A Dermatologist Says This Serum Is a Must-Have After Laser Treatments

For many, laser treatments have become the secret weapon for treating many skin concerns ranging from hyperpigmentation to fine lines and wrinkles. And while laser treatments undoubtedly provide long-term benefits, the short-term recovery period right after your appointment can really make or break exactly how good those benefits actually are. After all, your work isn’t done once you step out of your dermatologist’s office.

Since your skin is usually in a compromised state post-laser, you’ll want to treat it with extra care in order to ensure optimal results. The best way to do that? By narrowing down your skin-care routine to products that soothe inflammation and bolster your healing process. And according to Naperville, IL dermatologist Matthew R. Kelleher, MD, there’s one brand that’s known for having some of the best post-procedure products on the market: SkinCeuticals.

With so many restorative products on their roster, it’s no surprise that just-treated skin will respond favorably to their lineup of soothing formulas. “Lasers are used to selectively destroy structures within the skin to achieve a desired aesthetic outcome,” explains Dr. Kelleher, adding that the type and severity of the laser you undergo will determine which specific products you should use afterward.

For example, those that undergo more intensive lasers should use an occlusive ointment, such as the SkinCeuticals Hydra Balm ($24), until complete wound healing has occurred. When the skin has been only slightly injured (but not wounded!) with a lower-level laser, the SkinCeuticals Epidermal Repair ($78) is best to speed up healing. And when there is significant inflammation post-laser, opt for the SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Mist ($67), as this has calming effects and provides redness relief.

That said, Dr. Kelleher says that once the immediate post-laser wounds are healed and most of the inflammation has been resolved, it is vital that patients begin utilizing antioxidants every morning. Dr. Kelleher specifically recommends that all laser patients use SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic ($169)on their skin post-treatment.

“It is absolutely imperative that SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic is used after all laser surgeries to speed healing, reduce inflammation, and reduce oxidative stress on the recently treated skin,” says Dr. Kelleher. “Furthermore, it is important that SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic be utilized on an ongoing, long-term basis in order to prevent additional aging of the skin.”

With a potent combination of 15% pure vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), 1% vitamin E, and 0.5% ferulic acid, this formula is good for both post-treatment healing and for accelerating anti-aging efforts. In fact, it effectively improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, boosts firmness, and reduces discoloration at the same time. “This powerful combination of antioxidants and their unique formulation make SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic the most effective product available to combat oxidative injury at the cellular level,” Dr. Kelleher explains. “Oxidative cellular injury is the most important causative mechanism in aging of the skin and skin cancer formation.”

To use, simply apply four to five drops to a dry face, neck, and chest in the morning after cleansing. As always, follow up with sunscreen to protect the skin from UV rays and future damage.

Ultimately, adding this product to your routine will help speed up post-procedure recovery and prevent future degradation of the skin—all while maintaining your post-laser results and making your treatment worth the price tag. And as Dr. Kelleher frequently tells his laser patients: Protect your investment! Luckily, the SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic will help you do just that.