Ah, yes – lasers. Once considered a health risk, a laser procedure has rebranded itself as one of today’s most sought-after skin treatments. Laser skin treatments treat a wide array of conditions, like acne, scars, wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots. And if you think that’s all they do, well, you are in for a surprise. They only keep getting better (and safer, of course!), so more and more people are lining up for them.
While lasers are great for your skin, the work is not done only at your aesthetician’s office. In fact, it only begins there. Here are some tips from the pros to enjoy the benefits of your laser facial as long as possible.
Stay out of the sun.
Laser makes your skin extra sensitive to sunlight, so avoid being exposed to the sun as much as possible post-treatment. The sun’s UV rays damage skin cells, causing premature ageing, darkening, and collagen breakdown. And after a laser facial, these UV rays become twice more harmful. Don’t forget to bring a hat or umbrella to your appointment, especially as you walk out to your car. Aside from that, always apply sunscreens with SPF 30 or higher to help ward off these pesky UV rays. Worth noting, though, that you still have to apply sunscreen inside your home and car. UV rays can filter through windows, so it’s always better to be safe than sorry!
Read more: How do you get younger-looking skin?
Keep your skin moisturised.
Your natural skin barrier prevents transepidermal water loss, irritation, and infections caused by germs and microbes. However, it becomes compromised post-laser, exposing your skin to aggressors that may hinder your healing process. Supplement your skin with gentle, unscented moisturisers like petroleum jelly. Doing so will reinforce the natural barrier and help soothe your skin to prevent further irritation & inflammation.
Soothe your skin with ice packs.
Your main issue after laser skin treatments would be discomfort, redness, and swelling. These are totally normal and they will only last for a few hours up to a few days. Just soothe your skin using a cold compress or an ice pack. It’s important not to pick on your skin or touch it; as we said, it’s super sensitive. Doing so might only cause problems later, and you would not want that, right?
Go makeup-free for a few days.
All those redness and scarring at first will look awkward, indeed. But while you may be tempted to cover these all up with makeup, it’s better to leave your skin as is. Cosmetics often contain chemicals that may irritate your skin, so skip the makeup products for a while. Let your skin breathe and fully heal, so that you can enjoy the benefits of laser for longer.
Listen to your doctor.
The thing about laser facials is that they are not a one-time treatment. A single session will not give you instant results, and you will have to go back for a few more. Your doctor will tell you how many sessions you must undergo before getting your desired skin. On your part, you must follow all of their advice to a T. Be it from preparing your skin before a session, aftercare, and your follow-up schedules. If you really want your laser facial to last, listen to the experts – they will help you!
Read more: How to achieve acne-free skin?