While there are an array of skin-rejuvenating benefits that go hand in hand with a laser treatment for face, it is crucial to follow the right pre- and post-treatment steps to achieve optimal results. From carrying out proper research beforehand to avoiding direct sunlight during your recovery period, there are several ways to ensure that your skin has the opportunity to recover in the way it needs to.
In this brief read, we’ll offer a comprehensive guide on the dos and don’ts of laser treatment for face, including what to look out for, how to treat the skin, and everything in between. These steps will help you achieve your dream complexion in the healthiest and most effective way possible. So, if this topic piques your interest, why not read along with us and find out more?
Laser Treatment For Face: Why Preparation & Aftercare Is Key
Over the past few decades, laser treatment has continued to advance technologically and in overall effectiveness, allowing for faster procedures, fewer invasive side effects, and improved results. Through comprehensive studies and research, dermatologists and laser specialists have found the ideal processes to follow to ensure optimal results, both before and after laser treatment.
Without the proper skin preparation and aftercare regimen, damage or nullified results become a possibility, essentially rendering the laser treatment ineffective. At NuSkinnovation, our laser specialists ensure that all our clients have properly prepped skin before their treatment for the smoothest, most gentle application. This includes a consultation to assess the client’s skin before the sessions begin as well as a step-by-step guide on how to care for the skin after the treatment. To reap all the benefits that come with laser treatment for face, pre- and post-treatment steps are essential.
Laser Preparation
While laser treatment may do much of the heavy lifting when it comes to rejuvenating the skin, it is crucial to prepare the skin adequately before your first laser session. If your skin is in better condition, it will leave you with enhanced results post-treatment. One of the best ways to prepare your skin prior to your session is through a regulated and healthy skincare routine.
Studies have shown that maintaining your skin’s health and cleanliness with a daily routine will not only improve the effects of laser treatment for face but also provide you with longer-lasting results. While most people are perfectly able to undergo laser treatments regardless, it is recommended to look after the skin to guarantee a more effective procedure.
Laser Aftercare
One of the main reasons why aftercare is so crucial following a laser treatment is increased skin sensitivity. Laser treatment for face targets specific areas with heat energy, which often causes temporary redness and inflammation of the skin. As the area has experienced targeted laser damage, it needs to heal properly in order to facilitate ideal results.
The face needs to heal evenly to achieve smooth skin, which is why post-procedure care is so critical. Without the recommended aftercare steps prescribed by your laser specialists, you’re more likely to experience nasty side effects, such as infections, scarring, or even changes in pigmentation – although these cases are exceedingly rare. So long as you follow the necessary steps following your procedure, your skin will recover quickly with little to no side effects.\\
The Essential Dos & Don’ts Of Laser Treatments
Laser treatment for face is considered to be one of the most efficient cosmetic procedures for achieving blemish-free, rejuvenated skin. There are, however, important steps that need to be followed to not only allow for a seamless healing period but also provide the results you are searching for. Additionally, it is of utmost importance to avoid stimuli that will cause more damage to the skin both before and after your treatment. Here is a quick breakdown of the most crucial dos and don’ts one should adhere to in order to reap all the benefits of laser treatment:
Steps To Follow
Researching: One of the most important aspects of undergoing laser treatment is carrying out proper research. Modern laser machines are powerful, which is why they can only be operated by highly trained professionals. Receiving a laser treatment with outdated laser technology or poorly trained specialists is potentially dangerous, as it can leave you with damaged skin and undesired results.
In a worst-case scenario, the incorrect use of laser devices can lead to severe side-effects, such as skin burns, eye damage, and permanent scarring. The more research you do, the less likely you are to experience potential risks. Make sure you choose the right clinic equipped with a team of well-trained laser experts, like us at NuSkinnovation.
Shaving: While laser treatment for face has been deemed an effective alternative to other, more tedious forms of hair removal, experts and laser specialists recommend shaving the affected area before the session. This is because the less hair you have before the procedure, the less heat will be required to adequately remove the targeted hair. Regardless of whether you’re rejuvenating the skin or opting for hair removal, this step is essential if you want to maximise the final results.
However, it should be noted that you should shave no earlier than 24 hours prior to treatment. If you accidentally cut yourself while shaving, it can create some additional and unnecessary discomfort during the session. Additionally, shaving on the day or less than 24 hours before your treatment may disrupt your skin balance or hair cycle.
