An effective skincare routine is key to getting maximum results from laser skin tightening treatments. Include in your routine a gentle cleanser, serum containing retinol and growth factors to stimulate collagen, and moisturizer to optimize results.
Consult a dermatologist about which laser resurfacing treatment would best fit you, including being sedated during laser resurfacing and having downtime afterward.
1. Avoid Sunlight
As summer arrives, many of us start planning beach vacations and sun-filled days. However, for those scheduled to undergo laser hair removal or another skin tightening treatment such as skin tightening injections or tightening treatment in general it is crucial that sun exposure be limited prior to appointments in order to give their treated skin time to heal properly while decreasing risks like hyperpigmentation and other side effects.
While sunlight provides vital vitamin D levels, its UV rays also emit harmful UVA/UVB rays which can accelerate skin aging and damage. To minimize damage caused by tanning beds and increase protection during treatments, avoid them for two weeks beforehand and wear broad spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen every day no matter the weather.
Limit your sun exposure prior to treatment and make sure you’re not wearing tinted makeup or moisturizer on the day of your procedure, to help ensure that your skin can absorb enough light from the laser for desired results.
If you are uncertain how to prepare for an upcoming treatment, consult a dermatologist or aesthetician. As a rule of thumb, avoid products which darken the skin as well as razor bumps and ingrown hairs from occurring during shaving; additionally avoid tweezing or waxing as this could disrupt hair follicles and lead to further hair regrowth.
If you do decide to head out into the sun after treatment, be sure to wear a wide-brimmed hat, long pants or dress to protect your body from direct sunlight, and an SPF 30+ sunscreen (reapply every two hours or when sweating occurs). Additionally, it may be prudent to reapply sunscreen after every two hours as sweat may wash it away.
Even if you have had previous laser treatments, it’s still wise to avoid direct sunlight for at least 2-3 weeks prior and after your next session. While it may seem inconvenient to forgoing summer fun activities during this timeframe, doing so will ultimately benefit both your health and beauty by improving quality results from laser treatment sessions performed on bare skin – excessive sun exposure could only hinder progress during treatment sessions. If scheduling any session after this period ends, make sure you discuss this with your cosmetic surgeon to establish optimal duration and frequency of appointments.
2. Keep Your Skin Moisturized
Laser treatments cause your skin to lose its protective barrier, leaving it more susceptible to environmental factors like the sun. To keep your skin moisturized after each laser session and in particular in its first 24 hours post treatment, using a soothing moisturizer such as Oxygenetix’s oxygenating Hydro-Matrix may help keep skin hydrated and healthy during healing time.
Before your skin has fully recovered, it is best to refrain from using products with alpha hydroxy acids or exfoliating ingredients in the treatment area. This will allow it to heal at its natural pace and keep results from dissipating too quickly.
At this stage, it’s also essential to use a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher on any treated areas, in order to ensure collagen remains undamaged and keep skin tight as long as possible post laser treatments.
Maintain a proper skincare regimen following laser treatments to keep the area that was treated blemish-free, such as washing it gently with sulfate-free soap and avoiding hot tubs or saunas as these could irritate or rub off on too soon.
Avoid wearing makeup in the treated areas until they have completely healed, and always sleep on clean pillowcases to protect your health and sleep on uncontaminated fabrics. Furthermore, considering topical serums containing Vitamin C or Retinol to promote collagen production and further boost laser treatments. Before proceeding with these options however, consult with a dermatologist or esthetician first in order to make sure that they will be safe for you skin.
Laser skin tightening is an incredibly effective and preventative treatment option for those concerned about signs of aging such as loose, sagging skin. Additionally, it can address stretch marks, scarring and acne. Available to anyone over 25, this therapy may prove particularly helpful to women experiencing loss of collagen due to pregnancy, weight loss or simply ageing.
Laser skin tightening may seem expensive at first, but in reality it can be more cost-effective than surgical facelifts or breast implants. Furthermore, its results tend to last much longer than other methods for improving loose or sagging skin as laser treatments penetrate deeply into the skin where they stimulate collagen production resulting in a more youthful look.
3. Get a Good Night’s Sleep
If you aren’t getting at least 6 hours of restful sleep each night, it could be impacting your appearance with puffy eyes and dark circles under the eyes. By getting more rest, your skin will appear tighter and healthier. If you suffer from sleep apnea, we can treat it using NightLase; this non-invasive laser therapy involves three sessions and stimulates collagen contraction to open up space in the mouth for better breathing and an overall refreshed appearance.
