Clearing out acne or skin scars can feel like an uphill battle. Not only do they alter your natural beauty, but they also peek at your confidence. Sometimes, it’s hard to interact publicly or walk into a room without feeling self-conscious.  

Thankfully, acne laser treatment is an effective solution for many stubborn acne and skin scars cases. However, making the most of the results from your treatment requires deliberate post-treatment care. 

Post-laser treatment care helps minimize side effects, maximize results, and ensure quick recovery. 

If you just had a laser treatment or plan to have one, post-treatment care is an important part of your acne-free journey.

This post will explain the types of laser treatments you can explore. It will also reveal tips for immediate and long-term post-treatment care to ensure proper healing and long-lasting results. Let’s dive in!

 

Types of acne laser treatment

Acne skin conditions are common in adolescents and may continue into adulthood.

The most common causes of acne are infections, hormonal changes, inadequate rest, excessive use of cosmetics, and stress. Acne can lead to different skin conditions, such as zits(also known as pimples), blackheads, red patches or cysts on the skin, and dark spots.

Acne laser treatment(also known as laser skin resurfacing) is a medical procedure that uses laser light energy to remove the root causes of acne breakouts.

Many over-the-counter skin care products only deal with the surface, which explains the tendency of future breakouts when products are exhausted.

On the other hand, acne laser treatment helps to build collagen and increase skin elasticity, which are key players in having clear and smooth-looking skin.

The acne laser emits light that penetrates the skin layers and reduces activities that cause acne. One such activity is the excessive oil production by the sebaceous glands. 

When the skin secretes excessive oil, it tends to trigger acne breakouts. Laser treatment deals with this by minimizing the oil secreted. 

In addition, the heat generated by the laser beam helps kill acne-causing bacteria in the skin. The laser tech provides flexible settings to treat all skin types without causing skin damage. Whether you have oily skin or dry or sensitive skin, laser treatment settings can be tailored to meet your unique needs. 

That said, let’s take a look at the different acne laser treatment types in the market: 

 

Fractional CO2 treatments 

If you’re experiencing moderate or severe cases of acne, fractional laser treatments might be your best option. 

This cosmetic procedure treats deep acne scars by removing damaged skin layers. It also smooths out the skin and improves its texture.

The process of removing tiny portions of damaged skin can be invasive and intensive. As such, patients may require more downtime for proper healing. However, this treatment is perfect for eliminating stubborn scars and improving your skin texture.

 

Pulsed dye laser(PDL) 

A pulsed Dye Laser is more suitable for treating acne that causes redness and inflammation. This treatment targets the blood vessels beneath, which helps to minimize redness and acne-caused swelling. PDL is a suitable solution to consider if you’ve got large, painful pimples or cystic acne.

Unlike CO2 lasers, PDL lasers are non-invasive and don’t require downtime for healing. This makes it suitable for all skin types. 

 

Diode laser 

Diode laser deals with one of the main causes of acne–excessive oil production in the sebaceous gland. 

When the gland secretes excessive oil, it leads to clogged pores, which in turn causes breakouts. Diode laser minimizes the oil secretion in the sebaceous gland, helping to prevent clogged pores. The treatment is also designed to kill acne-causing bacteria in the skin without damaging the skin. The procedure is quick and comes with minimal discomfort.

 

Nd: YAG laser

Nd: YAG Laser is an effective acne treatment that eliminates acne and the after-effects of previous breakouts. 

Dark spots or hyperpigmentation are common aftereffects of acne scars. They are especially common in individuals who scratch acne scars or pop their pimples.

Nd: YAG Lasers treat underlying acne causes (acne bacteria or oil secretion in the sebaceous gland). But it doesn’t end there; it also addresses hyperpigmentation issues.

If you have a darker skin tone, this acne treatment can help you even your skin tone and improve texture. Unlike other laser treatments, it rarely causes discoloration in the treated areas.

 

Intense pulsed light (IPL) 

Compared to traditional lasers, IPL emits incoherent light that spreads to cover different areas of the skin. 

It uses a broad spectrum of light energy to target the skin layers. This helps to reduce inflammation and eliminate acne-causing bacteria from the skin. The laser’s versatility makes it a great option for treating several skin conditions like acne, fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and so on. 

If you have mild-to-moderate acne, IPL might be the right option for you. It comes with minimal discomfort and zero downtime and delivers impressive skin rejuvenation results.

 

Blue light therapy

 

A blue light therapy treatment uses light to kill acne-causing bacteria in the skin. It is a non-chemical and non-invasive option for people with mild-to-moderate acne issues. Blue light therapy/treatment can be administered in two ways: in a clinic with the help of a professional or with at-home devices. This makes it a super convenient and pain-free procedure. 

Blue light therapy is not as intense as other laser treatments. However, it is a gentle and effective way to keep acne breakouts under control.

Read also: Adult Acne Treatments: Proven Strategies and Practical Tips.

Immediate post-treatment care for acne laser treatment

Acne laser procedures use target light energy to eliminate acne-causing agents and the risk of future breakouts. The process involves removing damaged skin, stimulating collagen production, or reducing oil secretion in sebaceous glands. This process can lead to temporary skin irritation, redness, swelling, or peeling. 

