How to Take Care of Skin That Has Been Treated With a Laser

Laser treatments may range from resurfacing the skin to hair removal. It is important to treat the skin after laser treatments to ensure proper healing. The following are some steps to take after laser treatments.

Things You'll Need

• Cool compresses
• Topical corticosteroid creams
• Antibiotic ointment
• Pain relievers
• Moisturizer
• Sunscreen

Instructions

1. Apply cool compresses to laser treated skin to soothe redness and irritation and relieve pain.

2. Apply over-the-counter corticosteroid creams to treated skin twice daily. Corticosteroid treatment reduces inflammation and redness.

3. Apply an antibiotic ointment to skin to reduce the risk of infection.

4. Take over-the-counter pain medications such as acetaminophen.

5. Use a moisturizer that has no dyes or perfumes on healing skin. Moisturizers soften the area and reduce the likelihood of scabbing. Perfumed soaps or moisturizers may irritate healing skin.

6. Wear sunscreen when exposed to the sun's UV rays, which can damage tender new healing skin.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear a hat or clothing to cover laser treated skin until completely healed. Do not wear tight fitting clothes over treated skin or you may irritate the area.

• Talk to your doctor about precautions and healing procedures.

References

• Cleveland Clinic: Laser Treatment
• Skin Care Guide.com: Treatment After Laser Therapy