What is the recommended aftercare routine after CO2 laser resurfacing for best healing?

What should I do in the first 24 to 48 hours?

Expect heat, tightness, redness, swelling and some oozing, especially after deeper resurfacing. Wash your hands before touching the area, use cool compresses only if advised, sleep slightly elevated for the first few nights and keep the surface moist with the recommended barrier product. Use clean pillowcases and avoid close contact with anything that may contaminate the healing skin.

How often should I wash my face after CO2 laser?

Follow your written clinic instructions, because deeper treatments may need more frequent cleansing. In many protocols, cleansing starts the morning after treatment using lukewarm water, clean hands and a bland, non-fragranced cleanser. Pat dry with sterile gauze or a clean disposable towel. Do not rub, scrub, use cleansing brushes or try to lift crusts manually.

When should I switch from ointment to moisturiser?

The usual decision point is whether the skin is still raw, weeping or crusted. During that phase, a clinician-recommended occlusive ointment helps keep the surface moist. Once the skin is smooth, pink and no longer open, your clinician may advise moving to a lighter, fragrance-free moisturiser while continuing frequent hydration and careful sun protection.

Are vinegar soaks always needed?

No. Some clinicians use diluted white vinegar soaks to soften crusting and support cleansing, but the recipe and timing vary. Only use vinegar, saline, prescription creams, antibiotics or antivirals if they are part of your own aftercare plan. Do not add internet routines to freshly treated skin without checking the clinic.

When can I wear SPF and make-up?

Sunscreen and make-up should not be applied to raw or oozing skin unless your clinician has specifically instructed it. Once the skin surface has re-epithelialised, mineral SPF is commonly introduced, alongside hats and shade. Make-up is usually delayed until the skin is fully closed and comfortable, often around 7 to 14 days depending on treatment depth.

When can I restart retinoids, acids or vitamin C?

Active skincare should be paused until the skin barrier is stable and your clinician clears it. Retinoids, exfoliating acids, scrubs, benzoyl peroxide and strong vitamin C can sting and inflame newly resurfaced skin. Many protocols reintroduce actives gradually after several weeks, but pigment risk, rosacea, menopause-related dryness and treatment depth can change the timing.

What helps healing from the inside?

Laser healing is metabolically active. Adequate protein, fluids, sleep and general nutrition support immune function, epithelial repair and collagen remodelling. If you have diabetes, immune suppression, a history of poor wound healing, an eating disorder, significant weight loss or nutritional concerns, tell your clinician before treatment and during recovery.

How long does redness last?

Initial redness, swelling and peeling often improve over the first one to two weeks, but pinkness can persist for several weeks and sometimes longer after deeper resurfacing. Collagen remodelling continues for months. Persistent worsening redness, heat, discharge or pain is different from normal pinkness and should be reviewed promptly.

Does menopause affect aftercare?

Some women notice drier, more reactive or slower-to-settle skin around perimenopause and menopause. Lower oestrogen can affect skin thickness, hydration and barrier resilience, although individual healing varies. This is one reason WHC places emphasis on consultation, barrier planning, pigment-risk assessment and tailored follow-up rather than a one-size-fits-all aftercare sheet.