Best Moisturizer After Fraxel Laser Treatment

Fraxel laser treatment is FDA-approved for a variety of cosmetic concerns, including acne scars, sun damage, fine lines, enlarged pores, hyperpigmentation, age spots, surgical scars, and uneven skin texture or tone. Utilizing fractionated laser technology, Fraxel is a non-ablative skin resurfacing treatment, which means it enhances collagen production for complete skin rejuvenation without harming the outer layer of the skin. By employing targeted microscopic beams of laser energy, the Fraxel laser penetrates the inner layer of the skin. This process triggers the body’s natural healing mechanisms, correcting uneven skin tone and texture for smoother, clearer, and more youthful-looking skin. To discover more about how the Fraxel laser can address your skin issues, schedule a consultation with expert NYC board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green.

Fraxel is a safe and effective treatment option that does not require downtime following the treatment. However, post-procedure, patients will experience minor side effects, including redness, dry skin, flaking, and tenderness in the treated area. While these side effects are an essential part of the healing process following the procedure, it is important to practice good skincare post-treatment for the best results. Patients must choose a gentle cleanser and light moisturizer and always wear SPF 30 or higher sunscreen to limit sun exposure. Patients should avoid harsh skincare products in their skincare regimen for the week following the procedure, including exfoliants, scrubs, retinol, scented lotions, and retinoids. Post-procedure, Dr. Green will provide patients with detailed aftercare instructions with recommendations for the best skincare products to clean and hydrate the treatment area.

Experienced board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green has been expertly treating patients at her Upper East Side New York City dermatology office for more than 25 years. Dr. Green is an expert in many anti-aging cosmetic treatments, including chemical peels, microneedling, microdermabrasion, IPL laser hair removal, and injectable treatments like Botox and dermal fillers. With treatments for many skin conditions available at her office and her proprietary line of skin care products, Dr. Green increases accessibility to a youthful-looking appearance for all her patients. Well-known for high patient satisfaction, Dr. Green has been frequently voted one of New York City’s best dermatologists by publications such as Castle Connolly, New York Magazine, and Super Doctors.

What is Fraxel laser treatment?

Fraxel laser therapy is a non-ablative skin resurfacing treatment option that is FDA-approved to treat a range of skin concerns, including acne scars, surgical scars, uneven skin texture, stretch marks, fine lines, and sun damage. Originally manufactured by Solta Medical, the Fraxel laser is a fractional laser, meaning that it uses precise beams of laser energy to target only a fraction of the skin at one time while leaving the surrounding tissue unaffected. Fraxel is a non-ablative laser resurfacing option, meaning that the treatment penetrates the dermis and boosts new collagen growth without vaporizing the outer layer of the skin. As a result, Fraxel laser therapy can provide improved skin tone and texture without the need for any downtime.

How does the Fraxel laser work?

The Fraxel laser is a safe, effective, non-invasive, nonablative laser resurfacing treatment option for patients looking to improve skin tone and texture. The laser emits controlled, targeted beams of fractionated energy that penetrate the deeper layers of the skin while leaving the surrounding tissue unaffected. The microscopic columns treat a fraction of the skin at a time, creating controlled micro-damage to the tissue. This triggers the body’s natural healing process and boosts collagen production for smoother, brighter, more youthful-looking skin.

When treating various skin concerns, Dr. Green uses the Fraxel Dual laser, which has two distinct settings and is essentially two lasers in one. With a wavelength of 1927nm, the Thulium laser is best used for treating hyperpigmentation, including skin discoloration, age spots, and sun damage. The 1927nm laser emissions target the chromophores in the skin to reduce pigmentation on the skin’s surface. The 1550 nm wavelength Erbium laser is best used for improving skin texture and addressing skin concerns like fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, and surgical scars. The Erbium laser penetrates the deeper areas of the skin to boost collagen production for results that continue to improve over time.

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What is the procedure for Fraxel treatment?

The procedure for Fraxel laser treatment is relatively quick and requires minimal discomfort or downtime. The treatment process will begin with a consultation appointment with Dr. Green, who will examine the treatment area and discuss your aesthetic goals to determine the treatment plan that best meets your needs. If Fraxel is a part of your treatment plan, the procedure will take place that day, or you will schedule a follow-up appointment to receive the Fraxel laser treatment. An hour before your appointment, Dr. Green will ask you to apply a topical numbing cream to the treatment area to prevent discomfort during the procedure. Fraxel laser treatment usually takes between 15 and 45 minutes, depending on the area of the body being treated. Immediately following the procedure, your skin may feel warm—like you have just experienced a sunburn. To help, Dr. Green will apply a cold compress, and patients can apply an ice pack to the treated area when they return home. No downtime is required post-procedure, and you can immediately return to your regularly scheduled activities. The number of treatment sessions required will depend on the patient’s aesthetic goals, the skin condition being treated, and the size and scope of the treatment area.

