A highly in-demand blend of value, raw effectiveness and efficiency, laser resurfacing treatments have stood the test of time (and thrived) for good reason. Whether you're targeting deep wrinkles, sun damage, acne scars, uneven texture or dull tone, laser resurfacing delivers real, measurable results consistently.
At Severn River Medspa of Severna Park and Annapolis, MD, we offer multiple advanced laser skin resurfacing treatments, including the state-of-the-art Tetra CO2 laser, that stimulate collagen production and resurface the skin at a level that produces sustainable results you can see and feel. While these treatments have been extensively reviewed and tested by happy patients, they all have one thing in common: success depends just as much on aftercare as the treatment itself.
Myths and misconceptions about what’s safe, necessary or effective to do after laser resurfacing have clouded what is an otherwise simple (but vital) aftercare process. Let’s start our clear and straightforward breakdown of the do’s and don’ts of laser resurfacing aftercare with steps you can take to keep your skin happy and glowing after treatment.
The Do's: What Your Skin Needs After Laser Resurfacing
Do Keep Your Skin Consistently Hydrated
Laser resurfacing treatments compromise your skin’s barrier function, which is a necessary step in stimulating the crucial process of collagen remodeling. Your skin will be working overtime in repair mode after each session, a process that requires plenty of moisture. Applying a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer multiple times per day is one of the most important things you can do during the recovery process.
We may recommend specific occlusive or barrier-repair products for you to use during the earlier healing phases, such as products containing petrolatum, ceramides or hyaluronic acid. These ingredients help lock moisture in, reduce water loss and encourage an environment where healing tissue can thrive. Remember that this is a proactive effort. If you’re waiting until your skin feels dry or tight to reapply, you’ve already let the moisture level fall to a counterproductive level.
Hydration in general (not just applied to the skin) will also help the healing process by supporting circulation, nutrient delivery to healing tissue and overall skin function. For this reason and many others, always stay ahead of your daily water intake as well.
Do Use Gentle, Fragrance-Free Products
This is one of the most straightforward and common aftercare guidelines for laser skin resurfacing patients, but it is also one of the most frequently ignored steps. Fragrances, whether synthetic or natural, are among the most common sources of skin irritation and allergic contact dermatitis. Under normal conditions, your skin can typically ward off any irritation that may result. After laser resurfacing, however, when the skin is in a more reactive state, even products you've already been using for years can trigger redness, stinging or delayed healing.
The same principle applies to active ingredients. Retinols, AHAs, BHAs, vitamin C serums and other exfoliating or brightening ingredients may need to be set aside during recovery. These are powerful ingredients for a reason, and applying them to freshly treated skin is likely to trigger irritation. Your provider at Severn River Medspa will give you specific guidance on when it's safe to reintroduce these products (typically not until the initial healing phase is complete).
TL;DR: Stick to the basics: a gentle cleanser, a fragrance-free moisturizer and your prescribed post-care products.
Do Apply Sunscreen Consistently
It’s not exaggerating to say that regular use of sunscreen is absolutely a make-or-break factor when it comes to your laser skin resurfacing results as well as your overall skin health. Skin that has just been treated is even more susceptible to UV damage than normal, meaning you have to be very careful and proactive when it comes to sun exposure and protection. Even short stints of exposure, such as walking from your car to a store, can add up.
Choose a broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Mineral formulas containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are generally better tolerated on post-laser skin than chemical UV filters. Apply it generously every morning and reapply throughout the day if you're spending any time outdoors.
Carefully monitor your skin in the weeks following your treatment for signs of irritation or sun damage. Wearing a wide-brimmed hat and seeking shade when possible are also recommended during this time.
Do Follow Your Provider's Post-Care Instructions Closely
Your treatment team at Severn River Medspa will provide you with specific, personalized aftercare instructions based on individual circumstances like the type of laser used, your treatment depth, your skin type and more. Our guidance is tailored to your procedure to provide the safest, most comfortable and effective recovery experience.
For example, we may recommend or prescribe certain topical products, like antibiotic ointment, which you should use as directed to protect and nourish your sensitive post-treatment skin. If you have any questions whatsoever about your aftercare guidelines, our team is always happy to help.
Do Be Patient With Your Skin
While it’s true that laser skin resurfacing treatments are widely preferred for their increasingly short and comfortable recovery windows, this doesn’t mean you can rush or compromise the process without any consequences. Everyone’s timeline will be unique depending on the type of treatment, the parameters and their skin’s response.
