POST LASER SKIN - WHEN LASER & SKIN COME TOGETHER
Laser procedures are a very popular method of improving skin’s appearance. They can reduce wrinkles, fine lines, sagging, hyperpigmentation and other signs of aging. They can also be used to remove enlarged blood vessels, unwanted hair, stretch marks, scars and tattoos. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, over 400,000 laser skin resurfacing procedures were performed in the United States in 2008, a rise of 134 percent from 2000. As time goes on, lasers have become ever gentler and safer.

In 2008, about a quarter of these procedures were performed with ablative lasers, which vaporize the upper layer of skin. Examples of this type include the CO2 laser, which uses the high-energy amplified light waves of carbon dioxide, and the Er:YAG, whose lasing medium is erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (No need to memorize this unless you’re planning to develop new laser technology!). In contrast, non-ablative lasers do not burn off the skin surface; they reach gently below the top layer to stimulate new collagen growth. Fractionated lasers, such as the Fraxel, target small areas of skin with very little effect on surrounding tissue. Each type of laser is best suited to specific problems.

The healing process and time frame varies with different types of lasers. Ablative lasers require the most healing. With any type, your physician will recommend procedures to follow during the most critical period—the first three to 10 days—to minimize swelling and discomfort and prevent crusting (which can potentially lead to scarring). After this, you’ll rely on appropriate home care to protect sensitive skin, keep the healing process going and maintain your new standard of beauty.

SKIN RX CLINIC TREATMENTS FOR POST LASER SKIN
No matter what kind of skin you had before your laser procedure, you now need to think of it as “sensitive.” Sensitive to sun, chemical, dryness, irritation, inflammation, etc! The best thing you can do for it is treat it gently!

• Avoid sun exposure while skin shows any sign of post-laser pinkness. The goal is to prevent hyperpigmentation, which can be a side effect of laser treatments, especially in olive and dark skin. Even when your skin color returns to normal, use generous applications of broad-spectrum, high SPF sunblock to maintain anti-aging effects.
• Sooth reddened, irritated skin with gentle cleansers and toners that contain calming and anti-inflammatory ingredients like aloe, arnica and beta-glucan.
• Keep skin hydrated to reduce uncomfortable tightness and itching and maintain  treatment results.
• Apply products with Vitamin K.  Research published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology shows that use of vitamin K cream after laser treatments can reduce the severity of bruising and promote healing.
• After a week or two, you can use make-up to help hide any lingering side effects. The best choice would be products suitable for very sensitive skin.

HOW SKIN RX CLINIC CAN TREAT ACNE SCARRING
Advanced Protection SPF 30 lotion not only protects skin, but also hydrates and maintains anti-aging results with green tea, antioxidants and licorice extract. Our Glyco-Lactic Cleanser is soothing to skin, moisturizing and full of anti-inflammatory aloe vera. Free from alcohols, oil, perfumes and dyes, our Hydra Essence Toner also hydrates and offers the benefits of vitamin K plus aloe leaf, arnica and Echinacea. A Skincare Innovation of the Year, RosaPlex Skin Serum is highly recommended for post-treatment skin, with arnica, beta-glucan and a unique hydrating and soothing marine complex.

External Links—For More Information

• “Laser Skin Resurfacing”. Consumer Guide to Plastic Surgery

• “Skin Rejuvenation and Resurfacing”. American Society of Plastic Surgeons

• “Cosmetic Procedures: Laser Resurfacing” WebMD

• “Introduction to Lasers—Dermatology”. American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery

• “The effects of topical vitamin K on bruising after laser treatment”. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology