How to take care of your skin for rapid recovery after laser skin resurfacing

Laser skin resurfacing has become increasingly popular for skin rejuvenation. Advanced laser technology and dermatologists' expertise embolden patients' confidence, contributing to its popularity. It is important to note that laser treatment can affect skin strength. Therefore, after laser skin resurfacing, one should take extra care of the facial skin to ensure rapid recovery and prevent unwanted side effects or problems. This article outlines how to care for your skin after laser skin resurfacing.

How many types of lasers are there, and what are their differences?

The types of lasers used for skin resurfacing depend on the target chromophore of the lesion the laser aims to treat. Different dermal conditions, such as red-pigmented lesions of blood vessels and inflammatory acne or brown-pigmented lesions of freckles or melasma, require different lasers. Another factor is the heat induction to produce collagen or elastin. Each laser used in skin resurfacing has different wavelengths and parameters tweaked by expert dermatologists to address different dermal conditions.

Types of lasers used in skin resurfacing can be categorized as follows:

Ablative lasers
- Carbon dioxide (CO2 laser) for seborrheic keratosis, skin tag, freckles and mole removal
- Erbium: YAG laser for treating superficial scars, reducing wrinkles, and skin tightening
- Picosecond laser for treating dark spots, ephelides, Hori's nevus, hyperpigmentation, café-au-lait, birthmarks, and tattoos, as well as stimulating the production of new skin, subdermal collagen and reducing the appearance of wrinkles and scars.
Non-ablative lasers
- Vbeam (Pulsed dye laser) for treating red marks, port-wine stains, spider nevi, inflammatory acne, keloid, and inflammatory rashes.
Semi-ablative laser affects the epidermis and upper dermis, causing slight shedding of upper dermis skin cells.

The ablative laser can heat the underlying skin and cause skin peeling, potentially leading to weakened, irritated, reddish, or swollen skin with a slight burning sensation. These effects of ablative laser may last 2 - 7 days, depending on the type and setting of laser treatment.

Recovery instructions for post-laser skin resurfacing

During the first few days, your skin is sensitive and swollen, with a burning sensation. If blisters appear on your skin, do not scratch, or pick on them, as they can cause scarring and infection.
Your skin may be dry with peeling five to seven days after laser skin resurfacing. You may wash your face 2-5 times a day using saline solution or dilute vinegar solution, depending on a dermatologist’s recommendation.
Sleep on an extra pillow during the first four nights after the procedure. Try not to bend forward or lower your head below the level of your heart.
During the first 24 – 48 hours, apply cold compress for 15 minutes every 2 hours if the skin is red and swollen. Do not ice the skin directly.
Apply a thin film of petroleum gel (or moisturizer) on the skin until it recovers fully. Petroleum gel helps moisturize the skin and prevent recovering skin from getting infected.
Refrain from using skincare products with acrid ingredients, such as retinol or glycolic acid, as they can cause irritation and harm your skin. It is advisable to avoid using them for a week or follow the dermatologist’s instructions.
Avoid applying makeup too soon. Like skincare products, cosmetics can irritate the skin after laser skin resurfacing. You should wait 2-3 weeks for the skin to recover, or you can consult a dermatologist for the proper use of cosmetics.
Sunlight exposure is the most crucial thing to avoid after laser skin resurfacing. Because the skin is sensitive at this stage, the effects of UV rays on the skin may be worse than usual. Therefore, to minimize the chance of aggravating your skin or delayed recovery, you must stay away from the sun. If it is necessary to go outside, wear a wide-brim hat, use an umbrella, and apply sunscreen with an SPF above 30 regularly throughout the day. You can consult your dermatologist for a suitable sunscreen.

A dermatologist gives guidance on caring for the skin post-laser skin resurfacing. To achieve optimal results, adhere to the instructions and monitor for untoward side effects. If any arise, seek medical advice promptly.