Key Takeaways
- After a NanoLaser Peel, keeping the treated skin well-moisturized with Aquaphor or a provider-recommended ointment is essential for healing and reducing discomfort.
- Patients should avoid picking, scratching, or peeling the treated skin, as this can cause scarring, infection, and prolong the healing process significantly.
- Direct sun exposure must be strictly avoided for at least two to four weeks following treatment, with daily broad-spectrum sunscreen essential once healing is complete.
- Strenuous exercise, hot baths, and activities causing significant sweating should be avoided in the first few days after treatment to protect the healing skin.
- Following aftercare instructions precisely is one of the most important factors in achieving a successful recovery and the best possible treatment results.
Imagine being able to achieve smooth, luminous skin, smaller pores, and a refreshed, healthy glow—all from one fast, noninvasive treatment. It may sound too good to be true, but we’re here to tell you that it’s not. It’s a NanoLaser Peel treatment, and we perform it every day at our med spa in Northern Virginia.
NanoLaser Peel is a fast, effective laser treatment that improves skin texture, decreases discoloration, and removes the upper layer of skin to accelerate your skin’s own renewal process and improve the appearance over time. There are many benefits to choosing NanoLaser Peel to refresh your complexion and improve your skin’s tone and texture.
However, understanding how to properly manage your NanoLaser Peel aftercare is key to ensuring an effective treatment, a successful recovery process, and results that you’re sure to love. Below, we’ll share the most important dos and don’ts for managing your NanoLaser Peel aftercare.
NanoLaser Peel Aftercare: The Dos
Your NanoLaser Peel results will only be as good as your aftercare efforts. By taking the proper precautions and letting your skin recover the right way, you’re much more likely to achieve life-changing results without complications. For the first 1-2 days after treatment, you should gently cleanse the area 2-3 times a day. After this, apply SkinCeuticals Hydra Balm (or something similar) to keep skin hydrated and healthy during the healing process. On day 2, we recommend you begin using SkinCeuticals Epidermal Repair Cream or a similar product. This will help keep the skin hydrated while it begins to peel slightly—a completely normal part of the NanoLaser Peel aftercare and recovery process. Once your skin is finished healing, you should regularly apply a zinc-based sunscreen to maintain your youthful appearance. You might consider getting NanoLaser Peel as part of a complete skin care regimen, along with a BBL/IPL treatment in order to enhance your results.NanoLaser Peel Aftercare: The Don’ts
Although there are a ton of benefits to getting this treatment, it’s extremely important that you take care to follow your NanoLaser Peel aftercare instructions. By not following critical steps in the aftercare process, such as keeping the area clean and hydrated, you can increase the risk of the following negative side effects.- Infection: If you have a history of getting cold sores or have the herpes virus, you should let your provider know right away so you can be pretreated with antiviral medication. By taking antivirals in advance, you can ensure that your treatment won’t trigger a flare-up of the infection.
- Changes in skin color: If you have a darker complexion, laser resurfacing may cause darkening of the skin in certain spots, a condition called hyperpigmentation.
- Redness and swelling: Though you may experience some redness and swelling, in most cases this doesn’t last longer than 1-2 days following your treatment.
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have metal implants in the skin
- Have an active skin infection or open wound
- Have a history of keloid formation or abnormal scarring
- Have taken Accutane within the past year
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most important aftercare step after a NanoLaser Peel?
Keeping the treated skin well-moisturized is the top priority. Your provider will recommend a specific ointment such as Aquaphor to apply regularly. Maintaining adequate moisture reduces discomfort, supports faster recovery, and helps achieve the smoothest possible results.
Can I pick at the skin after a NanoLaser Peel?
No. Picking, scratching, or manually peeling treated skin is critically important to avoid. The skin naturally exfoliates on its own during healing, and interfering with this process can cause scarring, introduce bacteria, and significantly worsen the final result.
When can I go back in the sun after a NanoLaser Peel?
Direct sun exposure should be strictly avoided for at least two to four weeks while the new skin heals. Once your provider clears you, daily broad-spectrum sunscreen is essential to protect the fresh, vulnerable skin from UV damage and hyperpigmentation.
What activities should I avoid during recovery?
Strenuous exercise, hot baths or showers, saunas, swimming, and activities causing significant sweating or heat exposure should be avoided for the first several days after treatment. Heat and moisture on healing skin can increase redness, irritation, and infection risk.
How long does recovery from a NanoLaser Peel take?
Most patients experience three to five days of redness, warmth, and skin flaking before feeling comfortable in public. Full healing varies by treatment depth, but most patients return to their normal routine within a week. Your provider will give a specific timeline based on your individual treatment.