Patient guide

Skin care after a fractional CO2 laser

After an ablative treatment the skin goes through healing, not just a period of redness. What you do in the first week affects the risk of pigmentation and infection more than the choice of parameters alone.

Published 4 September 2023. Last reviewed 18 August 2026.

What happens to the skin after the treatment

Fractional CO2 laser creates microscopic columns of vaporised tissue in the skin, surrounded by a zone of coagulation. This controlled injury triggers healing, in which the epidermis rebuilds and collagen remodelling begins in the dermis. In the first few days the skin is red, swollen and sensitive, then slight peeling and tiny scabs appear where the columns were.

How long this takes depends on the depth of treatment, the area and individual response. The doctor gives the expected course at the qualification appointment, because it follows from the parameters set, not from a general rule. Collagen remodelling itself is spread over weeks and months, so the result is assessed later than the end of healing.

The skin has a weakened barrier during this period. Hence all the recommendations below: it is not about comfort, but about not adding stimuli to tissue that is rebuilding the epidermis.

The first week, what not to do

• Do not remove peeling epidermis or tiny scabs. They come off on their own, and removing them risks infection, pigmentation and scarring.
• No sauna, swimming pool, hot baths or intense exercise. Heat and sweat irritate skin that is rebuilding.
• No exfoliants, brushes, sponges or towel rubbing. Dry the skin by patting it.
• No cosmetics containing alcohol, retinoids or acids until the person carrying out the treatment allows them back.
• No make-up on the treated area while the skin is red and irritated.
• Moisturising and products recommended after the treatment, applied with clean hands, fragrance-free and without experimenting with new products.

If your history includes recurrent cold sores, say so before the treatment. A treatment in this area can trigger a recurrence, and in that case the doctor sets out the approach beforehand, not afterwards.

How long to avoid the sun after fractional laser

At least four to six weeks without sun exposure and without sunbeds are usually recommended. The reason is one: skin after an ablative treatment is prone to post-inflammatory pigmentation, and once pigmentation has formed it takes longer to treat than the healing itself lasted.

A high factor sun cream is essential during this time, but it does not replace shade and a hat. This is the same rule that applies to other light based treatments, described in the article on laser therapy in summer. For a tendency to pigmentation, the doctor may suggest preparing the skin before the treatment or moving the appointment to months with less sun exposure.

When to return to make-up and active skincare

Make-up returns once the epidermis has rebuilt and irritation has settled, usually not in the first few days. When it does, products with a simple composition work well, fragrance-free and alcohol-free, applied gently, without a sponge or brush pressed onto the skin.

Retinoids, acids and other active ingredients return last, after the person carrying out the treatment agrees. Applying another stimulus to skin that is still rebuilding earlier ends in irritation, not a faster result. This rule also applies to products bought to support healing: after an ablative treatment, use only what the practice recommends.

Symptoms that require contact with the practice

• Increasing pain instead of symptoms gradually settling.
• Purulent discharge, foul-smelling ooze, yellow crusts.
• Fever or redness spreading beyond the treated area.
• Blisters, erosions and wounds deeper than the expected peeling.
• Painful, blistering changes in one area, which may indicate a recurrence of cold sores.
• Pigmentation that persists after the skin has healed.

If you notice these symptoms, contact the clinic immediately, at any time. An earlier assessment shortens treatment and reduces the risk of a permanent mark.

Further on the site

1. Problem: photoageing of the skin, scars and stretch marks.
2. Treatment: fractional CO2 laser, technology: hybrid laser.
3. Prices: laser treatment price list.
4. Booking a visit: contact or online booking.

How long does the skin stay red after fractional laser +

It depends on the depth of treatment and the area. After a superficial treatment, redness usually lasts a few days, after a deeper one longer, and a transient pinkness can remain for weeks. The doctor gives the expected course at the qualification appointment, because it follows from the parameters set.

Can you scratch off peeling skin after the treatment +

No. Peeling epidermis and tiny scabs come off on their own, and removing them risks infection, pigmentation and scarring. Wash the skin gently and moisturise it, without rubbing and without exfoliating.

When can you return to the gym, sauna and swimming pool +

Exercise, the sauna, the pool and hot baths are usually off the table for at least a week, longer for deeper work. Sweat, heat and pool water irritate the skin while the epidermis is rebuilding and increase the risk of infection. The person carrying out the treatment gives you the exact timeframe.

When can you use retinol and acids again +

Once the epidermis has rebuilt and with approval from the person carrying out the treatment, usually after a few weeks. Bringing retinoids or acids back onto skin that is still rebuilding leads to irritation, not a faster result.

Is sun cream enough to go out in the sun after the treatment +

Sun cream is necessary but does not replace avoiding the sun. In the first weeks after the treatment the skin is prone to post-inflammatory pigmentation, so besides a high-factor sun cream you also need head cover, shade and no sunbed.

About this text

Text prepared by the NL Clinic team. Published 4 September 2023, verified 18 August 2026.

This content is for information only and does not replace the guidance given after your treatment.