The first few hours, days, or weeks are crucial and sensitive periods for your skin. Immediate post-treatment care is essential to minimize side effects and help the skin heal properly. That way, you can maximize acne laser treatments to achieve optimal results.

 

24-48 hours post-treatment care for acne laser treatment

In the first 24-48 hours after laser treatment, your skin is in a healing process. You might even experience certain discomforts. 

The level of discomfort you experience depends on the type of laser used and how you prepare your skin before treatment. 

It’s advisable to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun before and after laser treatments. That said, here are post-acne care habits to adopt immediately after treatment:

 

• Avoid mineral makeup ducts: This is a non-negotiable post-treatment care for acne laser treatment. It’s advisable to abstain from wearing makeup for at least 24-48 hours after treatment.
• Apply cool compresses: After laser treatments, your skin may feel hot and slightly sunburned. When you apply a cool compress on the treated area, it soothes the skin and relieves discomfort.
• Avoid touching treated areas with unclean hands: This will prevent the risk of infection and skin irritation.
• Protect your skin from sunlight: Avoid direct sun exposure for at least a week. After laser treatment, the skin becomes sensitive to the damaging effects of UV rays. If you have to go out, apply sunscreen. The sunscreen should have an SPF of 50 and above.
• Stick to post-treatment instructions: Dermatologists will provide specific instructions depending on your skin type and laser procedure. Make sure to leave your appointment with post-treatment instructions from your dermatologist.  

 

First-week post-treatment care for acne laser treatment area

Here are certain things to consider in the first week after Acne laser treatment:

 

• Avoid using harsh products: Steer clear of skin care products that contain ingredients such as Vitamin C, retinoids, and BHAs. Their harshness can irritate and interrupt your skin’s recovery process. 
• Avoid exfoliating treated areas. Exfoliating agents are harsh on the skin, so it’s best to avoid exfoliating treated areas until your skin has fully healed. Unnecessary exfoliating or scrubbing causes severe irritation and may delay recovery.
• Minimize intense physical activities: Activities such as sauna sessions and running or excessive exercise may trigger sweating. Sweating a lot during the healing process might irritate treated areas. Try your best to avoid engaging in intense physical activities.
• Avoid tanning the skin: Exposing your skin to excess heat during the healing period is a bad idea. As such, avoid using tanning beds as they can generate laser side effects.

 

Long-term care for acne laser treatment

Maintaining clear skin over the long haul requires continuous care. Laser treatments can last several months when combined with a proper skincare routine and lifestyle adjustments. Here are some long-term care to consider: 

 

Maintain a consistent skincare routine

When your skin is completely healed, it’s crucial to resume a normal skincare routine. Consistently use non-comedogenic skincare products. These products keep your skin hydrated and pores clear. Moisturizers and cleansers with non-harsh ingredients should be a part of your daily routine. 

 

Eat a balanced diet

Prioritizing a healthy diet helps reduce the risk of future breakouts. Focus on meals that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. These meals provide adequate support for your skin health, one you can’t get from processed meals.

 

Incorporate proper stress management techniques

Stress tends to alter hormonal functions. This alteration can lead to acne breakouts. As such, finding effective ways to deal with stress is important. Engaging in regular exercises, hobbies, or any other relaxation techniques will help you manage stress better. It can also support clearer and rejuvenated skin. 

 

Prioritize quality sleep

Getting adequate quality sleep is essential for quick recovery after a laser procedure. 

Sleeping helps your skin maintain natural moisture levels. This reduces excessive dryness and irritation that follow post-acne treatments.

Similarly, sleeping well helps to control inflammation tendencies and the risk of redness after treatment. This is possible because adequate sleep helps lower cortisol levels, a major inflammation trigger. 

 

Maintain optimal hydration

Dryness is a common aftereffect of acne laser treatments. Laser treatments can leave the skin feeling flaky or dry even when it is completely healed. However, a HydraFacial helps to keep the skin hydrated and deeply moisturized, which can be helpful for the laser recovery process. 

La ViE MD HydraFacial treatments provide customized HydraFacials designed to meet your specific skin conditions at any time.  

 

Commit to follow-up treatments for acne scars

Some severe cases of acne may require more than one clinic visit. In the same vein, your skin type can also be the reason for follow-up treatment. Whatever the case, your dermatologist will recommend subsequent follow-up sessions. In some cases, HydraFacials can be a great follow-up treatment. It contains boosters and serums that hydrate the skin and eliminate acne tendencies.

 

Takeaway: Reclaim your confidence and skin glow with effective acne treatments

Acne laser treatments deliver impressive, long-lasting results that help you achieve clearer skin.

However, laser treatment is just one part of a robust acne care treatment. To achieve optimal results, it’s important to keep healthy post-treatment habits such as using sunscreen, avoiding harsh soaps and exfoliants, or touching your face unnecessarily.

It’s best to consult a skin care professional to administer the right treatment if you’re dealing with severe acne breakouts, scars, or hyperpigmentation.

At LA ViE MD, our laser skin resurfacing treatment stimulates collagen production and removes damaged skin layers, giving room for a smooth-like silk skin texture. 

We provide customized treatment plans tailored to meet unique skin types, needs, and individual goals. Our approach to treatment reduces the risks of side effects or skin damage. Book an appointment today!