What Not to Do After an Erbium Laser Treatment: Essential Aftercare Guide

Key Takeaways

• The healing period after erbium laser resurfacing typically follows a predictable 2–6 week timeline, patience and protection are key.
• Avoiding sun, makeup, heat, and harsh skin care products preserves results and prevents complications.
• Gentle hydration, physical sunscreen, and topical moisturisers recommended by your dermatologist are your best friends.
• Reintroduce active ingredients slowly (3–6 weeks post-treatment) under professional supervision.
• Follow-up appointments help fine-tune your recovery and sustain long-term collagen benefits.

Understanding the Healing Process After Erbium Laser Resurfacing

After erbium laser resurfacing, your skin undergoes a well-defined healing process. Since the ablative laser removes damaged surface cells, the body responds by producing new skin and fresh collagen to restore smoothness and elasticity. Recognising this natural timeline allows you to better protect your results and avoid setbacks during recovery.

Stages of Healing After Erbium Laser (Day-by-Day or Week-by-Week)

Here’s a general breakdown of what to expect during the days after treatment and how to care for your skin at each stage:

• Initial recovery (Days 1–3): Skin appears red, mildly swollen, and warm (sometimes with slight oozing) and care should focus on keeping the area clean, using sterile compresses, and avoiding harsh products or touching the skin.
• Peeling phase (Days 4–7): Skin begins flaking or peeling as old cells shed naturally, and you should apply soothing ointments while avoiding exfoliation or scrubbing.
• Regeneration phase (Week 2): Fresh pink skin emerges, and care should prioritise sunscreen protection, no makeup, and gentle hydration.
• Maturation phase (Weeks 3–6): Skin texture smooths and redness fades, and you can gradually reintroduce mild skincare products like hydrating serums and moisturisers under professional guidance.

Why Proper Aftercare Is Crucial for Lasting Results

Proper aftercare protects your skin barrier, prevents infection, and supports ongoing collagen regeneration. In the first few days after treatment, your skin acts like a delicate wound as new skin begins to form, making it highly sensitive to irritation and environmental stress.

Skipping sun protection or topical care can lead to ooze, redness, or delayed healing in the days after treatment, while harsh routines may cause pigmentation or scarring. Gentle care, hydration, and patience ensure your laser skin resurfacing results stay smooth, healthy, and long-lasting.

What Not to Do After an Erbium Laser Treatment

Avoiding the wrong actions is just as important as following the right ones. The treated area remains fragile during the week after treatment, so it’s essential to know which habits can slow your recovery or cause sun damage. Here’s what you should never do after your erbium laser procedure.

Avoid Sun Exposure and Tanning Beds

Freshly treated skin is extremely photosensitive in the days after treatment. Even brief or indirect sunlight exposure can cause irritation, redness, or pigmentation changes that are difficult to reverse. Your new skin lacks the protective melanin barrier it once had, making it vulnerable to sun damage and heat-related inflammation.

To prevent complications, avoid direct sun exposure and steer clear of tanning beds or UV lamps entirely. Indoor light sources like halogen or heat lamps can also cause irritation if placed too close to the treated area.

Stay indoors whenever possible, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM when UV radiation is strongest. If you must go outside, wear a wide-brimmed hat, UV-protective clothing, and apply a broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen twice a day once your new skin has re-epithelialized (usually 7–10 days post-procedure).

Consistent UV protection doesn’t just prevent sun damage, it safeguards the collagen your treatment helped rebuild, preserving your smoother texture and even tone for the long term.

Don’t Pick, Scratch, or Exfoliate Peeling Skin

In the first few days, your skin may show mild ooze, crusting, or peeling, a normal response as old cells shed to reveal new skin underneath. It can be tempting to accelerate the process by rubbing, scrubbing, or peeling off loose flakes, but doing so can easily break the healing surface.

Disrupting these layers before they naturally detach may cause open wounds, infection, and even permanent scarring or pigmentation. Instead, keep the treated area clean, avoid friction from towels or clothing, and use only your provider-approved topical products to maintain moisture and comfort.

