The main post-CO2 laser care measures are to avoid sun exposure, not to wash the area for 8 hours, to apply healing creams every 2 hours, to use mild, soap-free cleansing solutions for 5 days and to avoid using cosmetics for the first 48 hours after the procedure.
An important tip from Dr. Szerman is to avoid the sun and wait 48 hours before using sunscreen. This is because, immediately after the laser, your skin will be sensitive and any chemical (including sunscreen) can be an irritant.
“I’ve been working with lasers for over 20 years and I can tell you that sunscreen is one of the main causes of skin irritation if it’s used immediately after the CO2 laser.”
Remember that after the session, your skin will be sensitive and have micro-perforations. That’s why the international protocol is to avoid the sun, not to wash the area for 8 hours (this is how long it takes for the pores to close) and not to use anything other than the prescribed healing agents.” He explains.
It is also recommended to stop using any acids or bleaching agents before the CO2 laser. Wait at least 15 days before returning to them once the skin has fully recovered. Don’t forget!
Dr. Szerman has explained everything you need to know in order not to make any mistakes after the CO2 laser and jeopardize your recovery. Read everything carefully and download the booklet at the end!
Co2 laser skin resurfacing aftercare
The CO2 laser is a procedure indicated in various dermatological treatments. Its action stimulates collagen production and skin renewal to the maximum. It is therefore considered the gold standard in dermatology.
Recovery from the CO2 laser needs to be very careful, after all, your skin will be more sensitive. So be sure to follow the post-CO2 laser care to ensure your skin recovers fully and avoid possible complications.
Skin recovery and post-CO2 laser care is an important process to guarantee satisfactory results. Follow the step-by-step instructions on how to recover your skin after laser treatment.
The CO2 laser is a popular procedure in dermatology, used to treat a variety of skin conditions, including acne scars, stretch marks, melasma, wrinkles and dark spots.
During treatment, the laser removes layers of skin to stimulate the growth of new cells, which results in a healthier, rejuvenated appearance.
After treatment, the skin can be sensitive and irritated, with redness and swelling.
It is important to follow the dermatologist’s instructions for skin care in the days following the procedure, including the application of very specific healing creams.
Avoiding sun exposure and intense physical activity is also recommended during this period.
With proper post-CO2 laser care, the skin should recover completely within a few days, revealing a younger, healthier appearance.
How does the skin look after CO2 Laser?
The photos below show how the skin looks immediately after specialty treatments and services the CO2 laser.
See also the before and after photos of these patients throughout the article!
What is CO2 laser treatment?
We know that the CO2 laser is a high-standard treatment in dermatology, one of the most highly regarded for treating the skin.
For a safe and efficient result, it is important that the patient follows all the post-CO2 laser care instructions.
Download the booklet at the end of the article with all the post-CO2 laser care instructions!
If you’re not already familiar with it, the Fractional CO2 Laser we use at the Skin Clinic is Deka. It is manufactured by the Italian company that pioneered lasers in Europe over 60 years ago.
This laser has the most modern features (fractionated and pulsed), greatly reducing the common side effects of older CO2 lasers (redness and burning).
It is considered safer than other CO2 lasers. This is because most CO2 lasers are only fractionated, while the Deka laser is fractionated and pulsed, offering a much faster recovery for the skin.
Despite the rapid recovery, your skin still needs the post-CO2 laser care recommended by Dr. Szerman.
What is fractional CO2 laser used for?
- Smoothing skin signs such as wrinkles and expression lines
- Treating melasma and dark spots on the skin
- Treating sagging skin and premature ageing
- Reducing acne scars in the facial area
- Body treatments such as stretch marks and much more.
After CO2 laser:
Skin evolution after treatments and services specialty CO2 laser:
One day after the laser session, it’s common for your skin to form a small peel and to be slightly red and swollen.
This reaction is common, but one of the main recommendations after the CO2 laser is to apply the healing ointments prescribed by Dr. Szerman every 2 hours! That’s right, 8 times a day is ideal.
“The post-CO2 laser creams I recommend most are Aquaphor repair ointment (Eucerin) and Cicalfate repair cream (Avène),” explains Dr. Szerman.
Download the booklet at the end of the article with all the post-CO2 laser care tips!
Aquaphor contains ceramides (an ingredient that actually resembles wax). These thick ceramides form a protective barrier on the skin and prevent transepidermal water loss. What is that? Let me explain.
The thing is, Fractional CO2 Laser is an ablative laser that creates micro-holes in the skin. As a result, the skin tends to lose water through these pores, like a sieve, literally.
This water loss increases inflammation and dehydration, causing discomfort and delaying skin healing.
That’s why we need to prevent this water loss, and Aquaphor is one of the best creams for post-laser care in this regard.
A regular moisturizing cream won’t suffice, as it will be quickly absorbed by the skin and won’t create this protective shield.
An alternative, if you can’t find Aquaphor, would be to use medicinal solid petroleum jelly or a petroleum jelly ointment.
