Aftercare

Coolpeel/ DEKA CO₂ Laser Aftercare Guide 

Healing varies depending on treatment depth, skin type, and area treated. If unsure about any product or activity, consult your provider before proceeding. 

Days 1–5: Healing Phase 

What to Expect:

• Redness, swelling, warmth 
• Tightness, dryness 
• Mild itching or discomfort 
• Skin may feel like a moderate sunburn 
• Swelling peaks at 24–48 hours 

Cleansing 

• Do not wash for 24 hours 
• After 24 hours: cleanse gently with cool water + mild cleanser EltaMD Gentle Foaming Cleanser 
• Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser 
• CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser 

Days 1–3: 

• Apply Bacitracin ointment twice daily 
• Reapply as needed to keep skin moist 

After Day 3: 

• Switch to healing ointments: Vaseline, Aquaphor, or Vaniply Reapply frequently to prevent dryness 
• If stinging/burning occurs: use Bacitracin only and contact your provider. Comfort Tips 
• Use cold compresses (no direct ice) 
• Optional antihistamines for swelling/itching: 
• Benadryl, Zyrtec, Claritin 
• Hydrocortisone 1% may be used for itching

Precautions 

• No sun exposure 
• Do not pick, peel, or exfoliate 
• Avoid workouts/exercise 
• Use clean pillowcases and sheets 

Days 5–7: Peeling Phase 

What to Expect 

• Mild redness and itching 
• Flaking or dark pinpoint shedding (normal healing)

Skincare 

• Continue gentle cleansing 
• Start light moisturizer if comfortable: 
• Vanicream Moisturizing Cream 
• EltaMD AM Therapy 
• Continue ointment if still dry 
• Mineral makeup allowed if skin tolerates it 
• Gentle exfoliation with hands/washcloth only (no scrubbing)

Sun Protection (Essential) 

• Use SPF 30+ daily 
• EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 
• EltaMD UV Daily SPF 40 
• Reapply every 2–3 hours outdoors 
• Wear hats + seek shade 

Days 8–14: Recovery Phase 

What to Expect 

• Mild redness 
• Light dryness or flaking 

Care 

• Resume normal gentle skincare 
• Continue moisturizer + daily SPF 

Exercise 

• Avoid during early healing 
• Resume light workouts around days 7–10 (if healed) Confirm with provider before returning

Breakouts (If They Occur) 

• Temporary acne may happen due to ointments or skin turnover. What to Do 
• Use a gentle OTC acne wash if approved 
• Provider may prescribe sulfur-based treatment 
• Contact your provider before starting acne products 

Resuming Active Skincare 

• Around 2–3 weeks post-treatment (once fully healed): 

You may restart: 

• Vitamin C 
• Retinoids (tretinoin) 
• AHA/BHA exfoliants 
• Strong cleansers or scrubs 
• Introduce slowly (every other night) 

Sun & Long-Term Care 

• Avoid direct sun for 2 weeks
• No tanning for 4 weeks
• Use SPF 30+ daily long-term
• Reapply every 2–3 hours outdoors 

Key Reminders 

• Do not pick or peel
• Keep skin moisturized at all times
• Avoid sun exposure during healing
• Always wear sunscreen
• Follow provider guidance for best results 

Proper aftercare is essential for optimal healing and results after CO₂ laser treatment.

First 24 Hours – Things to Avoid 

During the first day after microneedling, it’s crucial to protect your skin for optimal healing: 

No makeup – let your skin breathe. 

Avoid sun exposure – no tanning or direct sunlight. 

No vigorous exercise – avoid sweating that can irritate the skin. No heat exposure – avoid hot showers, saunas, jacuzzis, steam rooms, and hot yoga. 

Do not touch, pick, or scratch your face. 

Avoid pets and small children touching your face. 

Do not use harsh skincare products – no retinoids, acids, or exfoliants. Clean your phone before touching your face; use hands-free options. Use clean pillowcases and linens to avoid bacteria contact while sleeping. 

Microneedling Post-Care: Days 1–5 

Day 1: Immediately After Treatment 

• Expect redness, warmth, and mild swelling, similar to a moderate sunburn. Light pinpoint bleeding or bruising may appear. 
• Do not pick or scratch any scabs. 
• Pain relief: Tylenol/Acetaminophen is safe. Avoid Ibuprofen, Advil, Motrin, Aspirin. 
• Cold compresses can reduce swelling. 
• Continue avoiding sun, heat, makeup, and exercise. 