Apply healing ointments or barrier-repair moisturisers twice a day, and let your skin exfoliate at its own pace. Within a week after treatment, most patients notice the peeling subsiding and smoother new skin emerging naturally.

Skip Makeup Until the Skin Fully Heals

Your skin barrier remains fragile for several days post-procedure. During the week after treatment, you should completely avoid makeup, even mineral or “light” formulas. Applying foundation, concealer, or powder too soon can clog pores, trap bacteria, and interfere with oxygen exchange in your new skin.

Once peeling has fully stopped and your practitioner confirms the barrier is intact, you may reintroduce non-comedogenic or mineral-based makeup. Start with clean brushes and applicators to avoid contamination. Until then, prioritise healing and protection by using topical products that calm inflammation and replenish hydration twice a day.

Avoid Hot Showers, Saunas, and Intense Exercise

Excessive heat and sweat are your biggest enemies during the healing phase. In the days after treatment, your skin is already flushed from increased circulation; adding more heat can worsen redness, cause swelling, or delay healing.

Avoid hot showers, saunas, steam rooms, and strenuous physical activity that induces heavy sweating. Overheating the treated area may also increase the risk of ooze or irritation. Opt for cool or lukewarm water when cleansing, gently pat your face dry, and skip strenuous workouts for at least two weeks.

By keeping body temperature stable and inflammation low, you’ll give your new skin the calm environment it needs to recover effectively.

Don’t Use Harsh Skincare or Active Ingredients

During the first two to three weeks, your new skin is still rebuilding its natural barrier. Introducing activities too early, like glycolic acid, salicylic acid, retinoids, or alcohol-based toners, can strip away moisture, trigger irritation, and cause long-term sun damage.

Instead, follow a minimalist approach. Use gentle cleansers, hydrating topical moisturisers, and soothing creams recommended by your provider. Apply them twice a day to maintain comfort and moisture balance. Once the week after treatment has passed and your skin looks calm and even-toned, activities may be reintroduced gradually under professional supervision.

This patient approach helps your laser skin resurfacing results last longer and prevents sensitivity or rebound breakouts.

Avoid Alcohol, Smoking, and Certain Medications

The days after treatment are critical for collagen formation, and habits like alcohol consumption or smoking can slow this process dramatically. Both restrict blood flow and reduce oxygen supply to healing tissues, resulting in dull, uneven recovery.

You should also be cautious with medications that thin the blood, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, which may cause bruising or prolonged ooze. Always consult your doctor before resuming them. For best results, avoid using alcohol and tobacco for at least a week after treatment to give your new skin the best chance to regenerate and strengthen.

Avoid Home Remedies or DIY Skincare Hacks

While “natural” ingredients may sound appealing, DIY treatments are rarely sterile or pH-balanced enough for healing skin. Applying lemon juice, vinegar, coconut oil, or even raw aloe from plants can irritate new skin, trigger allergic reactions, and make your face more prone to sun damage.

Many of these substances are too acidic or occlusive for freshly resurfaced skin and can undo the precision of your ablative laser treatment. Instead, stick to professional, dermatologist-approved topical formulations specifically made for post-laser recovery. These are designed to soothe, hydrate, and protect your treated area without interference.

Why These Activities Can Damage Healing Skin

Ignoring laser aftercare instructions can undo weeks of progress and compromise your skin rejuvenation results. The ablative laser treatment used in erbium laser skin resurfacing removes damaged surface layers and triggers deep collagen renewal, but this process also leaves your new skin temporarily vulnerable. 

When you fail to allow your skin the time and conditions it needs to heal, even small mistakes like premature applying makeup or using glycolic acid can trigger irritation, infection, or scarring. Following your provider’s post care plan precisely is key to achieving optimal results and maintaining smooth, even-toned skin long-term.

Common Risks: Infection, Pigmentation, and Scarring

Possible erbium laser complications include infection, temporary pigmentation changes, and mild scarring. Picking at peeling skin or applying unapproved products too early can disrupt the delicate new tissue that’s forming underneath, allowing bacteria to enter the treated area and increasing the risk of infection.