Solid petroleum jelly is a mineral-based product with emollient and moisturizing properties (and it’s easy to find in most pharmacies).
Another cream I like to alternate with Aquaphor after CO2 Laser is the Avène Cicalfate Restorative Cream.
By alternating these creams every 2 to 3 hours, your skin’s recovery after the laser will be much faster and better! Remember that ideal hydration requires multiple applications throughout the day.
Download the guide at the end of the article for all the post-CO2 Laser care tips!
Aquaphor Healing is recommended primarily during the first 48 hours after a CO2 Laser procedure. It’s suggested to apply the healing ointment at least 8 times a day to keep your skin hydrated during this critical period.
“I don’t recommend overusing Aquaphor, as it can also increase skin oiliness and lead to some degree of acne,” explains Dr. Szerman.
This is why specific guidance for each case and skin type is essential.
The other post-CO2 Laser healing ointment, Cicalfate, is mainly recommended after the third day of the procedure. By this point, transepidermal water loss has stopped (as the micro-holes have closed).
Although the collagen-boosting effects are not immediate, it’s common to notice the benefits of the CO2 Laser session between the 20th and 40th day.
Remember that the benefits of the laser continue for up to six months after the session. This has been scientifically proven.
Post-CO2 Laser Care for the Face:
Post-CO2 Laser for Stretch Marks:
8 Medical Recommendations Post-CO2 Laser
• Avoid sun exposure
• Do not wash the face for 8 hours
• Apply healing creams (Aquaphor and Cicalfate) every 2 or 3 hours
• Do not wash the skin with regular soaps
• Use non-soap cleaning solutions for 5 days
• Avoid using cosmetics within 48 hours after the laser treatment
• Wait for the scabs to form before applying sunscreen
• Discontinue the use of acids and lighteners until full skin recovery
Medications with Medical Prescriptions:
• Antiviral (to prevent herpes)
• Oral pain relievers every 6 hours in case of discomfort
Download the brochure at the end of the article with all post-CO2 Laser care instructions!
Extra Tips: Post-CO2 Laser Care
• You don’t need to wait 8 hours to apply healing creams. The sooner you start, the better. Always apply with clean hands.
• Do not let the skin dry out. Reapply the healing creams whenever you notice the skin is becoming dry (at least 8 times a day).
• It is ideal to avoid sun exposure within the first 48 hours after the laser to avoid using sunscreen, as it may irritate the skin in the immediate post-laser phase, as the skin is more sensitive.
• Apply compresses of gauze with saline solution or cold chamomile tea (only after 8 hours post-laser).
Attention: All medications and information should be carefully followed as prescribed.
What is a Post-Laser Mask?
The post-laser mask is used to promote faster skin recovery, and we recommend using it after the treatment.
This mask is made of beta-glucan (an immune stimulant) and other soothing substances. The patient wears it for 30 minutes in the office, and it is applied by Dr. Szerman himself.
After undergoing the CO2 laser procedure, it is very important to follow the post-laser care guidelines we discussed. These are the key to achieving faster skin recovery, ensuring you feel even more satisfied with the results.
What Are the Results of CO2 Laser?
We’ve compiled real results from post-CO2 Laser treatments so you can observe the skin’s progress after each session! Check them out below.
Listen to Carlos’ Testimonial:
Facial Rejuvenation with CO2 Laser
See the results of this patient after the CO2 Laser treatment. In this case, the laser treats wrinkles, expression lines, and the most resistant signs of aging.
Facial Spots with CO2 Laser
Facial spots are also treated. We’ve prepared a before-and-after so you can see how effective the CO2 Laser is for skin spots.
Melasma with CO2 Laser
In the past, it was impossible to apply laser treatment for melasma. However, our treatment remains cool, meaning it doesn’t cause rebound effects or worsen melasma spots. See the photos:
Acne Scar with CO2 Laser
Acne scars are a common aesthetic concern, but one of the best treatments to smooth your skin and leave it looking flawless is the CO2 Laser. We’ve separated this other result for acne scars for you:
Stretch Marks with CO2 Laser
The Fractional CO2 Laser can also be used on the body, with the most common application being for stretch marks. Even white stretch marks, the older ones, respond well to the treatment.
Best Post-CO2 Laser Care
Here are the most important care tips after CO2 Laser sessions:
• Avoid sun exposure after the treatment, as the skin area will be much more sensitive.
• Use creams to hydrate the area. It is also recommended that you use them correctly to achieve good results.
• Always apply sunscreen as needed and every day. This routine is part of the daily dermatological treatment and should continue 48 hours after the skin recovers from the laser (always avoid the sun).
• Avoid any chemical treatments on the skin, as they may cause irritation and harm your treatment.
Download the guide with all post-CO2 Laser care:
Post-CO2 Laser Care Guide Download Now
Post-CO2 Laser Care Guide Download Now
Contact:
The Skin Clinic has been specializing in CO2 Laser for over 20 years and is located in Rio de Janeiro – RJ. Dr. Szerman has treated over 5,000 patients with CO2 Laser and teaches courses for beginner doctors.
