Pre & Post Treatment Care
Pre-Treatment
Post-Treatment
Suggested Post-Care Skincare:
CO2 Laser Pre-Treatment Instructions
Adhering to these instructions is critical for safety, optimal healing, and best results.
Failure to follow pre-treatment guidelines may result in treatment postponement.
LIGHT TREATMENT
2 Weeks Before Treatment
- Avoid sun exposure, tanning beds, and self-tanners
- Use broad-spectrum SPF 30–50 daily
- Discontinue retinoids (retinol, tretinoin, adapalene)
- Apply Alastin Regenerating Skin Nectar (thin layer). This helps strengthen the skin barrier and reduce inflammation from laser treatment.
- Avoid waxing, threading, or depilatory creams in the treatment area (shaving is permitted)
1 Week Before Treatment
- Discontinue exfoliating acids (glycolic, salicylic, lactic), scrubs, and harsh active skincare
- Notify your provider if you are currently taking antibiotics or have any active infection, as treatment timing or post-procedure care may need to be adjusted
- Notify your provider of any new skin irritation, rash, or break in the skin
24–48 Hours Before Treatment
- Avoid strenuous exercise
- Do not apply makeup, lotions, sunscreen, or active skincare products to the treatment area
Day of Treatment
- Arrive with clean skin — no makeup, sunscreen, lotions, or oils
- Inform your provider of recent sun exposure or any medical changes
MODERATE TREATMENT (Fractional CO₂ / Moderate Downtime)
4 Weeks Before Treatment
- Avoid sun exposure, tanning beds, and self-tanners
- Use broad-spectrum SPF 30–50 daily
- Discontinue retinoids (retinol, tretinoin, adapalene)
- Avoid waxing, threading, or depilatory creams in the treatment area (shaving is permitted)
2 Weeks Before Treatment
- Stop exfoliating acids, scrubs, and harsh active products
- Avoid chemical peels, microneedling, or laser treatments
- Notify your provider of any new medications
- If you have a history of cold sores, antiviral medication may be prescribed — take as directed
- Apply Alastin Regenerating Skin Nectar (thin layer). This helps strengthen the skin barrier and reduce inflammation from laser treatment.
1 Week Before Treatment
- Avoid NSAIDs (ibuprofen, aspirin, naproxen) unless prescribed by your physician
- Avoid alcohol and smoking/vaping, as they may impair healing
- Notify your provider if you are taking antibiotics or have any active infection
24–48 Hours Before Treatment
- Avoid strenuous exercise
- Do not apply makeup, lotions, sunscreen, or active skincare products
- Ensure skin is healthy and intact (no rashes, infections, or open wounds)
Day of Treatment
- Arrive with clean skin — no makeup, sunscreen, lotions, or oils
- Inform your provider of any recent sun exposure or medical changes
AGGRESSIVE TREATMENT (Ablative CO₂ / Full Resurfacing)
4–6 Weeks Before Treatment
- Strict sun avoidance; no tanning beds or self-tanners
- Use broad-spectrum SPF 30–50 daily
- Discontinue all retinoids and active skincare
- Avoid waxing, threading, or depilatory creams in the treatment area (shaving is permitted)
2 Weeks Before Treatment
- Discontinue exfoliating acids, scrubs, and harsh skincare
- Avoid chemical peels, microneedling, or other laser treatments
- Notify your provider of all medications and supplements
- Apply Alastin Regenerating Skin Nectar (thin layer). This helps strengthen the skin barrier and reduce inflammation from laser treatment.