Post-laser pigmentation, especially in the 14 days following your procedure, is another frequent issue caused by sun exposure or harsh activities such as glycolic acid and retinoids. Even light scratching or friction can leave behind dark marks or uneven tone, while deeper trauma may result in visible scarring. To prevent these reactions, it’s essential to follow your practitioner’s aftercare instructions carefully and use products designed for laser-treated skin.

How Disrupting Healing Affects Final Results

Every step of recovery plays a role in your long-term outcome. The ablative laser treatment triggers controlled micro-injury that stimulates collagen synthesis, the core of visible skin rejuvenation. When the healing process is interrupted through poor aftercare or aggressive product use, this collagen remodeling cycle is disrupted. The result is reduced firmness, less smoothness, and diminished optimal results overall.

Even something as simple as applying makeup too soon can introduce bacteria or friction, affecting the quality of your new skin and dulling your final glow. True collagen renewal takes several weeks, so allow your skin the full 14 days or longer to recover before reintroducing any potentially irritating activities or products.

How the Skin Barrier Reacts Post-Treatment

After erbium laser skin resurfacing, the skin barrier remains temporarily impaired due to the precise removal of the outermost epidermal layers. This is expected with any ablative laser treatment, but it also means your skin loses some of its natural moisture and defense against external irritants. During this stage, it’s crucial to support rapid recovery by reinforcing hydration and protection.

Your practitioner may prescribe antiviral medication such as acyclovir to prevent post-laser cold sore outbreaks, especially if you’re prone to herpes simplex infections. Consistent use of gentle moisturisers, occlusive ointments, and barrier-repair formulas will help allow your skin to rebuild its natural shield while minimizing redness, itching, and discomfort.

What You Should Do Instead: Safe Aftercare Practices

Now that you understand what can go wrong, let’s focus on what you should do to encourage healing and achieve optimal results from your erbium laser skin resurfacing treatment. The right post care routine promotes smoother texture, faster regeneration, and minimal risk of pigmentation or scarring.

Keep the Skin Hydrated and Protected

Moisture retention is the foundation of healthy healing. Immediately after treatment and throughout the first 14 days, use an occlusive balm or recovery cream as directed by your provider. Hydration prevents crusting, reduces tightness, and keeps the new skin flexible as it regenerates.

Avoid harsh alcohol-based toners or active ingredients like glycolic acid during this time, as these can compromise barrier repair. Stick with simple, fragrance-free products formulated for laser aftercare and rapid recovery. Keeping your skin consistently hydrated also helps optimize collagen formation for smoother, longer-lasting skin rejuvenation.

Use Gentle Cleansers, Moisturizers, and Sunscreen

Your cleansing routine should be mild, pH-balanced, and non-foaming. Over-cleansing or scrubbing can irritate the treated area, leading to redness or delayed healing. After cleansing, apply a light, dermatologist-approved recovery moisturiser twice a day, and never skip sunscreen once your new skin can tolerate it.

Opt for physical (mineral) SPF formulas containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, they provide broad UV protection without irritation. This is especially important during the 14 days following treatment, when your skin is most prone to sun damage and pigmentation changes.

Dermatologist-Recommended Ingredients (Panthenol, Ceramides, Niacinamide)

Specific ingredients can make a significant difference in the recovery phase of laser aftercare:

• Panthenol: A soothing humectant that calms redness, reduces irritation, and accelerates regeneration after ablative laser treatment.
• Ceramides: Reinforce the lipid barrier, locking in moisture and shielding against environmental pollutants during post care.
• Niacinamide: Minimizes redness, supports balanced oil production, and helps even out tone for optimal results.

Your practitioner may also recommend a mild antiviral (acyclovir) if you are prone to flare-ups, ensuring a smooth, complication-free recovery.

