Reviewed on 09/19/2024
The main post CO2 laser care recommendations include avoiding sun exposure, not washing the treated area for 8 hours, applying healing creams every 2 hours, using gentle, soap-free cleansing solutions for 5 days, and avoiding cosmetics for the first 48 hours after the procedure.
Download the guide at the end of this article for complete post CO2 laser care instructions!
An important tip from Dr. Szerman is to avoid sun exposure after a laser procedure and wait 48 hours before applying sunscreen. Right after the laser treatment, your skin will be sensitive, and any chemical product (including sunscreen) may cause irritation.
“I have been working with laser treatments for over 20 years, and I can say that sunscreen is one of the main causes of skin irritation if applied immediately after CO2 laser treatment.”
After your session, your skin will be sensitive and have micro-perforations. For this reason, the international protocol recommends avoiding sun exposure, not washing the area for 8 hours (the time needed for pores to close), and using only the prescribed healing creams.
It is also advised to stop using acids and brightening agents before CO2 laser treatment. Wait at least 15 days after full skin recovery before resuming their use. Don’t forget!
Dr. Szerman has explained everything you need to know to avoid mistakes in your post CO2 laser care and ensure a smooth recovery. Read carefully and download the guide at the end!
Quem Somos?
O Dr. Waldemar H. Szerman é dermatologista e uma referência no Rio de Janeiro quando se trata de cuidados com a pele. Com mais de meio século de atuação na dermatologia, formado pela Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), o Dr. Szerman possui uma carreira sólida e respeitada, tendo sido ex-chefe do serviço de dermatologia da aeronáutica.
Em 1969, fundou a Clínica de Pele, unindo sua vasta experiência médica à tecnologia de ponta para oferecer tratamentos dermatológicos com excelência no Rio de Janeiro. Desde então, a clínica se tornou sinônimo de tradição, inovação e confiança, sendo reconhecida como uma das melhores do estado.
Na Clínica de Pele, todos os procedimentos são realizados exclusivamente por médicos, com formação especializada em instituições reconhecidas.
Acreditamos que os melhores resultados vêm da união entre ética, produtos de alta qualidade, capacitação técnica e experiência dos profissionais que irão realizar o tratamento.
Em tempos em que os procedimentos estéticos têm sido amplamente banalizados, reforçamos nosso compromisso com a segurança, o conhecimento médico e a ética profissional.
Os Drs. Guilherme Szerman e Ronaldo Szerman são médicos com mais de 20 anos de experiência, formados pela conceituada Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), consistentemente reconhecida entre as melhores faculdades de medicina do Brasil.
Somos uma clínica dermatológica no Rio de Janeiro, com mais de 50 anos de tradição e certamente uma das melhores nesse tratamento.
Teremos um imenso prazer em atendê-lo!
Post CO2 Laser Care
CO2 laser is a widely used procedure in dermatology for various treatments. Its action maximizes collagen production and skin renewal, making it the gold standard in dermatology.
Recovery from CO2 laser differs from other procedures—it requires extra care since the skin becomes more sensitive. Following post CO2 laser care is essential to ensure full recovery and prevent complications.
Download the guide at the end of this article for complete post-CO2 laser care instructions!
CO2 laser is a popular dermatological procedure used to treat conditions such as acne scars, stretch marks, melasma, wrinkles, and dark spots.
During the treatment, the laser removes layers of skin to stimulate new cell growth, resulting in a healthier, more youthful appearance.
After the procedure, the skin may be sensitive, red, and swollen. It’s crucial to follow your dermatologist’s instructions, including the application of specific healing creams.
Additionally, avoiding sun exposure and intense physical activities is recommended during the healing period.
With proper post CO2 laser care, your skin should fully recover in a few days, revealing a younger and healthier look.
What Does the Skin Look Like After CO2 Laser Treatment?
The photos below show the skin immediately after the CO2 laser procedure. Check out the before and after photos of these patients throughout the article!
What Is CO2 Laser Treatment?
We know that CO2 Laser is a high-standard dermatological treatment and one of the most renowned procedures for skin rejuvenation.
For safe and effective results, it is essential for patients to follow all CO2 Laser post-treatment care guidelines.
Download the guide at the end of this article for all post-procedure care tips!
If you are not familiar with it yet, the Fractional CO2 Laser we use at Clínica de Pele is the Deka Laser, manufactured by an Italian company that has been a pioneer in laser technology in Europe for over 60 years.
This laser features the most advanced technology (fractional and pulsed), significantly reducing the common side effects of older CO2 lasers, such as redness and burning.
It is considered safer compared to other CO2 lasers. Most CO2 lasers are only fractional, while the Deka Laser is both fractional and pulsed, providing a much faster skin recovery.
Even with its quick recovery time, your skin still requires proper post-treatment care, as recommended by Dr. Szerman.
What Is Fractional CO2 Laser Used For?
- Reducing signs of aging, such as wrinkles and fine lines
- Treating melasma and dark spots
- Improving skin laxity and preventing premature aging
- Minimizing acne scars on the face
- Body treatments, such as stretch mark reduction and more!
CO2 Laser Post-Treatment Care:
Post Laser CO2 Skin Evolution:
After 1 day of the Laser session, it’s common for your skin to form a small scab, with mild redness and slight swelling.
This reaction is normal, but one of the main post-CO2 Laser recommendations 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 most recommend are the Aquaphor Repair Ointment (Eucerin) and Cicalfate Repair Cream (Avène),” explains Dr. Szerman.
