clinic.

Can CO2 Laser Treatments Cause White Spots on Skin?

Is it possible for CO2 fractional laser treatment to cause white spots if the energy is too strong? After my second session, the wound became red, swollen, itchy, and oozed serous fluid. Two months later, the wound has mostly healed, but there are many indentations that were not ...

Dr. Wu Yuxin reply Dermatology
You should consult your attending physician about this issue, as they are the most familiar with your condition.