Laser treatments can dramatically improve skin tone, texture, and clarity when the right technology is paired with proper preparation and aftercare. At Capital Laser & Skin Care, treatments include a team of board-certified dermatologists, registered nurses, and experienced estheticians using laser systems like Fraxel®, HALO®, and UltraClear®. 

Knowing what to avoid before and after your appointment helps protect your skin and supports the best possible results.

How Do Laser Treatments Work?

Laser devices use focused light energy to target specific concerns in the skin. Depending on the technology, they can address pigmentation, sun damage, fine lines, acne scars, and more.

There are a few key categories:

• Ablative lasers remove the outer layers of damaged skin and stimulate collagen production. These treatments are more intensive and require downtime.
  
• Non-ablative lasers heat the deeper layers of skin without removing the surface, encouraging collagen remodeling with less recovery time.
  
• Fractional lasers treat a fraction of the skin at a time, creating controlled micro-injuries while leaving surrounding tissue intact for faster healing.
  

Devices like Fraxel®, HALO®, and UltraClear® use fractional technology to balance effectiveness with recovery, making them versatile options for a wide range of skin concerns.

*Individuals Results May Vary

What to Avoid Before a Laser Treatment

Preparing your skin properly reduces the risk of irritation and helps ensure even results. In the days and weeks leading up to your treatment, avoid:

• Sun exposure and tanning
  Avoid direct sun exposure, tanning beds, and self-tanners for at least two weeks. Tanned skin increases the risk of complications like burns or hyperpigmentation.
  
• Active skincare ingredients
  Stop using retinoids, exfoliating acids (like glycolic or salicylic acid), and other potentially irritating products a day or two prior, unless instructed otherwise.
  
• Certain medications and supplements
  Some medications can increase photosensitivity or affect healing. Always review your current medications with your provider.
  
• Waxing or aggressive treatments
  Avoid waxing, chemical peels, or other exfoliating treatments in the treatment area for at least one to two weeks beforehand.
  
• Unprotected skin conditions
  If you have an active rash, infection, or cold sore in the treatment area, your session may need to be rescheduled.
  

Your provider will give you personalized pre-treatment instructions based on the type of laser being used and your skin type.

What Not to Do After Your Laser Session

Post-treatment care is just as important as preparation. After your session, your skin will be more sensitive and vulnerable to irritation.

Avoid the following:

• Sun exposure
  Stay out of direct sunlight and wear broad-spectrum SPF daily. Sun exposure can interfere with healing and lead to discoloration.
  
• Picking or peeling the skin
  Flaking or mild crusting is normal with some treatments. Do not pick, scrub, or force peeling, as this can cause scarring or pigmentation issues.
  
• Heat and sweating
  Avoid hot showers, saunas, steam rooms, and intense workouts for at least 24 to 48 hours, or as directed.
  
• Harsh skincare products
  Skip exfoliants, retinoids, and fragranced products until your skin has fully healed. Stick to gentle cleansers and moisturizers.
  
• Makeup too soon
  Depending on the treatment, you may need to wait 24 hours or longer before applying makeup.

Following your provider’s aftercare instructions closely helps minimize downtime and supports smoother, more consistent results.

How Many Treatments Will I Need to See Results?

The number of treatments depends on your skin concerns, the type of laser used, and your goals.

• Mild concerns may improve after a single session
  
• Moderate issues like pigmentation or early aging often benefit from a series of 2 to 3 treatments
  
• Deeper concerns, such as acne scars or significant sun damage, may require multiple sessions spaced several weeks apart
  

Some devices, like HALO®, can deliver noticeable improvement in one treatment, while others, like Fraxel®, are often performed in a series for cumulative results.

Your provider will recommend a customized treatment plan during your consultation.

Am I a Good Candidate for Laser Treatments?

Laser treatments are highly customizable, but not everyone is an ideal candidate for every device. You may be a good candidate if you:

• Want to improve tone, texture, or discoloration
  
• Have realistic expectations about results and recovery
  
• Are committed to sun protection before and after treatment
  
• Do not have active infections or certain skin conditions in the treatment area
  

Skin type, medical history, and lifestyle all play a role in determining the safest and most effective approach. With a wide range of laser technologies available, the team at Capital Laser & Skin Care can tailor your treatment to match your skin and your goals.

Take the First Step

Interested in learning more about what to do before and after laser treatments? We would love to speak with you. Please fill out the form on this page to request a consultation or call our Chevy Chase, MD office today at (301) 798-9699 to schedule your private consultation at our laser and cosmetic dermatology center, located just blocks away from Washington, D.C.