Ideal Post-Laser Skincare Routine (Morning and Night)

Consistency is the secret to rapid recovery and lasting results. Follow this simple yet effective laser aftercare schedule:

Morning Routine

1. Gently cleanse the face using a mild, non-foaming cleanser.
2. Pat dry with a clean towel, never rub.
3. Apply a healing or recovery moisturiser rich in ceramides and panthenol.
4. Finish with a broad-spectrum mineral SPF 50+, reapplying as needed through the day.

Night Routine

1. Cleanse gently to remove debris or sunscreen buildup.
2. Apply a calming serum or light barrier-repair product if advised by your practitioner.
3. Seal in hydration with a topical healing balm or rich recovery moisturiser applied twice a day.
4. Continue antiviral or prescribed medications such as acyclovir as directed to prevent irritation or infection.

By following these structured care instructions and giving your body time to allow your skin to heal naturally, you’ll achieve smoother texture, refined tone, and truly optimal results from your erbium laser skin resurfacing procedure.

When Can I Wear Makeup or Exercise After Erbium Laser?

Patience ensures results that last and skin that stays smooth. After any fractional ablative laser or ablative treatment, the healing phase is critical to long-term success. Knowing when to resume makeup, exercise, and activities is part of effective laser aftercare and supports rapid recovery.

Guidelines for Returning to Makeup and Workouts

During the initial recovery phase immediately after treatment, the skin remains tender and prone to irritation. For most patients, it takes about 7–10 days before post care allows gentle applying makeup again, and roughly two weeks before returning to light workouts.

Only reintroduce these activities once redness, flaking, and sensitivity have subsided completely. Avoid direct sun exposure before and after exercise sessions to reduce the risk of pigmentation or inflammation.

If your treatment combines erbium laser skin resurfacing with another modality, such as a pulsed dye laser or subsequent laser session, your dermatologist may extend this timeline, as deeper resurfacing requires longer recovery. Always follow your practitioner’s instructions for laser healing precisely to ensure the best possible results.

Signs That the Skin Has Fully Recovered

Your skin’s readiness to resume normal activity is determined by visible and sensory cues. Signs that indicate full recovery include:

• No flaking or peeling; the new skin has completely regenerated.
• Even tone without redness; suggesting the vascular response has settled.
• No tenderness when applying moisturisers or topical products; your barrier function has been restored.

Once these milestones are achieved, you can safely resume makeup and post care exercise routines without disrupting collagen repair or slowing rapid recovery.

How to Reintroduce Active Ingredients Gradually

Following any ablative treatment, it’s essential to reintroduce active ingredients slowly and under professional supervision. Your provider’s instructions for laser aftercare will typically recommend this phased approach:

• Week 3–4: Start with hydrating serums containing ceramides or niacinamide to strengthen the barrier.
• Week 4–6: Add gentle activities such as low-strength retinol or mild AHAs. Avoid strong glycolic acid or exfoliants unless specifically cleared.

Reintroducing activities too early may inflame healing tissue and undo your skin rejuvenation progress. Gradual reintroduction allows your new skin to adjust, maintaining moisture and collagen balance while optimising results from your fractional ablative laser.

Common Mistakes Patients Make After Erbium Laser

Many patients unintentionally slow rapid recovery by skipping key laser aftercare steps. After erbium laser skin resurfacing, the skin is fragile and needs gentle post care.

Avoid applying makeup, using glycolic acid, or getting a subsequent laser too soon. Follow your provider’s instructions for laser care, avoid direct sun exposure, and use approved products for lasting skin rejuvenation results.

Ignoring Sun Protection or Aftercare Instructions

Skipping sunscreen, even for a single day, can cause post-laser pigmentation, irritation, and visible sun damage. UV exposure counteracts the benefits of your ablative treatment, leading to uneven tone, prolonged redness, and in some cases, dark patches that take months to fade. 

Since erbium laser skin resurfacing temporarily removes the protective outer layer, your new skin is especially sensitive to sunlight and heat. Patients are strongly advised to avoid direct sun exposure for at least 14 days after treatment and to wear a broad-spectrum, mineral SPF 50+ daily once healing allows. 

