What should you know about skin after CO2 laser?

CO2 laser resurfacing removes or heats targeted layers of skin. Recovery varies with treatment depth and area. Early changes can include warmth, redness, swelling, tightness, oozing, crusting, and peeling. New skin may look pink or darker or lighter than nearby skin for a while. Texture changes develop gradually, and sun exposure can make uneven colour more noticeable during healing.

Use only the cleanser, ointment, moisturiser, and sunscreen recommended by your treating team. Keep hands off flakes and crusts, avoid picking, and protect the area from direct sun and heat. Pause irritating cosmetics, exfoliants, and active skincare until cleared. Do not judge the final result while the skin is still inflamed; attend the planned review so healing can be checked.

Contact the clinic for worsening pain, spreading redness, increasing swelling, pus, fever, or a rash that is not settling. Seek urgent care for breathing trouble, facial swelling affecting the eyes, severe eye pain, or vision change.

Ask what depth was used, how to clean the area, which products to avoid, when makeup and exercise can resume, and how to respond to colour changes or delayed healing.