Day 2: Gentle Care & Protection 

• Redness and tightness usually start to subside. 
• Wash face with a gentle cleanser containing no active ingredients (no retinoids, acids, or exfoliants). 
• Apply hydrating moisturizer as needed. 
• If going outside, be sure to use SPF 30+ and/or protective clothing like a hat. Continue phone hygiene and use hands-free options. 
• Continue avoiding anti-inflammatory medications for optimal healing.

Day 3: Skin Recovery & Hydration 

• Skin may feel slightly dry or rough – keep it moisturized. 
• Continue to avoid sun, saunas, hot yoga, jacuzzis, or steam rooms until Day 5. 
• Mild peeling or flaking is normal. 
• Gentle cleansing with no active ingredients and hydration remain key. Gentle exercise can be resumed if you are comfortable, but avoid heavy sweating that might irritate the skin. 

Day 4: Monitoring & Gradual Routine 

• Redness should continue to fade. 
• Mild dryness is normal; continue moisturizing. 
• If skin is calm, you can slowly resume light makeup. 
• Sun protection with SPF 30+ is required. 
• Moderate exercise can be resumed if your skin feels normal and irritation has reduced. 

Day 5: Healing & Resuming Normal Skincare 

• Most irritation should be gone; minor dryness may remain. 
• Resume normal skincare products if no irritation is present. 
• Avoid aggressive exfoliants for a few more days. 
• Regular exercise routines can be resumed fully if your skin has healed and shows no signs of irritation. 
• Visible improvements in texture, tone, and glow may begin, but full results develop over 4–6 weeks. 

Contact Us Immediately If: 

Drainage that looks like pus 

Increased warmth or swelling 

Fever of 101.5°F or higher 

Severe pain unrelieved by Tylenol 

Following these instructions ensures safe healing, maximum results, and healthy, glowing skin.

V-BEAM LASER POST-CARE 

To ensure optimal healing and the best possible results, please follow the guidelines below. Your skin has been carefully treated and requires gentle, attentive care in the days following your procedure. 

First 24 Hours – Essential Care 

Your skin will be more sensitive immediately following treatment. During this time, it is important to minimize irritation and protect the treated area: 

• Avoid makeup to allow the skin to recover undisturbed 
• Avoid direct sun exposure and heat 
• Refrain from strenuous exercise or activities that may cause sweating Avoid hot showers, saunas, steam rooms, jacuzzis, and hot yoga Do not touch, rub, pick, or scratch the treated area 
• Avoid alcohol and blood-thinning substances (aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamin E, fish oil) 
• Use clean pillowcases and avoid unnecessary contact with the treated skin

Days 1–5: Healing Process 

Day 1: Post-Treatment 

• You may experience redness, warmth, swelling, or bruising (purpura), which is a normal response to treatment. 
• A mild stinging or heat sensation may occur and typically resolves within several hours 
• Cool compresses may be applied for comfort 
• Remain upright for 4 to 6 hours post-treatment 
• Acetaminophen (Tylenol) may be used if needed 
• Continue to avoid sun exposure, heat, makeup, and exercise 

Day 2: Gentle Recovery 

• Redness or bruising may still be present as the skin begins to recover. 
• Cleanse gently with a mild, non-irritating cleanser 
• Apply a hydrating, gentle moisturizer as needed 
• Continue to avoid heat, sun exposure, and vigorous activity 
• Do not disturb the skin if any crusting develops

Day 3: Skin Renewal 

• The skin may feel slightly dry, tight, or sensitive as healing progresses. 
• Continue gentle cleansing and consistent hydration 
• Avoid sun exposure and heat-based environments 
• Light activity may be resumed if the skin feels comfortable 

Day 4: Visible Improvement 

• Redness and discoloration should begin to soften. 
• Skin comfort continues to improve 
• Makeup may be applied if the skin is intact and free of irritation 
• Daily sun protection with SPF 30 or higher is essential 

Day 5: Ongoing Recovery 

• Most visible irritation should be resolving. 
• Resume normal daily activities as tolerated 
• Continue to avoid harsh or active skincare products if sensitivity remains Maintain consistent sun protection 

General Care Guidelines 

If crusting or scabbing occurs, allow it to resolve naturally without interference Keep the skin lightly moisturized with a gentle ointment if needed Avoid swimming until the skin is fully healed 

Refrain from using retinoids, acids, or exfoliants until the skin has completely recovered 

Results and Expectations 

Visible improvement develops gradually over the following weeks. A series of treatments may be recommended to achieve optimal results. Individual outcomes will vary. 

