If you've spent money on laser resurfacing — Moxi, Halo, Fraxel, BBL — your at-home protocol for the next two weeks matters as much as the laser session itself. Compromise on aftercare and you can blunt the result, prolong recovery, and (worst case) trigger post-inflammatory pigmentation that takes months to clear.
Day 0 (treatment day)
- After the appointment: cool compresses for 20 minutes if pinkness is uncomfortable.
- Mineral SPF 30+ before any sun exposure walking out the door — non-negotiable.
- Gentle cleanser only — no acid, no exfoliant, no retinol.
- Hyaluronic acid serum + ceramide moisturizer + occlusive at night.
Days 1–3
- Mineral SPF reapplied every 2 hours when outdoors.
- Tepid (not hot) showers; do not steam the face.
- Skip exercise the first 24 hours; gentle exercise OK after.
- Watch for mild itching as the resurfacing reaches the early flake stage.
Days 4–7
- Light flaking, like a fine sandpaper. Do not pick.
- Add growth factor serum if your protocol included one.
- Continue strict mineral SPF.
- If you have any redness that feels warm, message us — possible mild dermatitis, easily managed.
Days 8–14
- Skin reset — texture and glow are visible.
- Slow reintroduction of vitamin C in the morning, retinoid at night (alternate nights first).
- Continue SPF — pigment can rebound at week 2 if sun exposure is heavy.
- Book your next session at week 6 (if doing a series).
The single biggest reason patients are dissatisfied with their laser result is sun. Brickell sun. Pool sun. 10am school-drop-off sun. Mineral SPF for a full month after any resurfacing treatment is the difference between a $650 result and a $0 result.