Follow your practitioner’s care instructions exactly as provided both prior to the procedure and throughout recovery. Proper sun protection is one of the easiest yet most effective ways to maintain long-term, optimal results.

Using Over-the-Counter Products Too Soon

Many over-the-counter or “natural” formulations contain glycolic acid, alcohol, or essential oils that may seem mild but can irritate fragile, healing skin. Even products labeled “organic” or “clean” can strip moisture and disrupt the barrier during laser aftercare, especially in the days after treatment when the skin is rebuilding itself.

Stick only to dermatologist-recommended post care products designed for rapid recovery, and avoid experimenting with new formulas until your provider approves. These medical-grade formulations are specifically balanced to calm inflammation and support collagen regeneration, key to preventing redness, dryness, or long-term sensitivity.

Believing Social Media Myths About Laser Recovery

Misinformation online can easily derail your rapid recovery. DIY trends like applying raw aloe, coconut oil, or exfoliating immediately after treatment can trap bacteria, delay healing, and weaken collagen formation. 

Some influencers promote “quick fixes” that may work for mild peels but not for ablative laser treatment or pulsed dye laser procedures, which require specialized post care.

Always trust science-backed, clinical guidance over social media fads. Follow your dermatologist’s instructions for laser healing carefully, and never substitute them with unverified online advice. Consistent professional laser aftercare ensures smoother texture, balanced tone, and optimal results, without the unnecessary risks.

How to Protect and Maintain Results Long-Term

Once your skin has fully healed after an erbium laser resurfacing treatment, the duration of erbium laser results largely depends on your long-term care and lifestyle habits. While the procedure effectively renews the skin and reduces visible signs of aging, it doesn’t stop the natural aging cycle. 

Ongoing Skincare Routine for Post-Laser Skin

After your skin has fully healed, continue treating it as if it were still in recovery, because newly regenerated skin remains more delicate than untreated areas for several months after treatment. Use gentle cleansers, hydrating moisturizers, and broad-spectrum SPF daily to protect the collagen and clarity achieved from your laser resurfacing treatment.

Avoid over-exfoliation, especially during the days after the procedure, when the skin is sensitive. Instead, focus on keeping the skin moist with lightweight, fragrance-free creams and hydrating serums. 

These maintain suppleness and prevent dryness or irritation. Regular use of antioxidants and barrier-supporting ingredients helps strengthen and balance your skin tone and texture over time.

When to Schedule Maintenance or Follow-Up Treatments

For lasting rejuvenation, periodic maintenance treatments are recommended once your skin has fully healed. The erbium resurfacing session count can vary depending on skin condition and desired improvement, but most patients benefit from professional follow-ups every 6–12 months to boost collagen and refine overall tone. These sessions may include milder laser resurfacing treatments, light chemical peels, or non-ablative lasers that maintain brightness without downtime.

Your provider may suggest scheduling check-ins based on how your skin responds in the months after treatment. Even if your results appear stable, collagen activity gradually slows over time, so planned maintenance ensures long-term vibrancy and smoothness.

Recommended Sunscreen Types for Post-Laser Skin (Physical vs. Chemical)

Sun protection remains essential well beyond the healing phase. The skin is sensitive to UV light for many months after treatment, so it’s critical to avoid direct sun exposure, especially during peak hours.

Choose physical (mineral) sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, as they sit on the skin’s surface and deflect UV rays without triggering irritation. These are safer for resurfaced skin than chemical filters, which absorb heat and can cause redness in post-laser recovery. 

Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 50+ every morning, and reapply throughout the day, even indoors or during cloudy weather. This simple habit protects collagen fibers and preserves the smooth, even skin tone and texture achieved from your treatment.

Long-Term Lifestyle Factors That Support Skin Health (Hydration, Sleep, Diet)

Healthy lifestyle choices play a major role in sustaining your laser resurfacing treatment results. Long before and prior to the procedure, balanced nutrition and hydration prepare the body for effective collagen synthesis. Continue these practices immediately after treatment and beyond for best results.