When to Contact the Office 

Please contact our office if you experience: 

Increasing redness, warmth, swelling, or signs of infection 

Unusual or prolonged discomfort 

Any concerns regarding your healing process 

Careful adherence to these instructions will support a smooth recovery and enhance the overall results of your V-Beam treatment.

First 4 Hours: 

• Do NOT touch, rub, or massage the treated area. 
• Stay upright; do NOT lie down. 

First 24 Hours: 

• Avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, or straining. 
• Avoid extreme heat (saunas, steam rooms, hot tubs). 

First 10 Days: 

• Avoid facial treatments (facials, laser, microdermabrasion). Results: 
• Effects may appear in 4–14 days. 
• If results aren’t visible after 2 weeks, a touch-up may be needed.

Immediately After Treatment: 

Do NOT massage or manipulate the treated area (unless instructed). Apply a cool compress for 15 minutes each hour if swelling occurs. 

First 24 Hours: 

• Avoid strenuous exercise. 

First 72 Hours: 

• Avoid heat exposure and sunburn risk (saunas, steam rooms, hot tubs, tanning). 
• Limit alcohol and salty foods to reduce swelling. 

Sleeping: 

• Sleep on your back with head slightly elevated if swelling occurs. Comfort: 
• Use Tylenol for discomfort. 

General Tips: 

• Avoid touching, pressing, or massaging any treated areas. 
• Be patient—final results may take up to 2 weeks. 
• Contact your provider if you notice unusual swelling, bruising, or asymmetry.

Immediately After Treatment 

• Redness & bumps are normal; may last 2 hours or more. 
• Treated area may feel like a sunburn—use a cold compress if needed. If crusting appears, apply antibiotic cream. 
• Darker skin may feel more sensitive and take longer to calm. 

First 24–48 Hours 

• Clean gently with mild soap; pat dry, don’t rub. 
• Avoid makeup, lotion, deodorant for 24 hours. 
• Keep the area clean and dry; continue avoiding products if irritation persists. Hair Shedding & Exfoliation 
• Dead hairs will shed 5–30 days after treatment. 
• Stubble is normal—it’s the hair shedding, not new growth. 
• Gently exfoliate or shave to help hair come out faster. 

Sun & Skin Protection 

• Avoid sun exposure for 2 months to prevent dark/light spots. Use SPF 25+ sunscreen daily during treatment and for 1–2 months after. 

Hair Removal Rules 

• Do NOT pick, scratch, wax, thread, or tweeze the treated area. Shaving only during your laser treatment course. 

What to Expect 

• Hair growth varies—most clients see results after 6–9 sessions. Be patient—shedding and regrowth are normal parts of the process.

Apply Aquaphor® or Vaseline® and cover with a non-stick dressing and paper tape. 

Continue lubricant & dressing for 7–10 days. 

Protect the area from trauma for 7–10 days. 

Avoid exercise or rough activities for 1–2 days; avoid high-impact sports for 10 days. 

Avoid excessive sweating to prevent tissue disruption. 

Once crusting or irritation resolves, you may resume your normal skincare. Use broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen throughout treatment and after healing. 

Treat the area gently until fully healed. 

Avoid trauma for 7–10 days. 

Avoid exercise or rough activities for 1–2 days; avoid high-impact sports for 10 days. 

Avoid excessive sweating. 

Apply Vaseline or barrier repair moisturizer twice daily until healed. Use broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen during treatment and for 4–6 weeks after. 

Resume normal skincare once irritation/crusting resolves. 

General Tips for All Picoway Treatments 

Keep the area clean, moisturized, and protected. 

Avoid trauma, sweating, and sun exposure until fully healed. 

Use SPF 30+ sunscreen consistently.