Collagen remodeling will continue well after any initial redness or sensitivity you may experience is gone. With this in mind, understand that the results you see one week after treatment will continue to improve for months afterwards. Trust the process and don’t be afraid to reach out to our team at any point after treatment.
The Don'ts: What to Avoid After Laser Resurfacing
Don't Pick, Scratch or Peel Your Skin
We’re listing this issue first for multiple key reasons. First, this is the hardest guideline for many people to follow, and also, it’s a laser aftercare “don’t” that comes with some potentially result-compromising consequences. Yes, your skin may peel, flake and feel tight or itchy after treatment (depending on the treatment), but this is a normal outcome that actually indicates the healing process is well underway.
Picking at peeling skin or scratching at itchy areas can actually cause scarring or hyperpigmentation after laser treatment, potentially defeating the purpose of the treatment in the first place. Interfering with the treated skin in this way can also increase your risk of infection. The skin needs to go through this process undisturbed and on its own timeline. If itching is bothering you, cool compresses or prescribed medications can provide relief while sidestepping these consequences.
Don't Exercise Too Soon
Many patients have the impression that, since laser skin resurfacing treatments are nonsurgical, and since you can typically return to work very soon after treatment, that breaking a sweat at the gym isn’t a big deal either. In actuality, the heat and increased blood flow associated with exercise can flare up inflammation and prolong issues like redness.
Every case is unique, but to provide a general range, most providers recommend that laser skin resurfacing patients avoid strenuous exercise for a week or two. Walking and other lighter forms of exercise are typically fine before this time, but high-intensity workouts, saunas, and anything else that spikes your core body temperature should be avoided in the early days.
Don't Use Makeup During the Initial Healing Phase
Another persistent myth affecting the post-laser experience is that it's fine to cover redness or peeling with makeup after just a day or two. In truth, applying makeup before the skin has properly regenerated introduces pigments, preservatives and potential irritants directly onto vulnerable tissue. Beyond the irritation risk, simply applying makeup can affect the healing process due to the friction and pressure required.
We understand the urge to cover up any redness you may have. Most providers clear patients for mineral makeup (which sits on top of the skin rather than penetrating) after the initial healing phase, but this timeline varies. Ask your provider for specifics before reaching for foundation or concealer.
Don't Drink Alcohol or Take Blood-Thinning Medications Without Guidance
Alcohol causes your blood vessels to widen (vasodilation), which can increase redness, swelling and inflammation when your skin is recovering from a laser resurfacing treatment. It also compromises the immune response and can interfere with healthy wound healing all the way down to the cellular level. While an occasional glass of wine may seem harmless, the safer practice is to completely avoid alcohol for at least a week after laser resurfacing (or as directed by your provider).
On that note, certain medications and supplements (aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, vitamin E, to name a few) can thin the blood and increase bruising or bleeding. We will advise you as necessary on which medications to pause before your procedure, and this guidance often extends into the recovery period. Always disclose your full medication and supplement list so your care team can advise you appropriately.
Don't Expose Your Skin to Extreme Temperatures
Beyond exercise-related heat, everyday temperature extremes can be more damaging than you think after laser resurfacing. Hot showers, steam rooms, hot tubs and even hot beverages that create steam near the face can all increase inflammation and prolong redness in recovering skin. On the other end of the spectrum, harsh wind and extreme cold can flare up your sensitive post-treatment skin and compromise the healing barrier.
During the first two weeks, opt for lukewarm water when cleansing, avoid heating vents blowing directly on your face and steer clear of any environments that come with exposure to temperature extremes as much as possible.
Find a Team You Can Trust: Severn River Medspa
Laser resurfacing is one of the most effective tools available in aesthetic medicine, and the results it produces are well worth the short-lived recovery process. What sets an exceptional outcome apart from an average one? More often than not, it comes down to the quality of both the treatment and the aftercare.
At Severn River Medspa, our team will take the time to walk you through every step of your recovery, answer your questions and remain accessible throughout the healing process. With board-certified physicians and a skilled team of registered nurses and licensed estheticians guiding your care, you're in experienced hands from consultation through the final result.
If you're considering laser resurfacing or have questions about whether it's right for your skin, we'd love to talk. Contact us at (410) 401-8839 or click here to schedule your consultation with the team at Severn River Medspa.