- Antiviral prophylaxis may be prescribed if you have a history of cold sores — take as directed
1 Week Before Treatment
- Avoid NSAIDs unless prescribed by your physician
- Avoid alcohol and smoking/vaping
- Notify your provider if you are taking antibiotics or have any active infection, as this may require postponement or modified post-procedure care
24–48 Hours Before Treatment
- Avoid strenuous exercise
- Do not apply makeup, lotions, sunscreen, or active skincare products – Skin must be healthy and intact (no rashes, infections, open wounds, or active acne)
Day of Treatment
- Arrive with clean skin — no makeup, sunscreen, lotions, or oils
- Inform your provider of:
– Recent sun exposure
– Pregnancy or breastfeeding
– Active acne, cold sores, or skin infections
– Any changes in medical history or medications
Important Notes
CO₂ laser treatment cannot be performed on tanned or sunburned skin – Treatment may be postponed if the skin is irritated, compromised, or infected – Downtime and results vary based on treatment depth and individual healing response
CO2 Laser Post-Treatment Instructions
LIGHT TREATMENT
What to Expect
- Warm or sunburn-like sensation for up to 24 hours
- Mild redness and possible light swelling
- Skin may feel rough or dry for 3–7 days
- Minimal downtime; most patients resume normal activities quickly
Post-Care Instructions
- Apply a thin layer of Alastin Nectar then Alastin Soothe & Protect and/or ZO
Hydrating Cream regularly — do not let skin dry out - Avoid touching or cleansing the area for the first 24 hours
- After 24 hours, cleanse gently with a mild cleanser
- Avoid sun exposure, intense workouts, and sweating
– If sweating occurs, cleanse gently with a 50/50 vinegar and water mix - Sleep with a clean pillowcase and head slightly elevated
- Avoid makeup and makeup brushes for 48 hours
– Mineral makeup is preferred if needed - A cool misting spray may be used for comfort
Downtime
- Redness similar to a sunburn for 2–3 days
- Light peeling or rough skin may occur; gentle exfoliation is ok after day 4
MODERATE TREATMENT
What to Expect
- Moderate redness and swelling
- Peeling and dryness typically begins 2–7 days post-treatment
- Possible clear drainage or light oozing in first 24–48 hours
- Downtime varies but typically 5–7 days
Post-Care Instructions (First 48–72 Hours)
- Do not shower face or neck for 48 hours
- Wash hands thoroughly before touching treated areas
- Perform vinegar soaks (see at bottom) every 4–6 hours
- After each soak:
– Pat dry (do not rub)
– Apply a thick layer of Alastin Soothe & Protect - After 24 hours:
– Use Alastin Nectar during the day
– Continue Soothe & Protect at night - Keep head elevated while sleeping
- Avoid heat, sun exposure, and sweating
After First Week
- Continue Alastin Nectar twice daily for 2-4 weeks
- Begin prescription-grade SPF once skin has healed
- Do not pick or pull peeling skin
AGGRESSIVE TREATMENT
What to Expect
- Significant redness and swelling (may last 1–2 weeks)
- Exudates/bleeding/crusting. Clear fluid (exudates) or blood may ooze onto skin. Frequent wound cleaning and Soothe and Protect during the first days post procedure is critical in preventing crusting. Do not rub/scrub.
- Acne or milia formation: Flare-up of acne or formation of milia possible and may appear 2-4 days post treatment. This is usually self-limiting and resolves within one week. Do not pick at lesions.
- Risk of infection from bacterial, viral or fungal agents exists despite our best
preventative effort. Wash your hands! Keep your environment clean! This is a must. - Scarring may occur from crusting, infection, or simply being exposed to laser. This risk is extremely low with the Fractionated CO2 laser.
- Itching usually occurs as a part of the normal wound healing process. This usually occurs 3-4 days post procedure and may last up to one week. Cold compresses (20 minutes on and off) as needed to alter sensation can help. An oral antihistamine such as Zyrtec or Benadryl can also help.
- Redness may persist for several weeks to months
- Downtime typically 7–14+ days
Post-Care Instructions (Critical First Week)
- Vinegar soaks:
– Every 2–3 hours for first 24 hours
– Every 3–4 hours after 24 hours
– Continue daily or as needed after 48 hours - Apply Alastin Nectar then Soothe & Protect after every cleansing
- Do not rub, scrub, or pick at skin
- Keep environment clean; infection prevention is critical
- Head elevation and strict sun avoidance required
- Take prescribed medications as directed
- Tylenol for discomfort; antihistamines may be used for itching
- When starting to use make-up again, please make sure brushes/tools are clean
Long-Term Care
- Continue Alastin Nectar twice daily for 2-4 weeks
- Strict sun protection
- Notify your provider if skin appears unusually dark or light
Vinegar Soaks Instructions:
- Use a clean bowl or a clean zip-top bag
- Mix 1 cup of water with 1 tablespoon of white distilled vinegar
- Add 10–15 gauze pads to the mixture
- Store the mixture in the refrigerator
With each use:
- Remove gauze pad and gently open it
- Apply to the treated area
- Leave on for 10 minutes
- Remove and pat dry
- Do not rinse
Medical Disclaimer: This post‑care information is provided for general guidance and does not replace professional medical evaluation or treatment. If you experience symptoms that may indicate a serious or potentially life‑threatening condition, seek immediate medical care.