Download the guide at the end of the article for all the post-CO2 Laser care!
Aquaphor contains ceramides (a substance that looks like wax). These thick ceramides form a protective film on the skin and prevent transepidermal water loss. What is this? Let me explain.
The 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 the inflammatory process and dehydration, causing discomfort and delaying skin healing.
Therefore, we must prevent this water loss, and Aquaphor is one of the best creams for post-laser in this regard.
It’s not enough to just use a regular moisturizer, as this will be quickly absorbed by the skin and won’t create that protective shield.
An alternative, if you can’t find Aquaphor, would be to use medical-grade solid petroleum jelly or petroleum jelly gel.
Solid petroleum jelly is a mineral-derived product with emollient and moisturizing properties (and it’s easy to find in most pharmacies).
Another cream I like to alternate with Aquaphor post-CO2 Laser is Avène’s Cicalfate Repair Moisturizing Cream.
By alternating these creams every 2 or 3 hours, your skin recovery after the CO2 Laser will be much faster and better! Remember, ideal hydration requires multiple applications throughout the day.
Download the guide at the end of the article for all the post CO2 Laser care!
Aquaphor Healing is mainly recommended within the first 48 hours after the CO2 Laser. The suggestion is to apply the healing ointment at least 8 times a day. This ointment helps hydrate your skin during the first 48 hours post-Laser.
“I do not recommend using Aquaphor excessively, as it can also increase skin oiliness and cause some degree of acne,” explains Dr. Szerman.
That’s why it’s important to have specific guidance for each case and skin type.
The other healing ointment for post-CO2 Laser (Cicalfate) is mainly recommended after the third day of the Laser session. This is because transepidermal water loss no longer occurs (the micro holes have closed).
Although the collagen effect is not immediate after the session, it’s common to start noticing the benefits of the CO2 Laser session between the 20th and 40th day.
Remember, the benefits of the Laser last up to six months after the session. This is scientifically proven.
Post CO2 Laser on the face:
Post-CO2 Laser for Stretch Marks:
8 Medical Recommendations Post CO2 Laser
- Avoid sun exposure
- Do not wash your face for 8 hours
- Use healing creams (Aquaphor and Cicalfate) every 2 or 3 hours
- Do not wash your skin with regular soaps
- Use cleansing solutions (soap-free) for 5 days
- Avoid using cosmetics for 48 hours after the Laser
- Wait for scabs to form before using sunscreen
- Suspend the use of acids and lighteners until full skin recovery
Prescription medications:
- Antiviral (to prevent herpes)
- Oral analgesics every 6 hours in case of discomfort
Download the guide at the end of the article for all the post CO2 Laser care!
Extra Tips: Post-CO2 Laser Care
- You don’t need to wait 8 hours to use healing creams. The sooner you start, the better. Always apply with clean hands.
- Don’t let your skin get dry. Reapply the healing creams whenever you notice the skin becoming dry (at least 8 times a day).
- It’s ideal to avoid sun exposure during the first 48 hours post-Laser so you won’t need to use sunscreen, as it can irritate the skin immediately after the Laser since it’s more sensitive.
- Apply compresses of gauze with saline or cold chamomile tea (only after 8 hours post-Laser).
Attention: All medications and information will be reinforced during your consultation. Do not self-medicate.
What is a post-Laser mask?
A post-Laser mask is used to speed up the skin recovery process, and we recommend using the post-Laser mask after treatment.
This mask contains beta-glucan (an immunostimulant) and other soothing substances, and the patient wears it for 30 minutes in the office. Dr. Szerman applies it personally.
After undergoing the CO2 Laser procedure, it is very important that you consider the post-CO2 Laser care we discussed. This is because these steps will help ensure a faster recovery of your skin, making you feel even more satisfied.
What are the results of CO2 Laser?
We have gathered real results from post-CO2 Laser treatments so you can observe the skin’s evolution after each session! Check them out below.
Listen to Carlos’ Testimonial:
Facial Rejuvenation with CO2 Laser
Check out the results of this patient after CO2 Laser treatment. In this case, the Laser treats: wrinkles, expression lines, and more resistant signs of aging.
Facial Pigmentation with CO2 Laser
Facial pigmentation is also treated. We created a before and after comparison to show you how effective the CO2 Laser is for skin spots.
Melasma with CO2 Laser
In the past, it was impossible to apply laser on melasma. However, our treatment remains cool, meaning it does not cause rebound effects and does not worsen melasma spots. Check out the photos:
Acne Scars with CO2 Laser
Acne scars are a common aesthetic concern, but one of the best treatments to smooth your skin and make it look flawless is CO2 Laser. We’ve separated this other result for acne scars for you:
Stretch Marks with CO2 Laser
Fractionated 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 treatment.
Best Post CO2 Laser Care
Here are the most important post-CO2 Laser care tips:
- Avoid sun exposure after the treatment, as the skin area will be much more sensitive.
- Use creams to hydrate the treated area. It is also recommended to apply them properly for good results.
- Always use sunscreen when necessary, and daily. This routine is part of the dermatological treatment and continues 48 hours after the skin recovers from the Laser (always avoid sun exposure).
- Avoid any chemicals on the skin, as they may cause irritation and harm your treatment.
Download the guide with all the post CO2 Laser care instructions:
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.
