What to do after laser — the 48-hour and 30-day aftercare

The first 48 hours after a session decide how clean your healing looks. Here's what we tell every patient on their way out.

Hours 0–2

• Some redness and warmth is normal
• Cool compress or aloe vera for comfort
• Don't touch or rub the area

First 24 hours

• Lukewarm showers only — no hot water
• No sauna, steam, or hot yoga
• No strenuous exercise
• No deodorant on underarms
• Cool compress as needed

First 48 hours

• No perfumed products on the treated area
• Gentle cleanser, no exfoliating anything
• Loose clothing over the area
• Stay out of swimming pools — chlorine will sting

First 2 weeks

• SPF 50 daily on the treated area
• No sun tanning, no unprotected beach time
• Shaving's fine — no waxing, plucking, threading
• Resume retinoids and acids after 5–7 days

When to call us

Blisters, broken skin, pain past 24 hours, or white/very dark patches in the treated area. Rare with dermatologist-grade lasers but worth same-day review.