What are the side effects of Fraxel laser treatment?

The Fraxel Dual laser is a non-ablative laser treatment, meaning that Fraxel is associated with much fewer side effects than an ablative laser. Where ablative laser treatments destroy the outer layer of the skin, Fraxel leaves the skin’s surface intact and targets the tissue in the deeper layer of the skin. In the first week after receiving Fraxel laser treatment, patients may experience some common, mild side effects, including swelling, redness, dry skin, tenderness in the treatment area, and flaking. These side effects will resolve within one week of receiving the treatment as the treatment results continue to improve over time. Patients with a history of active acne breakouts and cold sores should inform Dr. Green before treatment, as Fraxel laser treatment can worsen these conditions. To reduce any unwanted side effects, Fraxel should only be performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist like Dr. Green.

What are the post-treatment aftercare instructions?

Following your Fraxel treatment session, Dr. Green will provide detailed aftercare instructions for keeping your skin clear, clean, and hydrated in the next days and the first week after the procedure. Immediately after the treatment, Dr. Green will apply a cold compress to the treated area, which can help soothe the slight sunburn sensation caused by the laser. When patients return home, they can repeat the process of applying a cold compress or ice pack as necessary. Following the treatment, it is essential to practice strict sun avoidance, as sun exposure can damage sensitive skin and worsen hyperpigmentation, scarring, or burning. Dr. Green recommends that patients apply SPF 30 or higher sunscreen before going outside every morning as part of their regular skincare regimen. When the Fraxel laser treats hyperpigmentation, patients typically experience 5-7 days of skin flaking and peeling. During this time, patients should keep the skin moisturized with a gentle moisturizer.

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What is the best post-laser treatment skincare?

After Fraxel laser treatment, patients should opt for gentle, fragrance-free, non-comedogenic products. They ought to start their skincare routine every morning and evening with a mild cleanser to remove dirt, sunscreen, sweat, and other residue that can clog pores. Dr. Green’s exclusive skincare line, MGSKINLABs, offers a Gentle Cleanser designed to cleanse the skin without stripping away its natural oils. This product also leaves a thin, moisturizing layer on the skin’s surface, which is great for maintaining hydration. After cleansing, patients can use a toner to prep the face for better absorption of products.

Due to Fraxel treatment’s flaking and dry skin side effects, moisturizing with a fragrance-free lotion is essential to post-laser treatment skin care. It is best to use a moisturizer that is specifically created for the face and labeled as being for “sensitive skin.” While petroleum ointments like Aquaphor or Vaseline are very hydrating, they are often too heavy for the skin and can contribute to clogged pores. The Absolute Recovery Anti-Wrinkle Cream from MGSKINLABs is an excellent product for moisturizing skin after Fraxel treatment. This cream contains no irritating ingredients and is packed with essential fatty acids to strengthen the skin’s natural moisture barrier and lock in hydration.

The final step of every skincare routine should be applying sunscreen. After laser treatment, the skin becomes particularly sensitive to the sun, which means patients face a higher risk of sun damage. MGSKINLAB’s Hydrating Sunscreen SPF 50 is a moisturizing sunscreen that provides mineral-based sun protection with an oil-free, lightweight, and soothing formula. To hydrate the skin, it also includes hyaluronic acid, a natural humectant that helps retain moisture, as well as niacinamide, which aids in reducing discoloration and brightening the skin over time. Sunscreen should be applied at least 15 minutes before sun exposure exposure.

Fraxel Post-care instructions Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use moisturizer after Fraxel?

Fraxel laser treatment is a safe and effective skin resurfacing procedure that reduces the appearance of fine lines, uneven skin texture, hyperpigmentation, acne scars, large pores, and injury scars without downtime. As Fraxel boosts the body’s natural collagen production, the treatment results improve over time after as few as two to three treatment sessions. While no recovery time is necessary following Fraxel treatment, patients may experience mild side effects, such as flaking and peeling. This is a necessary part of the healing process following the treatment, and patients should keep the skin hydrated by using a gentle moisturizer.

Should I use moisturizer after Fraxel?

