Laser treatments have revolutionized the way we care for our skin. Whether you want to remove unwanted hair or improve your complexion, lasers can help you achieve your beauty goals. While laser treatments can be incredible for your skin, they can make your skin a bit sensitive afterward, which means you need a post-laser skincare routine to ensure you don’t sabotage your results.
Take a Break from The Gym
If you were looking for an excuse to skip spin class, you’ll have one after your laser treatment. Avoid exerting yourself or excessively sweating for 48 hours following a laser treatment. As your skin is very sensitive after a laser treatment, it’s important to take some time to rest and let your skin recover. Even though you’re taking a break from your workout, be sure to drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and coffee, as hydration truly begins from the inside.
Ditch Your Actives
In skincare lingo, an “active” is any potentially harsh ingredient used to treat skin concerns like acne and signs of aging. Examples of actives include tretinoin (Retin-A), salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and benzoyl peroxide. While these ingredients are great for treating your complexion concerns, they’re too harsh for your skin after a laser treatment.
Make Moisturizer The Star of the Show
Instead of following your usual regimen with actives, opt for a sensitive skin routine where moisturizers are the star of the show. A good post-laser routine would include a gentle cleanser, a hydrating serum containing hyaluronic acid or glycerin, and a fragrance-free cream to seal all of the moisture into your skin.
Follow Instructions
While the average time recommended to stay on a gentle post-laser skincare routine will be one to two weeks, you should follow any instructions given to you by your laser technician. In some cases, such as individuals who have highly sensitive or reactive skin, you may be recommended specific products or instructions for aftercare. Be sure to write down any instructions given to you and follow them to properly heal and recover.
Sunscreen is Essential
Your skin is extra photosensitive after laser treatments, which is a fancy way of saying that you’re more likely to burn in the sun. While you should ideally wear sun protection every morning regardless of what treatments you’ve undergone, it’s especially important that you protect your complexion from the sun after a laser procedure. Look for a fragrance-free sunscreen with an SPF of at least 50. Ideally, you should avoid bright sunlight for at least 48 hours after your treatment, which means you might want to reschedule that day at the beach or pool.
Schedule a Consultation
At Huntington Harbour Laser, we aim to help everyone in Huntington Beach, CA achieve their skin goals and get the look they’ve always wanted. Contact us today to learn more about how laser treatments could be right for you and your aesthetic goals.