After a Pico laser treatment, it's essential to avoid certain products to ensure proper healing and prevent complications. For at least the first 24 hours, focus on gentle skincare practices.
Key Products to Avoid
Following your Pico laser treatment, you should avoid the following:
| Product Category | Specific Products to Avoid | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Cleansers | Harsh scrubs, exfoliating cleansers | Can irritate the treated area, disrupt healing, and cause micro-tears. |
| Exfoliants | Chemical exfoliants (AHAs, BHAs), physical scrubs, retinoids | Aggressive exfoliation can cause inflammation and delay healing. |
| Skin Treatments | Any harsh treatments such as peels, microdermabrasion | These treatments can over-sensitize the skin and cause damage to the treated area. |
Detailed Post-Treatment Care
-
Gentle Cleansing:
- Use a very gentle cleanser to wash your face.
- Avoid any rubbing or harsh movements on the treated area.
- Pat your skin dry gently with a clean towel rather than rubbing.
-
Moisturizing:
- Use a light, fragrance-free moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated, but avoid anything heavy or occlusive that might trap heat.
-
Sun Protection:
- This is crucial. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher whenever you go outside, even on cloudy days. The treated skin will be extra sensitive to the sun.
It's vital to follow your dermatologist's specific post-care instructions. They might recommend additional products to avoid based on your individual skin type and the intensity of your treatment.
