CO2 Laser Aftercare: A Guide to Preserving Results

Whether your skin has lost its bounce and radiance from natural aging, sun damage, or acne, laser skin resurfacing with our CO2 laser at PURE Med Spa can restore and revitalize your skin for years to come. Likewise, preserving the results of your CO2 laser skin rejuvenation procedure can double your results and your investment in yourself.

Don’t let neglect sabotage your gains! Take these steps from the experts at PURE Medical Spa to ensure the greatest results for the greatest period of time and the greatest boost to self-confidence and self-appreciation.

What Is CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing?

CO2 laser resurfacing is the ultimate age-defying treatment! You can eliminate years of acne scarring, wrinkles and fine lines, discoloration, and other unwanted skin conditions with innovative light technology. Some other laser skin resurfacing benefits include:

• Reduced skin damage
• Outpatient procedure
• Minimally invasive
• FDA-approved
• Reduced recovery time with our fractional laser

CO2 laser skin resurfacing treatments eliminate the dead, dull skin to make room for a new, radiant complexion to appear. Then, heat energy from the laser promotes the production of collagen–the protein responsible for skin’s health, healing, tightness, and texture.

CO2 Laser Resurfacing Aftercare

CO2 lasers use the body’s natural healing capabilities to transform your skin, so proper aftercare is essential. Keep reading to learn how to take care of your skin after your CO2 laser skin resurfacing treatment, and feel younger than ever!

Day 1

After your skin resurfacing procedure, you will be given cold compresses for the treatment area. Once you’re at home, we recommend you continue to use this compress to reduce any inflammation and swelling you may experience. Swelling after laser skin resurfacing isn’t unusual and is a sign that your body is healing.

You may want to add vinegar to your cold compress packs, but you should follow your provider’s instructions about products and ingredients to use after your treatment. We recommend you apply Vaseline or Aquaphor to the treatment area frequently. If you experience any pain, we recommend Tylenol every three to four hours.

Days 2 to 5

The day after your treatment, wash your face twice daily. Your skin will continue to heal over the next few days, and dead skin may accumulate on the surface of the treatment area. While these spots may be unsightly, you should not try to rub or pick them off. Instead, keep these areas moisturized. These spots will slowly disappear in the following days, but if you peel them off too soon, you may risk bleeding and scarring your skin.

Additionally, we recommend you take a few days off work and reduce any strenuous exercise, high impact activities, and UV exposure for at least a week after your laser treatment. Your provider may have specific instructions about time off and recovery timelines, so don’t hesitate to ask questions before your treatment.

Days 5 to 7

On day 5 to 7, your swelling should have gone down, and the dry, crusty spots should be smoother. We recommend you continue to wash the treatment area with a gentle face wash, and instead of applying Vaseline or Aquaphor, use a non-irritating moisturizer. If the flaky spots are sticking around, you can use Vaseline or Aquaphor sparingly where you need it.

If you’re feeling rested and recovered, you can resume normal activities. We advise still avoiding stressful situations, strenuous exercise, and sun exposure. While it may seem harmless, these activities can compromise your skin’s healing abilities.

Days 7 to 14

In the last few days of healing, continue to use a gentle cleanser and moisturizer recommended by your provider. Once your skin is smooth, you can apply sunscreen if you spend prolonged periods outside or in a car.

Likewise, on day 10, you can start wearing makeup once your skin is smooth, but we recommend you avoid any irritating or harsh cosmetic products. Each person’s laser recovery is different, so that any pigmentation may last longer for some than others. However, as your skin continues to mend, this pigmentation will subside in a few days.

Maintain Age-Defying Results for Years to Come

With proper aftercare, CO2 laser skin resurfacing can last for years. Reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, acne scars, large pores, age spots, sun damage, facial moles, freckles, and other unwanted spots with ease at PURE Med Spa.

Our team of experts is here to assist you from the moment you walk in the door to the weeks following your treatment. If you have any questions about CO2 laser resurfacing, or want to learn more about this beautifying treatment, don’t hesitate to contact Beaufort’s premier medspa.

Interested in Laser Skin Resurfacing? Learn More Today!

Proudly serving the communities of Beaufort and Bluffton, our team at PURE Med Spa is dedicated to your overall satisfaction. We offer various treatments to help you enhance your natural beauty, like laser skin resurfacing, RF microneedling, dermal fillers, and more. If you’re interested in learning more about our customized treatment plans for anti-aging, call us at (843) 524-5550 or contact us online today!