Yes! Patients should use moisturizer after Fraxel treatment to keep their skin hydrated and help with the healing process. The best moisturizer is a gentle, fragrance-free lotion that is not too heavy. Moisturizers can be easily acquired over the counter, so no prescription is necessary. Patients should apply their moisturizer twice daily—once in the morning and once in the evening—after cleaning the face with a light cleanser.

What moisturizer to use after Fraxel

A moisturizer that is light, gentle, and fragrance-free is the best type of moisturizer to use after Fraxel laser treatment. When dry skin and flaking occur due to the treatment, it is important to keep the skin hydrated by applying moisturizer in the morning and evening after thoroughly washing the face with a gentle cleanser and applying toner. Products that contain ingredients such as ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid will help to hold moisture in the treated area, reduce redness, and strengthen the skin barrier. Patients should avoid using moisturizers containing irritating ingredients such as retinol, salicylic acid, or glycolic acid.

JC 26yo male before and after Fraxel x3 and Restylane x1 for acne scars 8 months PROFILE L MGWatermark

What is the best moisturizer after Fraxel laser?

Many patients wonder, “What is the best cream to use after Fraxel laser treatment?” Following Fraxel laser treatment, a light, gentle moisturizer is essential, and Dr. Green recommends the Absolute Recovery Anti-Wrinkle Cream from MGSKINLABs to gently hydrate the skin. With rose extract and ginkgo biloba as primary ingredients, the Absolute Recovery Cream helps restore, tighten, and firm the skin. At the same time, fatty acids boost the skin barrier to protect against harsh environmental stressors. Moisturizer should be applied in the morning and evening after washing the face with a gentle cleanser.

What is the best moisturizer after laser treatment?

Applying a moisturizer regularly after any laser treatment is essential. The best moisturizer after Fraxel or any laser treatment is a plain, light, fragrance-free moisturizer. Searching for over-the-counter products meant for dry, sensitive skin will be a good place to start finding the right moisturizer for you. Drugstore brands such as CeraVe, Cetaphil, Eucerin, and Neutrogena make gentle, hydrating moisturizers that can be used after laser treatments. If you have questions about the best skincare products to use following laser treatment, talk with Dr. Green, and she will provide you with recommendations and full aftercare instructions.

What to avoid after Fraxel laser treatment

Following Fraxel laser treatment, the skin may be dry, flaking, and more sensitive, so avoiding skincare products that could irritate it is important. Exfoliating scrubs or agents such as AHAs (glycolic acid, citric acid, lactic acid) and BHAs (salicylic acid, tropic acid), vitamin C, retinol-based products like Retin-A, and skin-lightening creams like hydroquinone should all be avoided until the treated area is fully healed. Direct exposure to harmful UVA and UVB rays from the sun or tanning beds can be particularly dangerous while the skin is healing. Dr. Green recommends that patients avoid direct sun exposure for at least three months post-treatment to avoid unwanted side effects like hyperpigmentation, scarring, and burning. Keeping the skin clean and clear is also essential, so Dr. Green also recommends avoiding smoking, excessive sweating, and swimming until the area has fully healed.

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How to get started with Fraxel laser treatment today

The Fraxel laser is an excellent treatment option that works via precise, targeted emissions of laser energy that cause controlled damage to the skin to boost collagen production over time. With two different wavelengths available, the Fraxel laser can address many skin concerns, including fine lines, wrinkles, sun damage, hyperpigmentation, enlarged pores, uneven skin texture, and uneven skin tone. Unlike ablative laser resurfacing treatment options, the Fraxel laser has a low risk of serious side effects and does not require any downtime. Patients may experience mild side effects from Fraxel laser treatment, including redness, dry skin, and flaking that can be easily managed by choosing a gentle, light moisturizer as part of the post-treatment skincare routine. To determine whether the Fraxel laser is the right treatment option for you and learn about the best moisturizer for keeping your skin clear and hydrated, schedule an appointment with expert dermatologist Dr. Michele Green.

Dr. Michele Green is an internationally renowned board-certified dermatologist with over two and a half decades of experience providing her patients with the best non-invasive treatment options. Dr. Green takes a holistic approach and embraces a less-is-more philosophy, creating customized skincare routines and treatment plans that cater to her patient’s unique concerns and aesthetic goals. She is consistently identified as one of New York’s best dermatologists by Castle Connolly, New York Magazine, and Super Doctors for her dedication to her patients and expertise. Please call us at 212-535-3088 or email our New York City-based office today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Michele Green to learn how to get started with Fraxel laser treatment today.

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