Laser face treatments use focused light to improve the skin's appearance by addressing issues like wrinkles, scars, hyperpigmentation, and skin laxity, utilizing either ablative lasers to vaporize skin layers or non-ablative lasers to heat underlying tissue and stimulate collagen production. Dr. Nuara explains the differences and shares his guidance on how to choose the treatment you need and how to help extend the results over time.
How many types of lasers exist, and what are their differences?
Lasers fall into two big categories: ablative and non-ablative. Ablative lasers, like CO₂ or Er:YAG, actually remove the top layers of skin. They’re great for deeper wrinkles, scars, and significant sun damage, but they do come with more downtime. Then you’ve got non-ablative lasers things like Nd:YAG or diodes that work underneath the skin. They stimulate collagen and target pigment or blood vessels without removing the surface layer. The results are gentler, but they usually take a series of treatments. These days, we also have fractional and hybrid devices that kind of give you the best of both worlds.
How do you recommend to care for post-laser skin?
Your aftercare determines how well you heal and how long the results last. Right after treatment, your skin barrier is fragile, so the first step is keeping things very gentle. I tell patients mild cleanser only, no scrubs, no exfoliating for at least a week. You should confirm the healing time with her dermatologist.
Once you are cleared to resume your normal skincare routine, you will want to focus on restoring moisture and supporting repair. Our Foundation Skincare Night Renewal Cream is a great option because it hydrates while encouraging healthy cell turnover. If you’re dealing with redness or sensitivity, I’ll often add in the Niacinamide Lotion 10% — it helps calm inflammation and strengthen the barrier.
A little further down the line, once the skin isn’t as raw, I like incorporating our Azelaic Acid 14% Cream. It’s excellent for evening out pigmentation, calming redness, and even preventing breakouts, which can pop up after laser treatments.
And the non-negotiable step is sunscreen. Every single day. After a laser, your skin is incredibly vulnerable to UV damage, even just from windows. Daily sunscreen is what protects your investment.
What are the Best Skincare Ingredients to Use After a Laser Facial?
Gentle skincare is best. Sodium hypochlorite washes and sprays have become popular because they are antimicrobial and antiinflammatory. Bland emollients are often the most recommended. Petrolatum or hyaluronic acid lotions are ideal during the healing period.
When Can You Start Wearing Makeup After a Laser Treatment?
For most non-ablative lasers, the next day is fine. Fractionated lasers wait about four to five days. Fully ablative? You need to wait until the skin has completely re-epithelialized, usually 10 to 14 days. Always listen to your skin and don’t rush it.
What Should You Avoid After a Laser Facial?
Number one: sun exposure. That can undo your results and cause pigment problems. Number two: avoid harsh exfoliants, acids, or retinoids for at least a week or until your provider clears you. And skip makeup until the skin is fully sealed — usually a day for non-ablative, four to five days for fractionated, and up to two weeks for fully ablative.
How Can You Help Maintain Lasting Results after a Laser Treatment?
Skincare after laser doesn’t stop when the redness fades. Protect your skin every day with sunscreen. Keep using hydrating, barrier-supporting products like Night Renewal Cream and Hyaluronic Acid Lotion. And support your skin from the inside with Spectrum Supplement. Consistency is key those daily habits are what make your results last.
