CO₂ Laser Resurfacing Aftercare
Fractional CO₂ laser resurfaces the skin to improve scars, texture and lines. The skin goes through a short healing phase, so careful aftercare is the most important part of your result.
For: CO₂ Laser
Your own doctor’s instructions always come first. If anything here is different from what you were told at the clinic, follow your doctor and ask us if you are unsure.
Contact us straight away if
- You have a fever or feel unwell
- Yellow crusts or spreading redness appear
Call us on +91 97738 63777. In an emergency, go to the nearest emergency department.
Before your appointment
- Avoid sun exposure and tanning for 2–4 weeks before
- Stop retinol, retinoids and exfoliating acids 5–7 days before
- Tell us about cold sores, keloids, isotretinoin or blood thinners
- Plan 5–7 days with fewer social plans while the skin heals
After your treatment, step by step
First 48 hours
Do- Use only the cleanser and healing ointment your doctor gave you
- Sleep with your head slightly raised to reduce swelling
- Use a cool compress (not ice directly) if it feels hot
Avoid- Makeup
- Touching, rubbing or picking the skin
- Hot showers, steam, sauna and gym
Days 3–7
Do- Keep the skin moisturised with the advised cream
- Let dry, rough skin and tiny crusts flake off naturally
- Start sunscreen once your doctor says the skin has closed
Avoid- Peeling or scrubbing flaking skin
- Swimming pools
- Retinol, acids and active serums
Weeks 2–6
Do- Use SPF 50 every morning and reapply outdoors
- Return for your review visit
Avoid- Sunbathing and tanning
- Other laser or peel treatments until your doctor allows
What to pause, and for how long
| Pause | For how long |
|---|---|
| Makeup | 5–7 days, or until the skin has closed |
| Retinol, retinoids and exfoliating acids | 2–4 weeks after |
| Gym, sauna, swimming | 1 week after |
Normal, and settles by itself
- Redness and swelling for 3–5 days
- A sunburn-like warm feeling for 1–2 days
- Rough, bronzed skin and light flaking around days 3–7
- Pink skin for a few weeks as it heals
Call your clinic if you notice
- Blisters, crusting or oozing that keeps spreading
- Pain, swelling or redness that gets worse after 48 hours
- Pus, warmth or fever
- New dark or light patches on the treated skin
- Small painful blisters or sores, which can be a cold sore flare
Aftercare questions
When can I go back to work after CO₂ laser?
Many people return after 5–7 days, once flaking has settled. It depends on the strength of your treatment.
When can I wear makeup again?
Usually after 5–7 days, once the skin has closed and your doctor agrees.
Why is my skin pink weeks later?
Pinkness is part of healing and fades gradually. Strict sunscreen helps it settle and protects against dark marks.
Paradise Wellness · +91 97738 63777 · https://www.paradisewellness.in/aftercare/co2-laser · General information only; it does not replace advice from your doctor.