So, you’ve undergone a laser procedure and are eager to show off your new, rejuvenated skin. I get it! But hitting the brakes on your routine is crucial for healing properly and maximizing those results you shelled out for. Laser procedures can work wonders on your skin—reducing fine lines, smoothing out skin texture, and even removing unwanted hair. Following the proper aftercare routine isn’t optional—achieving the desired results is necessary. So, let’s dive into the 11 things NOT to do after your laser treatment to set you up for a smooth ride toward your skin goals!
Stay Out of the Sun
The relationship between freshly laser-treated skin and the sun is like oil and water—they don’t mix. Your skin is more sensitive after laser treatments, with its barrier protection temporarily broken. Sun exposure after laser treatments can cause hyperpigmentation, prolonged redness, and scarring in more severe cases. This is not a small thing—it can completely counteract the effects of your treatment and leave you with new issues to correct.
For at least two weeks post-treatment, be vigilant about sun protection:
- Apply a mineral-based sunscreen with SPF 30+ every two hours
- Wear wide-brimmed hats when outdoors
- Seek shade whenever possible
- Consider UPF clothing for extra protection
Handle With Care
Avoid rubbing or scrubbing your face with forceful motions that interfere with healing and may lead to inflammation, infection, or scarring. Wash your face with your fingertips alone—no washcloths, facial brushes, or scrubbers. Dry your skin with a clean, soft towel by patting. When applying recommended products, gently press rather than vigorously rub. I learned this lesson the hard way during my first laser treatment recovery. Three days after treatment, I absent-mindedly used a facial scrub, thinking my skin felt “ready” for exfoliation. The resulting irritation set my healing back by days and taught me that patience truly is a virtue when it comes to laser recovery.
Watch Your Cleanser
Choose a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser with a neutral pH. Ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid can support healing while avoiding anything with:
- Alcohol
- Fragrance
- Sulfates
- Exfoliating beads or acids
- Benzoyl peroxide
- Retinoids
After laser treatments, your skin’s barrier function is compromised, making it more reactive to ingredients it might usually tolerate well. This temporary sensitivity means even your tried-and-true products might suddenly cause stinging or irritation. A simple, gentle cleanser used morning and night will keep your skin clean without disrupting the delicate healing process that’s already underway.
Skip Some Products
Your elaborate 10-step skincare routine needs a temporary vacation after laser treatments. Many active ingredients can irritate freshly treated skin or interfere with healing.
Products to avoid for at least 1-2 weeks after treatment include:
- Retinoids.
- Chemical exfoliants.
- Vitamin C serums.
- Scrubs and physical exfoliants.
- Acne treatments containing benzoyl peroxide or sulfur.
- Fragranced products of any kind.
Don’t Tan
The desire for a golden glow can be enticing, but tanning is a strict no-no after laser treatments. That includes natural sunbathing, tanning beds, and even self-tanners. Tanning beds are particularly dangerous after laser treatments because they give your sensitive skin intense UV radiation. The danger of burns, hyperpigmentation, and long-term damage is very real. Even self-tanning products are a problem since they typically contain ingredients that bother healing skin, and the application method is rubbing or scrubbing, which interferes with healing.
Bedtime Rules
Your sleeping habits can significantly impact your laser treatment recovery. Those first few nights after treatment require some special consideration for optimal healing. Lie on your back with your head slightly elevated to reduce swelling, especially after facial treatments. Use a clean pillowcase each night for the first week to minimize bacterial exposure to your vulnerable skin.
Pet Smart
Your animals are adorable, but they’re ambulatory Petri dishes of bacteria, dander, and other allergens your freshly lasered skin doesn’t need. Keep pets away from your face and treated areas for at least the first week after treatment. This means no face-snuggling with your face buried in your pet, no letting them lick treated areas, and being mindful of pet hair that can come into contact with your skin.
If you have cats or dogs that typically sleep in your bed, consider temporary alternative sleeping arrangements during your recovery. At a minimum, create a barrier between your treated skin and your pets.
Remember to wash your hands thoroughly after petting or handling your animals before touching your face or treated areas. This simple step can prevent the transfer of bacteria that might lead to infections in your healing skin.
Avoid Picking
The urge to pick at flaking skin or scabs after laser treatments can be almost irresistible, but this is one temptation you absolutely must resist.
After specific laser treatments, your skin may develop a fine crust and form small scabs or flakes as it heals. This is a natural part of the process as your body sheds damaged cells and replaces them with fresh, new skin.
Picking, peeling, or forcibly removing these crusts or flakes can:
- Disrupt the healing process
- Lead to scarring
- Increased risk of infection
- Cause hyperpigmentation
- Result in uneven skin texture
If flaking skin bothers you, gently applying your prescribed moisturizer may help ease discomfort. However, resist the urge to speed the process along manually. Let your skin complete its natural healing cycle in its own time.
Follow Directions
Your dermatologist or laser technician didn’t give you that detailed aftercare sheet for their health—those instructions are specifically tailored to your treatment type, intensity, and skin condition.
Different laser treatments have varying recovery protocols. For instance, aftercare for a gentle IPL treatment differs significantly from what’s needed following an ablative CO2 laser procedure. What worked for your friend’s laser treatment might be completely wrong for yours.
Avoid Heat
Heat exposure in any form can exacerbate inflammation and potentially damage your healing skin after laser treatments. This extends beyond just sun exposure to include multiple heat sources.
For at least a week after your treatment, avoid:
- Hot showers and baths.
- Saunas and steam rooms.
- Hot tubs and heated pools.
- Hair dryers should be aimed near treated areas.
- Cooking over steaming pots.
- Intense exercise that overheats your body.
Even the heat from your laptop or phone pressed against treated skin can cause issues. Be mindful of all heat sources and give your skin a cool, calm environment to heal correctly. If you’re feeling discomfort from inflammation, cool compresses (not ice-cold) can provide relief without risking damage to your healing skin.
Breakup With Makeup
I know it’s tough, but your makeup collection needs a short break after laser treatments. Even products you use without issues can irritate your healing skin or introduce bacteria to vulnerable areas.
For most laser treatments, avoid makeup entirely for at least 24-48 hours (longer for more intensive therapies). When you reintroduce makeup, start with clean, mineral-based products that are less likely to irritate.
Before using any makeup, ensure your tools are impeccably clean. Bacteria on brushes or sponges can easily lead to infections in healing skin. Consider using disposable applicators during recovery or thoroughly cleaning your regular tools before use.
Conclusion
By avoiding these 11 don’ts, you’ll set yourself up for optimal results and minimize the risk of complications. Laser treatments create controlled damage, stimulating your skin’s natural healing processes. Proper aftercare isn’t about being overly cautious—it’s about making the ideal environment for healing to occur efficiently and effectively. Be patient with your skin as it recovers. The temporary restrictions and extra care are a small price to pay for the long-term benefits of your treatment. Follow your provider’s specific instructions, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions or concerns during your recovery.
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FAQs
Most practitioners recommend waiting 1-2 weeks before gradually reintroducing active ingredients, but this varies by treatment type. Always follow your provider’s specific timeline.
Contact your provider immediately, as these could be signs of an adverse reaction or infection requiring prompt attention.
Light, incredible exercise is typically okay after 48-72 hours, but avoid anything that causes sweating or flushing for at least a week. Consult your provider for guidance specific to your treatment.
Yes, particularly after more intensive therapies. The peeling indicates your skin is shedding damaged cells and should not be forced or rushed.
This varies by condition and treatment type. Most people require 3-6 sessions several weeks apart for optimal results.
