Whether you’re recovering from a CO2 laser, Fraxel, or a gentler nonablative treatment, what you put on your skin in the days and weeks after your procedure matters. Healing skin is especially sensitive and more vulnerable to irritation, inflammation and even infection. We asked top dermatologists to break down exactly what products to use after laser and how soon you can go back to your regular routine. But first, let’s decode the laser lingo.
Featured Experts
- Dr. Jill Waibel is a board-certified dermatologist in Miami
- Dr. Joel Schlessinger is a board-certified dermatologist in Omaha, NE
- Dr. Daniel Schlessinger is a board-certified dermatologist in Omaha, NE
- Dr. Karan Lal is a board-certified dermatologist in Scottsdale, AZ
- Dr. Kally Papantoniou is a board-certified dermatologist in Long Island, NY
Some lasers are more aggressive than others. Ablative lasers like CO2 remove the outer layers of skin, creating controlled wounds that trigger collagen remodeling but also require more downtime. Nonablative lasers, like Fraxel 1550, Clear + Brilliant, Moxi and AVAVA Miria, work beneath the surface without damaging the top layer, which makes recovery easier.
Fractional lasers, including the new Fraxel FTX, fractional CO2 and UltraClear, treat a fraction of the skin at a time in columns, which helps speed up healing. Vascular lasers like pulsed dye laser or BBL HERO are used to target redness, broken capillaries and rosacea. The more aggressive the laser, the more cautious your post-treatment routine should be.
The dangers of doing too much too soon
According to Miami dermatologist Jill Waibel, MD, post-procedure skin care plays a major role in how well your skin heals and how long results last. “After an ablative or fractional laser, the skin barrier is impaired. For the first 48 to 72 hours, you have open channels into the dermis,” she says. “You don’t want to apply anything that hasn’t been clinically tested for safety. The wrong product can lead to contact dermatitis, infections, even granulomas.”
Omaha, NE dermatologist Joel Schlessinger, MD tells his patients to keep it simple. “Right after a laser, your skin is like a baby’s. You wouldn’t put harsh chemicals on a baby, so don’t put them on your face,” he says. “Stay away from things like retinoids, glycolic or salicylic acid, vitamin C, fragrance and alcohol.” He also recommends Alastin Regenerating Skin Nectar ($236) to help calm inflammation and support the healing process. “It strengthens the skin before the procedure and helps it bounce back faster after.”
“Skin barrier repair is the number one priority immediately after laser treatment,” says Long Island, NY dermatologist Kally Papantoniou, MD. “I typically recommend something very basic and hydrating, like Aquaphor ($15), for the first 24 to 48 hours.”
What actually works, according to derms
When it comes to easing redness and protecting the skin, Dr. Waibel likes the tinted version of EltaMD UV Skin Recovery Red Color Correcting Green Tint Broad Spectrum SPF 50 ($52). “The green tint cancels out redness while providing essential protection. And it’s mineral-based, so it won’t irritate healing skin.” Omaha, NE dermatologist Daniel Schlessinger, MD also recommends it. “It’s a great option after laser because it helps camouflage the redness while offering strong sun protection.”
For a more high-tech approach, Dr. Waibel recommends the new SkinCeuticals Advanced RGN-6 Regenerative Cream ($195), which she says is “a major innovation in post-laser care.” She explains, “It was developed using a new L’Oréal-patented process called Laser-Omics, which applies spatial omics technology to identify exactly where skin damage occurs after laser. Then AI is used to select six active ingredients that target those areas to support precise skin regeneration. It’s the most advanced formula we’ve seen for healing post-laser skin.”
How long should you wait to restart actives?
Scottsdale, AZ dermatologist Dr. Karan Lal reminds patients that actives like retinol and vitamin C need to be paused after laser. “For nonablative lasers, wait at least two weeks. For ablative or traditional resurfacing, give it three to four weeks. If your skin stings or burns when you try something, wash it off and wait a few more days.”
Dr. Waibel also cautions against random post-laser routines. “People will use anything. Lavender turmeric oil. Organic ginger serum. Just because something is natural doesn’t mean it’s safe to put into open laser channels,” she says. “Stick to what your doctor gives you. There’s a reason we recommend certain products.”
Be patient and listen to your skin
So how do you know what your skin is ready for and when? Dr. Papantoniou advises starting slow. “Even when the skin looks healed, it might still be vulnerable. Ease back into your regular routine one step at a time. Start with hydrating products. Introduce antioxidants. And retinoids come last.”
Your post-laser routine can help speed up healing, reduce the risk of side effects and extend the life of your results. Whether you had an ablative treatment or a quick nonablative refresh, treating your skin with the right products and patience will always pay off.
Expert-approved post-laser skin-care products
