If you spent the majority of your summer with a sunburn, then the last thing that you may want is to expose your skin to a similar feeling voluntarily. However, with something as powerful and effective as laser resurfacing, it may be worth it for just a couple of days. Laser resurfacing works to target the collagen in your skin by heating it up. During this heating process, it will essentially injury your skin, which then encourages your skin to create collagen naturally. The result? Smoother, fuller, healthier-looking skin overall. Because it does injure your skin, it may cause some redness, blistering, peeling, tenderness, and inflammation. Let’s take a closer look at a few ways that you can soothe your skin.
Apply a Moisturizer
Typically, Dr. Wiener encourages patients to apply a thick moisturizing cream over the top of the face; this will help soothe the skin and keep it hydrated. When applying a moisturizer like Cetaphil, apply it liberally so that the skin gets the moisture and hydration that it needs.
Be Gentle
Babying your skin is key when it feels raw after laser resurfacing. Because your skin is hypersensitive and uncomfortable to the touch, we always encourage patients to avoid:
Exfoliating
- Harsh topical creams or skincare
- Picking at the skin
- The sun
- Other skin treatments
- Tanning beds
Wear Sunscreen
Avoiding the sun may be impossible. By even walking outside or driving in the car, you are exposing your skin to at least a small amount of sun. Before you leave the house, make sure to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen to the skin to help keep you protected from getting a larger burn.
After your laser resurfacing session, we will send you home with a detailed list of things to do and things to avoid. If you want to learn more about this treatment and whether or not its right for you, schedule a consultation with us at our office and call (773) 763-3990.
