How to Prepare Your Skin Like a Pro Before Laser Treatments
Laser treatments are effective anti-aging solutions that can address multiple skin concerns, restoring a youthful and revitalized appearance. By preparing their skin beforehand, patients can minimize risks and maximize the results of these procedures.
Keep reading to learn more about how to prepare your skin like a pro before laser treatments.
What are Laser Treatments?
Laser treatments are cosmetic procedures that use focused beams of high-energy light to stimulate collagen and elastin production, remove damaged skin cells, and promote the growth of new, healthy skin.
This, in turn, diminishes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, firms skin, and improves overall skin tone and texture, restoring a younger, more refreshed complexion. Laser treatments such as laser skin resurfacing and Morpheus can address a range of skin concerns, including:
- Fine lines
- Wrinkles
- Age spots
- Acne scars
- Blemishes
- Hyperpigmentation
How Can You Prepare Your Skin Before Laser Treatments?
Patients can prepare their skin adequately in the following ways:
2 Weeks Before
Two weeks before laser treatments, patients should:
Limit Ultraviolet (UV) Exposure
Limiting sun exposure and refraining from tanning for at least two weeks before laser treatment is imperative. If a person goes outside, they must use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF30 or higher to protect the skin, even when it’s overcast.
Sunscreen should be reapplied every 2 hours, particularly when swimming. Tanned and sun-damaged skin can increase the risk of complications and impact the treatment’s effectiveness.
Hold Off on Other Facial Treatments
Avoid other cosmetic treatments such as microdermabrasion, Botox, dermal fillers, and chemical peels for two weeks before the laser session. This allows skin to heal between treatments, ensuring patients achieve the best possible outcome.
Stop Smoking and Drinking Alcohol
Smoking can delay healing and heighten the risk of infection and scarring, while alcohol can increase the chances of swelling and bruising. Patients should quit smoking in general, as this damages the skin. Also important to discontinue drinking at least 1 week before treatment to promote better healing and ensure a smooth and successful recovery. Smoking and drinking also age us faster!
1 Week Before
A week prior to their laser treatment, patients should:
Adjust Skin Care Routine
Discontinue skin care products with glycolic acid, Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), Beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs), and retinoids. These active ingredients can increase the likelihood of skin irritation and sensitivity during and after laser treatment.
Instead, patients should switch to soothing and hydrating products to avoid skin irritation before the procedure. We recommend all our patients begin using Alastin Regenerating Skin Nectar for the weeks before and after laser to prep the skin and help heal it faster afterwards.
Avoid Certain Medications and Supplements
Cease taking blood-thinning supplements like vitamin E and medications such as ibuprofen, naproxen and aspirin to decrease the risk of bleeding and bruising. Patients taking Accutane should not have laser treatments within 6 months as laser as it can cause skin thinning and increased sensitivity.
Individuals should disclose any medications they’re taking during consultation. Their provider will advise which medications should be temporarily stopped.
Hydrate and Moisturize
In the week leading up to the laser treatment, patients should drink plenty of water throughout the day and use a gentle moisturizer or serum.
Keeping skin hydrated and moisturized ensures it’s in optimal condition for laser treatment, decreasing the risk of irritation while promoting rapid recovery.
Day Of
On the day of the appointment, patients should cleanse their face. The patient should wash their skin thoroughly and arrive for their appointment without applying anything to the skin.
No lotions, makeup, oils, or deodorants on the treatment area. These products may react with the laser, causing undesirable side effects.
They can use a gentle, hydrating, and non-abrasive cleanser to retain skin integrity while preparing for laser treatment.
By following these tips and working with Dr. Schlessinger, you can achieve the youthful, radiant, and rejuvenated skin you’ve always wanted.
Are you interested in laser treatments? Schedule your appointment at Schlessinger Eye & Face today to unlock your skin’s youthful potential.
