Any individual who has ever undergone Fraxel will inform you that it has the potential to make your skin look remarkable... but only after initially making it look less favorable. The fractional laser is a skin-resurfacing therapy that induces microtraumas deep within the skin. This eventually leads to a smoother texture, a more uniform tone, an improvement in laxity, and even a reduction in the appearance of wrinkles. Another positive aspect? Numerous people notice a significant enhancement after just a single session.
Here's the drawback, though: You will require a minimum of five days for recovery after Fraxel. During this period, you will encounter a considerable amount of redness and peeling, and it is crucial to be prudent about the products you utilize. The key lies in being gentle with your newly sensitized skin and providing it with the necessary means to heal. To determine precisely what is most suitable to use, we sought the advice of a few experts to share the products they personally select after undergoing Fraxel. If you are contemplating undergoing the laser treatment, make sure to acquire one of the following options in advance - you will be glad you did.
Mario Badescu Cleansing Milk with Carnation & Rice Oil ($12)
"While recovering from Fraxel, you need to be exceptionally cautious during cleansing," warns Dr. Manish Shah, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Denver. "Avoid soaps with fragrance and anything containing exfoliating components. Instead, opt for soothing milk cleansers that can remove dirt and oil [and] also soothe the skin."
His choice from Mario Badescu is a suitable option. It is hypoallergenic and recommended for individuals with sensitive skin - which is the condition one has after a laser treatment - yet remains an effective cleanser. You can follow up this cleanser with a DIY toner of sorts, a preferred choice for Chicago board-certified dermatologist Dr. Jordan Carqueville. "I mix one part distilled white vinegar with three parts water and keep the solution in the fridge," she states. "I apply it to a soft cloth and pat it all over my face. The vinegar is a natural antiseptic that will assist in reducing the risk of infection post-laser."
Related: The In-Office Treatment I Received at Age 40 Gave Me Skin So Smooth, I Can Now Skip Foundation
SkinBetter Alto Defense Serum ($150)
Dr. Marnie Nussbaum, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, depends on this antioxidant serum after the procedure. "It's one of my preferred choices for use, both on a daily basis and after Fraxel, as it contains a potent combination of free radical-fighting vitamins - such as vitamins C and E, which penetrate the skin to help reverse the effects of sun damage, reducing the appearance of uneven skin tone and redness and enhancing radiance."
It is also a top selection for New York City board-certified dermatologist Dr. Jennifer MacGregor. She uses it twice daily, for one to two weeks, after Fraxel and notes that it can contribute to maximizing the results of the treatment.
Alastin Regenerating Skin Nectar ($195)
"This is another excellent post-procedure product, featuring peptides that stimulate the skin to produce more collagen and elastin," says Dr. MacGregor. Just like the SkinBetter antioxidant serum, she prefers using it twice daily. Given that your skin has small 'holes' after Fraxel, all the active ingredients in these types of antioxidant-based serums can penetrate more effectively. "Personally, I do not wish to miss out on any of those outcomes," she remarks.
EltaMD Laser Enzyme Gel ($16)
Expect your skin to look - and feel - sunburned for a few days following Fraxel, making any type of cooling and/or soothing products a major advantage. Dr. Carqueville turns to this gentle gel in the subsequent days. "I adore this for calming and cooling the skin after the laser," she says. "It is mainly composed of water, glycerin, and bromelain, an enzyme naturally found in pineapple that reduces inflammation and bruising." And thanks to the affordable price, you can apply it liberally.
SkinMedica TNS Ceramide Treatment Cream ($69)
Moisturization is essential after any kind of laser treatment; just ensure to adhere to relatively plain, fragrance-free formulations. (Anything targeted at sensitive skin is a good choice.) Since the skin's moisture barrier undergoes stress during Fraxel, Dr. MacGregor also suggests using a product that contains ceramides, which are crucial ingredients for aiding in the repair and maintenance of this delicate layer. "I like this cream because it incorporates both ceramides and growth factors to facilitate the acceleration of the recovery process," she explains.
Related: 5 Best In-Office Treatments to Consider If You're Not Ready for Fraxel
Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Dry-Touch Sunscreen SPF 50 ($11)
Sun protection is extremely important after a Fraxel treatment. "Because Fraxel expedites the turnover of the skin and peels off the surface layer to make way for newer, healthy skin, you need to be particularly diligent about protecting it from UVA and UVB rays," says Dr. Shah. He recommends avoiding the sun as much as possible and using a mineral-based sunscreen; these are less likely to cause any form of irritation on compromised skin compared to their chemical counterparts. This option relies solely on zinc, "offering broad-spectrum protection in a gentle and hypoallergenic formula," he states.
SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Mask ($59)
If you need to rapidly reduce redness (so you can go out in public without alarming people), reach for this mask, one of Dr. Nussbaum's favorites. Utilizing botanical extracts, a calming peptide, and hydrating hyaluronic acid, it acts quickly, "soothing the skin, alleviating redness, and calming inflammation," she elaborates. The gel also has a cooling effect (even more so if you store it in the fridge), and you can either rinse it off after 15 minutes or leave a thin layer as an overnight treatment.
CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion ($12)
Apply this night cream before going to bed. "It's a gentle moisturizer that contains ceramides and niacinamide, which will permeate through the micro channels created in the skin from the Fraxel, helping to diminish redness and keep the skin hydrated," Dr. Nussbaum says. Nevertheless, it is lightweight enough that you don't have to worry about clogged pores, a common problem that can arise if you use creams that are too heavy after Fraxel, she adds.
