Laser treatments are an incredible tool for addressing various skin concerns, from reducing fine lines and wrinkles to treating hyperpigmentation and acne scars. However, achieving the best results and ensuring a smooth recovery depends heavily on a well-planned skincare routine both before and after treatment. Proper pre-laser treatment and post-laser care can minimize downtime, reduce discomfort, and enhance your skin’s appearance. This comprehensive guide walks you through essential products and skincare steps to prepare and care for skin before and after laser therapy.

Preparing Your Skin for Laser Treatment

To prepare skin for laser treatment, keep the following recommendations in mind:

• • Don’t manipulate skin – to avoid potential irritation or complications, halt all activities that disrupt skin’s surface at least three weeks before your laser treatment. That means you’ll need to stop hair removal like tweezing, waxing, and chemical epilation as well as skipping abrasive procedures like microdermabrasion or chemical peels in the treatment area.
• • Postpone additional skin procedures – to be effective, laser treatments require skin to be in its healthiest state. Scheduling a laser session too close to another dermatologic procedure, such as laser hair removal or skin resurfacing, increases sensitivity and risk of adverse effects.
• • Use ALASTIN Skincare Regenerating Skin Nectar with TriHex Technology – begin applying this product two weeks before laser treatment to condition and strengthen skin. Clinical studies have shown it improves treatment outcomes by enhancing skin healing and recovery. This proactive step ensures skin is resilient and ready for the procedure, allowing you to enjoy optimal results.

Post-Laser Care Essentials

Skincare after laser treatment is crucial for healing, protecting skin, and maximizing results. Your skin will be sensitive and prone to irritation, so gentle and intentional skincare is essential. It’s important to avoid direct sun exposure as post-treatment skin is especially vulnerable to UV damage. Stay out of direct sunlight for at least one month after treatment and wear broad-spectrum sunscreen daily, even indoors. Additionally, patients shouldn’t wear makeup immediately following laser treatment unless a dermatologist says otherwise. Makeup can irritate treated skin, but it can also disguise potentially worrisome symptoms. The following post-procedure skincare routine promotes healing and reduces risk of adverse response:

• • Cleanser – use a gentle cleanser morning and evening. Wash your face with lukewarm water as very hot or cold water can cause irritation. Use a gentle, non-foaming cleanser to soothe and hydrate the skin while removing oil, rime, and other impurities.
• • Healing products – apply a healing balm or serum morning and evening as recommended by your provider. You may also need to apply a healing ointment and keep skin covered for the first few days after treatment.
• • Moisturizer – use a lightweight, easily absorbed moisturizer at least morning and evening to keep healing skin hydrated. Heavier moisturizers may clog pores or trap bacteria, increasing risk of infection. Utilize thicker moisturizing products only when directed by your dermatologist.
• • Sunscreen – apply ample sunscreen in the morning and reapply regularly to ensure skin is protected from sun damage.

What to Avoid Immediately After Laser Treatment

There are numerous active ingredients common to skincare products that cause irritation, delay healing, and increase discomfort following laser treatment. Once your skin has fully recovered, you can reintroduce these ingredients gradually. For at least the first two weeks after laser therapy, avoid exfoliants and products with these active ingredients:

• • Benzoyl peroxide
• • Salicylic acid
• • Glycolic acid
• • Retinoids and retinols
• • Fragrances and dyes

Recommended Post-Laser Products for Healing and Soothing Skin

Your healthcare provider may apply a recovery balm immediately after treatment to promote healing. One standout product is ALASTIN Soothe + Protect Recovery Balm, which is often recommended by healthcare providers for application immediately after treatment to support skin’s healing. This product can be used in the days immediately following laser treatment to soothe treated areas. Using a mild, dermatologist-approved cleanser is also essential for soothing and protecting skin post-treatment. Consider these top dermatologist-recommended cleansers:

• • EltaMD Dermal Wound Cleanser – specially designed for sensitive, healing skin, this cleanser gently removes impurities while supporting recovery.
• • ALASTIN Skincare Gentle Cleanser – a non-foaming cleanser that cleans skin without disrupting the natural, protective barrier, ensuring hydration and comfort.
• • ZO Skin Health Gentle Cleanser – known for its hydrating properties, this cleanser is ideal for dry or irritated post-procedure skin.

Sunscreen: Essential Post-Laser Protection

No post-laser skincare routine is complete without sun protection. Post-procedure skin is sensitive to UV exposure, which may cause pigmentation and slower recovery. This is why laser treatments are performed more often during the fall and winter months when the sun’s rays aren’t as strong. Even during the fall and winter, applying sunscreen and limiting daily UV exposure after laser therapy is essential. Before your treatment, invest in high-quality, non-irritating sunscreens like:

• • ALASTIN Skincare SilkSHIELD All Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 – provides gentle, all-mineral sun protection with added skin-soothing ingredients.
• • EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 – a lightweight sunscreen suitable for sensitive, acne-prone, or post-procedure skin.

Reintroducing Skincare Products After Healing

As your skin heals, you can begin to reintroduce gentle and hydrating skincare products into your routine to enhance the benefits of your laser treatment.

• • Hydrating Products – moisturizing skincare products replenish hydration, support the skin barrier function, and enhance laser treatment recovery. Some of our most recommended hydrating skincare products include:
  • - ALASTIN Restorative Skin Complex with TriHex Technology – promotes the skin’s natural regeneration process and supports youthful skin appearance.
  • - ALASTIN HA (Hyaluronic Acid) Immerse Serum – infuses skin with deep hydration, leaving skin plump and radiant.
  • - ZO Skin Health Hydrating Crème – delivers intense moisture to prevent dryness and protect skin’s barrier.
• • Gradually reintroduce other skincare products – after two weeks or as directed by your dermatologist, slowly reintroduce products with more abrasive active ingredients into your regimen. Monitor your skin for any sensitivity and adjust usage as needed.

Prepare for Flawless Laser Therapy Results

Taking the time to implement proper pre laser and post laser treatment skincare ensures that your laser procedures yield the best possible results. From conditioning skin beforehand to protecting and nourishing it after, every step plays a role in recovery and enhancement.

Explore DermSkincare

Your skin deserves the best before, during, and after laser treatment. Consult your dermatologist to determine the most effective products for your skin type and procedure. To enhance your results, explore the range of dermatologist-approved skincare products available from DermSkincare. By following a consistent skincare routine, you can enjoy glowing, revitalized skin and maximize the benefits of your laser therapy.