How long does laser skin resurfacing take to work for sun-damaged skin?

Sun-damaged skin may have uneven colour, rough texture, fine lines, or visible spots. Resurfacing removes or heats selected layers of skin, depending on the laser and treatment depth. Redness, swelling, peeling, tightness, or temporary darkening can make the skin look worse before it looks calmer. A lighter treatment may involve a shorter recovery but subtler change; a deeper treatment may create more noticeable remodelling and require more healing time. The final appearance depends on the treatment plan, the amount of sun damage, your skin’s healing response, and whether new sun exposure continues.

Use only the cleanser, ointment, moisturiser, and sunscreen recommended by your treating clinician. Do not scrub, peel flakes, or remove crusts by hand. Keep the treated area away from direct sun and use physical protection such as a hat when outdoors. Avoid heat, swimming, strenuous exercise, and irritating products for as long as your aftercare plan says. Keep follow-up appointments so the clinician can assess healing before adding active ingredients or planning another session. Tell them about cold sores, eczema, medicines, and any tendency to develop dark marks.

Call the clinic if pain, swelling, redness, or drainage is increasing, or if blisters, thick crusts, pus, fever, or spreading warmth develops. Contact the clinician about a new persistent colour change or a wound that is not healing as expected. These symptoms can need treatment and should not be covered with makeup or strong skincare without advice.

Ask which resurfacing depth is planned, how long visible peeling or redness may last, when sunscreen and makeup can resume, and how your history of pigmentation or cold sores changes preparation. Confirm which changes are expected during healing and when a review should happen.