After a facial laser treatment, your skin goes through a recovery phase: the skin barrier is more fragile, sensitivity is increased, and there's a higher risk of irritation if you reintroduce active ingredients (retinol, exfoliating acids, vitamin C) too quickly. The right timing doesn't just depend on the number of days; it depends primarily on the laser intensity and the actual condition of your skin when you resume treatment.
This guide provides a clear timing chart, followed by a simple step-by-step routine. If you have undergone fractional laser treatment, this schedule is particularly helpful.
The most important rule (before the table)
You can only recover the assets when:
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the skin is no longer “hot”, very red or painful,
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There are no more scabs, oozing, or open areas.
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The skin no longer stings with just a simple moisturizer.
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and ideally, when your practitioner has given you the green light (especially if the laser was intense).
If you are hesitant, the safest strategy is always: wait a few more days .
Timing table: when to resume each asset (depending on the type of laser)
The timeframes below are conservative guidelines. Your practitioner may give you a shorter or longer timeframe depending on your protocol, your skin type, and your reaction.
| Type of facial laser (simple reference) | Vitamin C | AHA/BHA (glycolic, lactic, salicylic…) | Retinol / retinoids |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gentle/non-ablative laser (slight redness 1–3 days) | Days 3 to 5 (if no burning sensation) | Days 5 to 7 (low percentage at the beginning) | Days 7 to 10 (1–2 evenings/week initially) |
| Fractional laser, more “intense” (redness + sensitive skin ~1 week) | Days 7 to 10 | Days 10 to 14 | Weeks 2 to 3 |
| Ablative resurfacing / very intensive (longer downtime) | Weeks 2 to 3 | Weeks 3 to 4 | Weeks 4 to 6 (sometimes more) |
How to get back into shape without "burning" your skin
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One new ingredient at a time (e.g., vitamin C first, then acid, then retinol).
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One every other day at first, then increase if the skin tolerates it.
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If it stings for a long time, feels tight, peels badly or reddens again: stop the active ingredient , return to a gentle routine for 3–5 days, then resume more slowly.
Simple post-laser routine (without overcomplicating things)
Phase 1 — Days 0 to 2: “calm and repair”
Morning / Evening
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Very gentle cleanser (or simply lukewarm water if recommended)
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Moisturizing/barrier (simple texture, fragrance-free)
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Sunscreen if your practitioner allows it (otherwise, physical protection: hat, avoid the sun)
Avoid
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Retinol, acids, retinoic acid (vitamin C acid), scrubs, brushes, essential oils, perfume on the area
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Sauna/hammam, intense exercise if your skin heats up easily
Phase 2 — Days 3 to 7: “stabilize”
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Same base: gentle cleanser + barrier moisturizer + SPF
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If the skin is calm: you can consider vitamin C (mild or low percentage) starting at the correct timing according to the chart.
Phase 3 — Week 2: “gradual return”
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If sensitivity increases: slow resumption of AHA/BHA (low percentage)
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Only then: resumption of retinol (low dose, 1–2 evenings/week)
Phase 4 — After 3 to 6 weeks: “normal routine”
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You return to your usual routine, but keep one rule: do not stack acids + retinol on the same night if you are sensitive.
Frequently Asked Questions (very specific)
“My vitamin C stings a little: is that normal?”
After laser treatment, the skin may sting even with a "classic" formula. If it stings for more than a few minutes or if the redness increases, stop and try again later with a gentler (or less concentrated) formula.
“Can I go back to using AHA/BHA to smooth things out faster?”
No: trying to "go faster" mainly increases the risk of irritation and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Wait for the right timing and start with a low dose.
“Retinol: do I go back to taking it every night as before?”
Bad idea. Start again as if it were a new product: 1–2 evenings/week, then gradually increase.
“What if I do sessions close together?”
The closer your sessions are, the simpler your routine between sessions needs to be: hydration, SPF, and active ingredients only if your skin really tolerates them.
When to seek medical advice (or contact your doctor again)
Contact a professional immediately if you have:
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pain that increases instead of decreasing
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blisters, oozing, thick scabs, pus,
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spreading redness, significant heat,
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fever or malaise,
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or any doubt if you have a history of skin reaction.
“Gentle” recovery option (internal)
Depending on your treatment plan, some people add a very gentle treatment such as light therapy during the recovery phase (only if your practitioner confirms that it is suitable for your skin and timing).
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