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Trying to repair years of sun damage or visible signs of aging can sometimes feel like an uphill battle. It can be increasingly harder to cover up imperfections like fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, sun spots, and stubborn acne scarring. Fortunately, Houston laser skin resurfacing treatments offer a way to improve your skin’s appearance and integrity. But with these safe and effective methods, you need to know how best to care for your skin before and afterward to ensure you achieve the best results.

At Livingston Plastic Surgery, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher K. Livingston and his team of skin care experts use the cutting-edge Fraxel® Laser. Fraxel® technology targets and removes unwanted, damaged skin one layer at a time, while simultaneously stimulating natural collagen production. To protect your investment and get your ideal outcomes, read on to learn what you shouldn’t do before and after receiving a laser resurfacing treatment.

What Is Laser Skin Resurfacing?

Laser skin resurfacing uses the power of carbon dioxide lasers to treat acne scars, fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation discolorations, and skin damage from years of sun exposure. The lasers work by emitting a powerful beam of light that focuses on skin pigmentations and generates energy and heat to remove superficial flaws at the skin’s surface. Heat from the laser energy triggers collagen remodeling and replaces damaged skin cells with healthy new ones, resulting in tighter, younger-looking skin.

What Not to Do Before and AfterYour Skin Resurfacing Treatment

Being well-prepared for your treatment will help maximize your results and prevent any complications that might arise. Once you have spent your time and money resolving your concerns with a laser peel, you owe it to yourself to ensure your complexion looks flawless for as long as possible.

Here is a comprehensive list of what not to do before and after your skin resurfacing treatment at Livingston Plastic Surgery.

• Do not expose your skin to the sun without protection. If your skin is burned or damaged in any way, it can impair the laser’s ability to target the skin impurities you’d like to remove. Before going outside, apply sunscreen liberally and put on protective clothing like a wide-brimmed hat.
• Do not over-exfoliate or cleanse your skin. You might assume you can get even better results by treating yourself to an at-home chemical peel or your favorite physical exfoliant, but these can leave your skin sensitive and vulnerable. Instead, wash your face with a gentle cleanser and pat it dry in the days leading up to and after your appointment. Your skin resurfacing treatment will do the hard work for you.
• Do not drink excessive amounts of alcohol or sugary beverages. Alcohol dehydrates your skin and causes it to become flushed. Sugary beverages like sodas or energy drinks can have a similar effect. Instead, drink plenty of water before and after your treatment to ensure your skin is well-hydrated.
• Do not wash your face with hot water. Few things are more relaxing and rewarding than stepping into a hot shower after a long day. While it may feel great at the time, hot water can dry out your skin and leave it sensitive and exposed. Instead, use room-temperature water to wash your face in the days before and after your treatment.

Fight Signs of Aging and Skin Imperfections With Laser Skin Resurfacing

Now that you know the best ways to prepare and protect your skin before and after laser resurfacing treatments, you’re ready to experience and maintain amazing results. To schedule your consultation with Dr. Livingston, call (281) 501-1812 or contact us through our online contact form today.