Following a laser, Vampire Facial, or microdermabrasion treatment, the last thing your skin desires is contact with anything that could further agitate your already sensitive state. While your initial impulse might be to apply a moisturizer to the inflamed skin, the product you choose can either facilitate or impede your healing journey. Maintaining skin hydration after the procedure is crucial for a successful (and swift) recovery, but a moisturizer laden with potent acids or chemicals will merely strip and disrupt your skin even more.
“The most significant aspect to seek in post-procedure moisturizers are occlusives, such as petrolatum, vitamin E oil, antioxidants, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, lanolin, and aloe, which are intended to prevent water loss,” elaborates NYC board-certified dermatologist Dr. Dendy Engelman, referring to the moisturizing agent known for its ability to form a protective layer over the epidermis. “Moisturized wounds have been demonstrated to heal much [more] effectively and rapidly—we formerly thought wounds needed to be exposed and scab, but moisture actually proves beneficial.” Check out below for nine derm-recommended moisturizers, ideal for sensitive and post-procedure skin.
Ghost Democracy Clean Lightweight Daily Face Moisturizer ($28)
Whether you employ this hydrator after the procedure or simply on days when your complexion seems unruly, the outcomes are consistently remarkable. “This moisturizer utilizes entirely pure ingredients and technology—oat extract and niacinamide safeguard and pacify inflamed skin, while panthenol boosts wound healing,” explains New York City board-certified dermatologist Dr. Joshua Zeichner. “Probiotic extracts assist in maintaining a healthy microbiome, for optimal skin functionality.”
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Alastin Regenerating Skin Nectar ($195)
“This product can be utilized immediately post-procedure for swifter recovery and healthier-looking skin,” states Dr. Hadley King, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. “It has been shown to enhance effectiveness and reduce downtime of both ablative and non-ablative skin rejuvenating procedures.” According to Dr. King, this product enhances healthy skin by aiding in clearing damage and debris in the extracellular matrix (in other words, the network of molecules that provide structure to skin cells) while also assisting in supporting the skin’s natural ability to generate new, healthy elastin and collagen. “The high antioxidant activity is engineered to soothe the skin and diminish redness.”
Aquaphor Healing Ointment ($10)
If you’re in search of a more economical option when it comes to post-procedure moisturizers, look for this one by Aquaphor—it can be found at most drugstores. “This ointment is extremely efficient at moisturizing severely cracked, dry, and inflamed areas,” remarks Dr. Engelman. “It operates by preventing water loss in the skin, enabling natural oils to nourish and restore. This product employs lanolin to condition and mollify dry skin.”
Eighteen B Hydrate + Restore Rich Cream ($95)
“ This cream employs a specialized silk protein that functions both as a breathable barrier and a carrier of hydrating ingredients like ceramides that assist in filling the cracks between skin cells,” says Dr. Zeichner. “It is breathable and can aid in protecting the skin during the healing process.”
Calecim Professional Restorative Hydration Cream ($65)
“Due to their regenerative properties, the usage of stem cells has become more prevalent in skin care—and this line utilizes stem cells that have been ethically and harmlessly obtained from the umbilical cord lining of New Zealand red deer,” says Dr. King. “When these stem cells are grown in culture media, they produce a mixture of proteins, growth factors, and cytokines that aid in skin repair and rejuvenation. They increase the quantity of hyaluronic acid in the skin, improve epidermal cell turnover, and contribute to wound healing.” Dr. King adds that one single-blinded split-face trial monitored the recovery of 14 patients who underwent full-face carbon dioxide fractional laser resurfacing. Immediately after the procedure, one side of the face was treated with Calecim serum and on this side, the patients experienced reduced warmth, less pain, and less redness as the skin healed.
Related: 9 Moisturizers Dermatologists Recommend Using While On Retin-A
SkinMedica TNS Ceramide Treatment Cream ($69)
Commonly found in the dermatologist’s office, this moisturizer is a favorite among patients—and for valid reasons. “This cream is designed to mend, nourish, and safeguard the delicate, injured skin,” says Dr. Engelman. “Its rich composition supplies plumping moisture with hyaluronic acid to minimize dehydration lines and enhance radiance and luminosity. It supports our body’s natural production of ceramides, which is essential for a robust skin barrier.”
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 Balm ($15)
If you’re planning a laser appointment, stock up on this product in advance. “This balm is an excellent choice after laser treatments—it helps protect the skin from the environment without clogging the pores or burdening [skin],” says Dr. Zeichner. “It softens and hydrates the skin with shea butter and glycerin, while panthenol calms inflammation and promotes wound healing.”
Avene Cicalfate Post-Procedure Skin Recovery Emulsion ($32)
“This lightweight, calming skin recovery lotion is formulated for use after procedures—including laser, peel, and hair removal—to restore the skin without causing additional irritation,” says Dr. King. “It absorbs rapidly and provides an immediate cooling sensation and six hours of hydration.” Sucralfate facilitates the skin recovery process by protecting the compromised skin from the environment, and a copper-zinc sulfate complex promotes healthy skin conditions for optimal recovery, Dr. King adds.
Glo Skin Beauty Restorative Cream ($52)
“I appreciate this cream because it uses shea butter, which will soften and condition the skin,” says Dr. Engelman. “It also contains antioxidants, which will contribute to the recovery time by repairing compromised skin.”
