Wearing sunscreen and maintaining a consistent skin routine are only a few ways to enjoy healthy, vibrant and youthful skin, but how effective is your skincare regiment after a laser skin resurfacing treatment?   

Laser skin rejuvenation procedures remove the top layer of skin to generate healthy cells, and the process offers several benefits for aging and acne-damaged skin. However, these fresh skin cells are in their most vulnerable state right after the procedure and are at risk for sun damage the moment you walk out of the doctor’s office.   

Knowing how to manage your skin immediately after a skin resurfacing procedure can help you maintain a beautiful glow and healthy skin for the long-term. From cleansing with the right products to applying a quality sunscreen, here’s what you need to know about protecting your skin after a laser skin rejuvenation procedure:  

What Happens to Skin Cells During Laser Skin Resurfacing Treatments

Laser skin resurfacing procedures strip away the top layers of the skin to reveal fresh cells underneath. A laser is activated and targeted onto the treatment area to kill the top layer of skin, peeling it away to stimulate the cells underneath and exposing an entirely new layer. If you have age spots, an uneven skin tone or acne scars, laser skin resurfacing can reduce their appearance dramatically. Today’s innovative technology means your procedure can be completed in under two hours, and your physician may encourage a complete post-surgery skincare routine to manage the overall look and feel of your skin.   

Taking Care of Skin After Treatment

A lifetime skincare plan is just one way to maintain good skin health for the long-term, and how you take care of your skin after a laser skin resurfacing treatment will determine how quickly it can recover, and how long it will stay beautiful. Cleansing the skin with oil-free cream cleansers and using a nourishing moisturizer are just a part of the process; a weekly exfoliating treatment, ongoing facials designed for sensitive skin, and wearing appropriate makeup are other ways to take care of your skin after treatment. Still, one of the most important segment of your skincare regiment is using the right sunscreen, especially if you will be outdoors for extended periods of time.  

Are You Using the Right Sunscreen?

With hundreds of sunscreen products on the market, it can be challenging to determine which ones can actually block the UVA and UVB rays that lead to sun damage. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) has set some guidelines on which sunscreens offer the best protection; only some products are stamped with the AAD Seal of Recovery which means they meet FDA guidelines, are water resistant, and contain an SPF of 15 or higher. If you have recently received a laser skin resurfacing procedure, using sunscreen with an SPF of 25 or higher for at least a year after treatment is recommended.  This ensures that vulnerable skin is well-protected and may reduce your risk of skin cancer and skin damage.  

Sunscreen can be worn with or without makeup, and some makeup brands now contain SPF 15 or higher.  Even when you no longer need makeup after your procedure, a basic moisturizer mixed with sunscreen can keep your skin healthy and well-protected from the environment.  

Youthful and glowing skin is a result of healthy skin management, and taking extra steps to protect the skin after laser resurfacing treatments is a valuable way to prevent wrinkles, age spots, and cell degeneration. Making sure you choose the right sunscreen after laser skin rejuvenation may reduce your risk of cancer, age spots, and other skin conditions.  

Learn more about laser skin resurfacing treatments in our information guide, or read about better sun protection to stay healthy for the long term.