Disclosing Medication: A professional aesthetic clinic, such as NuSkinnovation, offers consultations with a laser specialist to explore the client’s eligibility for the procedure. Assessing the skin prior to treatment is imperative, and this includes informing your laser specialist of the medications you take. Whether they’re topical creams or pills, your specialist needs to know exactly what medication you’re on to prevent any hiccups during the procedure.
This is because certain medications may increase skin sensitivity or clash with the effects of the laser during treatment. By disclosing the medication you’re taking, the laser specialist can alter certain aspects of the procedure to accommodate you. If you don’t notify the specialist beforehand, it isn’t possible to make these adjustments, which may result in undesired results.
Using SPF: The number one step one should follow to ensure smooth, rejuvenated skin after laser treatment is to protect it from sun damage. In addition to avoiding direct sunlight, it is crucial to use sunscreen on the affected area and regularly reapply. Exposure to UV rays without SPF products is harmful to regular skin, which is why it’s especially important to protect freshly treated skin. Using sunscreen post-treatment helps to prevent potential damage to the skin as well as improve the quality of the end results. Make sure you’re always wearing SPF during your recovery period to keep your skin healthy and protected.
Removing Skin Product: Preparing the skin before your laser session is crucial, which is why you should make sure that the intended treatment area is free of any beauty products. Whether you’re wearing lotions, deodorants, topical creams, or makeup, the skin should be totally cleansed of these products to ensure optimal results. This is because skin products, much like medication, may have ingredients in them that will interfere with the laser procedure, resulting in potential risks or an ineffective procedure. Be sure to clean the targeted area of the skin with soap and water for a seamless laser session.
Steps To Avoid
Tanning: One of the worst things you can do to your skin, both before and after laser treatment, is expose it to direct sunlight. Sun damage, regardless of severity, can have several effects on the skin and the treatment as a whole, especially post-procedure. Whether you’ve been relaxing on the beach or applying a fake tan, it is important to let the skin rest for at least 2 weeks before conducting a patch test. Most fake tanning lotions have ingredients that can irritate freshly treated skin, which can result in burns, rashes, or bumps following treatment. For the best results, let your tan fade and consult with your laser specialist prior to treatment.
Using Retinoids: While keeping the skin healthy and maintaining a skincare routine can improve the results of laser treatment for face, be sure to steer clear of any retinoids. Retinoids are helpful for creating healthy new skin cells and stimulating collagen production, but they can also make the skin highly sensitive to light.
As laser treatment uses light and heat energy, if you have recently used retinoids or retinol, you may experience minor damage. While products with retinoids offer numerous benefits, they do not mix well with professional laser treatments. If your skincare routine includes retinol products, it’s best to put them those products aside for at least 2 weeks before your laser treatment.
Strenuous Activity: When done professionally, the recovery period following your laser treatment should be speedy and stress-free. Another important thing to avoid while healing from a laser procedure is excessive physical activity. While it may be tempting to frequent the gym or go back to your regular fitness routine, excessive exercise often leads to sweating, which can worsen the results of your treatment.
This is because newly lasered skin is highly sensitive, making it more susceptible to skin infections. Our sweat has bacteria in it and can cause uncomfortable reactions for certain individuals, including rashes, irritation, and blistering. Make sure to keep the physical activity to a minimum and take it easy in the days following your laser procedure.
Skin Picking/Scratching: Following the right aftercare regimen after laser treatment for face is the best way to guarantee a perfect outcome, which is why irritating the affected area by excessively touching or picking at it is a big no-no. Depending on your skin type, your face will be slightly sensitive for a few weeks after your treatment, meaning it’s best to avoid coming into contact with any potential irritants, including your own hands. As is the case with sunburn, the face needs to heal properly before being touched or picked at, especially if your hands are unwashed. Scratching the skin post-treatment increases the risk of contracting infections or affecting the skin’s healing process.
In Conclusion
As technologically advanced as laser procedures have become over the last few decades, proper preparation and aftercare are still paramount if you want to achieve your dream results. From conducting proper research on where to get your treatment to avoiding sun damage, there are many steps involved in reaping all the benefits of laser treatment for face.
Now that you’re clued up on all the essential dos and don’ts of laser, why not book a consultation with one of NuSkinnovation’s trained laser experts? View our online store or visit one of our many branches today to book your first appointment!