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Pair your laser acne treatment with the right skincare routine for lasting results. Learn how to care for your skin post-treatment. Schedule a consultation in Newport Beach, CA.
Acne can affect more than just your skin—it can impact your confidence, social interactions, and overall quality of life. Many people today are turning to laser acne treatment for more lasting, non-invasive solutions. But while laser therapy can significantly reduce breakouts and improve skin texture, maintaining results often depends on how well you care for your skin in between sessions.
If you’ve started or are considering laser acne treatment in Newport Beach, CA, at Pacific Obstetrics and Gynecology, we will help you understand how to support your skin through the process. A well-matched skincare routine not only maximizes results but also protects your skin as it heals and regenerates.
Why Supporting Your Skin Between Laser Treatments Matters
Laser acne treatment—especially with advanced options like AviClear—works by targeting the sebaceous glands to reduce oil production and inflammation. While this process helps clear both active acne and future breakouts, your skin remains in a sensitive state after each session.
Here’s why your skincare routine is essential:
- Laser-treated skin is more vulnerable to sun damage, dryness, and irritation
- A healthy routine speeds up recovery and supports smoother outcomes
- Cleansing, hydrating, and protecting the skin reduces the chance of new breakouts
Think of it this way: your treatment is only one part of the solution. Your daily habits and products are the bridge to long-term results.
What to Expect After Laser Acne Treatment
After your first laser session, you may notice some redness, warmth, or dryness. This is normal and part of the body’s healing response. Most patients undergoing acne scar laser therapy or laser treatment for active acne begin seeing improvement within weeks, but optimal results usually occur after a series of treatments.
Key post-treatment effects can include:
- Mild peeling or dryness
- Temporary flare-ups in some areas
- Increased skin sensitivity to sunlight and products
- Gradual softening of acne scars
This is where your skincare steps in to manage side effects and enhance progress.
Essential Skincare Steps to Pair with Laser Acne Sessions
Your routine doesn’t need to be complicated, but it does need to be consistent and gentle. Below are the basic pillars of an effective post-laser acne skincare regimen:
1. Cleanse—But Gently
After a laser treatment for active acne, your skin will need time to heal. Harsh cleansers with active acids or exfoliants can aggravate sensitive skin.
What to use:
- A fragrance-free, non-foaming cleanser
- Micellar water for minimal cleansing during dry or red days
Avoid:
- Scrubs
- AHA/BHA exfoliants
- Alcohol-based products
2. Hydrate with Barrier-Rebuilding Ingredients
Even if you have oily or acne-prone skin, hydration is critical. Post-laser skin often experiences dryness or tightness. Look for products with:
- Hyaluronic acid
- Ceramides
- Panthenol (vitamin B5)
- Squalane
These help restore the skin barrier without clogging pores—an ideal balance for anyone undergoing non-invasive acne solutions.
3. Protect—Sun Defense Is Non-Negotiable
Laser-treated skin is more photosensitive. Without protection, you’re at greater risk for discoloration or scarring. Daily sunscreen is one of the most important ways to protect your investment in skin resurfacing for acne scars.
Use:
- SPF 30 or higher
- Mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide
- Fragrance-free formulas
4. Avoid Picking or Over-Treating
You might be tempted to use spot treatments or exfoliants to speed things along—but less is more. Picking at flaking skin or applying too many active ingredients can irritate healing tissue and slow down your results.
Complementary Treatments to Discuss with Your Provider
Your laser acne treatment plan can be paired with other safe, non-invasive services or at-home protocols that fit your skin’s healing timeline. Some options to ask about include:
- Medical-grade LED light therapy: Helps reduce inflammation
- Chemical-free hydrating masks: Soothe and replenish skin post-laser
- Topical retinoids (once cleared): Improve cell turnover and acne control
- Spot treatments for isolated breakouts: Use with caution and only if approved
Always consult your provider before adding anything new to your routine. Personalized advice is key, especially with professional treatments like acne scar laser therapy or laser acne treatment in Newport Beach, CA.
Skincare Ingredients to Use (and Avoid)
It’s common to feel confused by the number of skincare products available, especially when combining them with clinical treatments. Here’s a quick breakdown of what typically helps and what should be shelved while undergoing laser therapy.
Ingredients That Support Healing
- Niacinamide: Calms redness, strengthens the barrier
- Centella asiatica (Cica): Known for soothing inflammation
- Peptides: Promote regeneration and firmness
- Aloe vera: Natural hydration and calming effects
Ingredients to Put on Hold
- Retinol or tretinoin: May be reintroduced later under guidance
- Vitamin C: Can cause stinging or irritation post-laser
- Glycolic/salicylic acid: Too harsh immediately after sessions
- Benzoyl peroxide: Often unnecessary during laser series, as the treatment itself targets oil production
Common Questions Patients Ask
“How long should I wait before resuming my full skincare routine?”
Usually, it takes about 5–7 days after each laser session. However, it depends on your skin’s response and the type of laser used. Start slow and increase as advised.
“Can I wear makeup after laser treatment?”
It’s best to avoid makeup for at least 24–48 hours post-treatment to allow skin to breathe. When you do wear makeup again, use non-comedogenic, mineral-based products.
“What if I experience a breakout between sessions?”
Small breakouts can happen as your skin purges impurities. Use your gentle cleanser, keep skin hydrated, and avoid touching the area. Your provider may also recommend a spot treatment that won’t interfere with the laser’s effects.
Where to Get Laser Acne Treatment in Newport Beach, CA
At Pacific Obstetrics and Gynecology, patients receive expert care and customized treatment plans focused on long-term skin health. The AviClear laser acne treatment offered here is a non-invasive solution that gets to the root of acne by minimizing oil production—without harsh medications or downtime.
Whether you’re struggling with active breakouts, oily skin, or long-standing acne scars, laser acne treatment supported by the right skincare routine can make a significant difference.
Clearer Skin Starts with a Consistent Plan
A well-planned skincare routine is more than just maintenance—it’s a partner in the healing and renewal process initiated by your laser sessions. From gentle cleansing to sun protection and ingredient choices, every step helps your skin respond, recover, and retain results.
Contact us if you’re ready to treat acne at its source with laser acne treatment in Newport Beach, CA,Our team will guide and you want expert support every step of the way, Pacific Obstetrics and Gynecology is here to help.