• Hydration: Drink enough water daily to keep the skin moist and elastic.
• Diet: Eat antioxidant-rich foods, berries, leafy greens, and omega-3 fats, to protect cells from oxidative stress.
• Sleep: Aim for 7–8 hours of sleep each night, allowing your skin to repair micro-damage naturally.

These habits strengthen your barrier, support ongoing collagen renewal, and keep your skin tone and texture even long after your laser resurfacing treatment.

Professional Guidance for Post-Erbium Laser Recovery

Following up with your provider is one of the most important steps in ensuring your laser resurfacing treatment heals properly and delivers lasting results. Whether it’s immediately after treatment, during the days after the procedure, or even months after treatment, professional oversight helps you identify issues early, protect your skin tone and texture, and ensure full recovery with proper care.

Why Dermatologist-Approved Aftercare Matters

Your dermatologist understands how deep the ablative laser penetrated, how your skin is sensitive to certain ingredients, and which products best maintain hydration and healing. Generic skincare advice or online recommendations often fail to consider these personal factors.

By following dermatologist-approved post care and avoiding harsh or untested products, you give your skin the best environment to rebuild collagen and maintain smooth skin tone and texture once your skin has fully healed. Always avoid using products not specifically recommended by your provider.

When to Contact Your Provider for Concerns

Even with careful laser aftercare, complications can occasionally arise. Contact your clinic immediately if you notice any of the following:

• Persistent swelling or redness lasting more than a few days
• Pus, fluid, or any unusual discharge from the treated area
• Burning, stinging, or severe discomfort that worsens over time

Your provider may adjust your post care routine, prescribe soothing ointments, or suggest an antiviral or antibiotic if needed. Acting promptly prevents infection and helps your skin stay moist and protected as healing continues.

What to Expect at Your Follow-Up Appointment

Follow-up appointments typically occur within 1–2 weeks after your erbium laser resurfacing treatment, when the skin is sensitive but showing signs of renewal. Your provider will evaluate your skin tone and texture, monitor redness, and check whether your skin has fully healed or still requires barrier support.

If healing is on track, you may be advised to avoid direct sun exposure for a few more weeks and maintain daily SPF. In some cases, light maintenance peels, hydrating serums, or even mild subsequent laser treatments are recommended to enhance long-term smoothness and brightness.

Questions to Ask Your Provider During Recovery

As you progress through recovery, be proactive in understanding your skin’s needs. Helpful questions include:

• When can I safely resume retinol, AHAs, or other active ingredients?
• Which moisturizer and sunscreen are best suited for my skin type long-term?
• How can I maintain even skin tone and texture and prevent pigmentation in the months after treatment?

Asking these questions ensures your ongoing routine supports healing and enhances results. A good rule of thumb, if you’re unsure about any step, wait and consult your provider before introducing or using products on your newly resurfaced skin.

Before You Go…

Achieving lasting, visible results from erbium laser resurfacing isn’t just about the procedure itself, it’s about how you prepare, heal, and care for your skin in the weeks that follow. The success of your results depends on selecting a qualified laser specialist, following a customised post care plan, and maintaining healthy habits that support ongoing skin renewal.

Every stage matters, from how you protect your skin immediately after treatment, to how consistently you hydrate and avoid direct sun exposure in the days after the procedure. With the right guidance, proper care, and long-term commitment, your skin can remain smooth, radiant, and rejuvenated for years to come.

About the Institute of Medical Physics

The Institute of Medical Physics, founded by Dr. Emanuel Paleco, is a leading centre for Medical and Aesthetic Laser Science. With its flagship clinic in King’s Cross and additional practices across North London and Essex, the Institute is recognised for its pioneering research and precision-driven approach to laser skin resurfacing treatments.

Experience advanced, evidence-based care from a team of specialists dedicated to delivering safe, consistent, and long-lasting outcomes. Book your consultation with Dr. Emanuel Paleco and discover how expert science-backed techniques can transform your skin’s tone, texture, and confidence.