5 Do’s And Don’ts Before and After Your Fraxel Treatment

Now that you’ve decided to do Fraxel, there are a handful of critical steps to remember before and after you visit your dermatologist’s office. It’s essential that you take the proper precautions for your skin as well as aid the healing process all the way through. Here are the do’s and don’ts of before and after your Fraxel Treatment recovery.

Do Avoid Certain Products and Medications

While some dermatologists recommend that you stay away from medications, certain medications for at least two weeks, adverse reactions can still occur if you wait until two weeks prior. It’s in your best interest to start avoiding medications that make your skin photosensitive (and therefore prone to burning) about four weeks before to experience the best Fraxel Treatment recovery process. Medications like retinols and antibiotics are definitely troublesome for your skin when it comes to getting Fraxel but speak to your dermatologists about any other medications you take.

Some harsh skincare products you should also avoid before are those that contain glycolic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or salicylic acid. Anything that exfoliates your skin should be out of reach on your bathroom counter, including those cleansing and exfoliating facial brushes. About a week after your Fraxel Treatment recovery, you should be able to go back to using your regular skincare, but if your skin becomes irritated after using them, then wait a couple of days or so. If you have acne that you still want to keep at bay, speak to your dermatologist about what options are right for your skin.

Different medications and topical products can make your skin more photosensitive and vulnerable to burns, so speak with your dermatologist about your skincare regime and medicinal routine.

Don’t Expose Your Skin to the Sun

This one is incredibly important, as sun exposure can make your skin photosensitive as well, making it vulnerable to sun damage. If you do need to go out on a sunny day while you are still experiencing your Fraxel Treatment recovery, wear at least an SPF 30 sunscreen on your face. If you don’t wear sunscreen, this will hinder the healing process that will occur in your skin after Fraxel. If you get burned, it will hurt and cause discomfort even more than what you will already feel from the fractional laser. After washing your face in the morning, apply plenty of sunscreen every day, even if you are going to stay inside for the day. Through windows at work or the windows in your car, your skin will still be exposed to the sun.

Do Use the Right Products

Because your skin will probably feel itchy, tight, and dry, you’re definitely going to want to apply a moisturizer—we recommend about three times a day. Make sure your moisturizer is non-comedogenic, as you don’t want it clogging your pores. We have plenty of gentle cleansers and nourishing moisturizers, talk to your dermatologist about which products are right for you after Fraxel.

Moisturizing is a key step to helping your skin during your Fraxel Treatment recovery.

Don’t Be Rough with Your Skin

Remember to be as gentle as possible with your skin before and after you begin your Fraxel Treatment recovery process. For example, don’t go picking at your face, especially if you see any acne or tiny white bumps, which are actually solidified pockets of oil that will go away on their own. You also shouldn’t be picking off any skin that starts to peel, as your skin will heal itself in the Fraxel Treatment recovery. You don’t want to cause scars or discoloration, so be gentle with your skin. If you need to remove any unwanted hair, gently shave or tweeze, but definitely do not use depilatory creams or waxing.

During your Fraxel Treatment recovery, we highly advise you not to wax or be rough with your skin.

Do Speak with Your Dermatologist

Always communicate with your doctor on your skin concerns, especially when it comes to laser treatments or any other cosmetic procedure. Things like Accutane, lesions, cold sores, excessive scarring, or being pregnant can be major when it comes to getting Fraxel, so speak with your dermatologist if any of these conditions are a part of your life.

At the Miami Center for Dermatology, we have plenty of laser treatments specifically geared towards repairing signs of aging to leave you with radiant, youthful skin. However, no treatment is a one-size-fits-all, so make sure to stop by our office for a consultation to find out which treatment is right for you.