How Do I Care for My Skin After a Laser Treatment?

Laser skin resurfacing is one of those treatments our clients can’t stop talking about. Once you see the results, it’s easy to see why. But here’s the part nobody posts about: the week after. How you care for your skin while it heals plays a big role in the glow you get to enjoy later. 

From softening sun damage to smoothing skin texture, laser treatments like Moxi, BBL, and Clear + Brilliant® are wonderful options for reaching your skin goals. Your skin may feel tender and a little vulnerable for about a week after your appointment, so we recommend planning your treatment well ahead of a big event or trip. And since healing skin loves a break from UV rays, fall and winter are ideal times to book. Think of it as laser season: shorter days, more time indoors, and plenty of runway before the holidays. 

Below, our Elase providers share their favorite tips for caring for your skin after a laser treatment—and protecting the investment you’ve made in yourself. 

7 tips for caring for your skin after a laser treatment 

1. Follow your provider’s instructions. Every treatment (and every skin) is a little different, so your provider will share aftercare tailored to your plan. Questions while you heal? Call your spa—we’re always happy to help. 

2. Resist the urge to pick. We know, we know—flaking or peeling skin is tempting. But picking or scratching can set your healing back, so let your skin shed on its own schedule. 

3. Hydrate, inside and out. Drinking water is a staple on every healthy-skin list for good reason. Keep your skin comfortable with the moisturizer or healing cream your provider recommends, too. 

4. Be extra sun-smart. Avoid extended sun exposure for at least the first week after your treatment. When you do head outside, wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and a wide-brimmed hat. Your healing skin will thank you. 

5. Give makeup a break. Skip makeup for at least the first 24 hours—or as long as your provider recommends—so your skin can rest and recover. 

6. Keep cleansing cool and gentle. Once your provider gives you the green light to wash, use cool or lukewarm water, since hot water can irritate healing skin. Pat (don’t rub) your skin dry, then follow with moisturizer. 

7. Press pause on exfoliating and intense workouts. Skip scrubs and exfoliants for at least a week, and hold off on sweaty workouts for at least 24 hours. Ask your provider when it’s safe to bring retinol and other actives back into your routine. 

Laser skin resurfacing recovery timeline 

What kinds of laser treatments does Elase offer? 

Elase offers a variety of laser treatments, though availability varies by location—so give your local Elase spa a call to see what’s offered near you. 

• BBL (BroadBand Light): A photofacial that uses multiple wavelengths of light to gently heat the skin and address sun damage, sunspots, redness, and uneven tone. 
• Moxi: A great first laser and a favorite pairing with BBL. Moxi is non-ablative, meaning it creates heat in the skin to address pigment and texture without injuring the skin’s surface. It’s suitable for all skin types. 
• CO2 Fractional Laser: A resurfacing treatment that targets the superficial layer of skin to address texture, tone, fine lines, enlarged pores, and scarring. Expect some redness and dry, flaky skin as you heal. 
• Clear + Brilliant®: A gentle laser facial that refreshes tone and texture, softens the look of fine lines, and minimizes the appearance of pores. Some redness may last up to 48 hours. 
• Pico Laser: Uses ultra-short laser pulses to break up unwanted pigment and stimulate collagen production. It addresses sunspots, melasma, and uneven tone, and it’s also used for tattoo removal.

Why do laser treatments come in packages? 

You’ll often see laser treatments offered in packages of three sessions. That’s because most lasers work cumulatively—each session builds on the last. The processes lasers kick off, like collagen production and pigment clearance, happen gradually, so a series gives your skin time to do its best work. Your provider will recommend the number of sessions that fits your goals. 

When should I book a laser treatment? 

We recommend booking your laser treatment well ahead of a big event or a sun-filled trip, so you can focus on healing (not hiding from the sun at your cousin’s beach wedding). With the holidays around the corner, now is a great time to start. Holiday skin starts in October! 

Ready to plan your laser season? Let’s create your personalized plan together—book a complimentary consultation at your local Elase. 

Love all your seasons, even the healing ones.