Baesthetics – CO2 Fractional Laser Pre & Post Care
At Vanity Vault, your safety and results are our priority. Before undergoing CO2 laser skin resurfacing, it's important to understand how to prepare for your treatment and care for your skin afterwards. Please read the guidance below carefully and follow all pre and post-treatment instructions to support optimal healing and achieve the best possible results.
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CO2 fractional laser resurfacing is an advanced treatment that requires careful preparation and aftercare to ensure safe healing and optimal results. Please read all of the guidance below before your appointment and refer back to this page throughout your recovery. If you have any questions before or after treatment, please don't hesitate to contact Beth.
This gives the page a more polished, premium feel and helps set expectations before clients dive into the practical guidance.
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Sun exposure is one of the most important factors to manage before your CO2 laser treatment. UV exposure can increase inflammation, weaken the skin barrier, increase the risk of pigmentation and affect the healing process.
Please ensure you:
Avoid sunbeds and tanning for 4 weeks before treatment.
Avoid excessive sun exposure.
Wear SPF 50 every day leading up to your appointment.
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To minimise skin sensitivity and promote optimal healing, you should stop using active skincare products before your treatment.
Please stop using at least 2 weeks before treatment:
Retinol & Retinoids (including Tretinoin)
Vitamin C
Glycolic Acid
Salicylic Acid
AHA/BHA Acids
Exfoliating scrubs
Any other active skincare products
During this time, focus on:
Gentle cleansing
Hydrating skincare
Barrier repair
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To protect your skin barrier, please avoid the following treatments before your CO2 laser appointment:
Waxing
Chemical peels
Aggressive facials
Hair removal creams
Excessive exfoliation
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For the safest and most effective treatment:
Do not apply fake tan for at least 7 days before your appointment.
Your skin must be completely free from any fake tan residue before treatment.
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Before attending your appointment:
Arrive with clean, makeup-free skin
Stay well hydrated
We also recommend purchasing:
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5
SPF 50 sunscreen
If you wish to wear makeup during healing, we recommend a natural, alcohol-free, sulphate-free BB cream once advised it is safe to do so.
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Following treatment, it's important to support your skin as it heals.
Please ensure you:
Keep the skin clean and well hydrated.
Apply a barrier cream regularly throughout the day.
Wear SPF 50 every morning from Day 1.
Avoid touching, rubbing or picking the skin.
Recommended product:
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5
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Days 1–5
Do not wear makeup.
Apply barrier cream regularly throughout the day.
Your skin will be particularly delicate during this stage.
Days 5–7
If the skin has fully closed and peeling has significantly reduced, you may begin wearing a gentle BB cream.
Recommended:
Natural, alcohol-free, sulphate-free BB cream
Restarting Active Skincare
Only reintroduce active skincare once your skin has fully healed.
As a guide:
Retinol & Retinoids: after approximately 2–4 weeks
Acids & Exfoliants: after approximately 2–3 weeks
Strong Vitamin C: after approximately 2 weeks
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Following CO2 laser treatment, it is completely normal to experience:
Redness
Swelling
Warmth or tightness
Peeling
Dryness and sensitivity
Swelling around the eye area is also common during the healing process.
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Please contact the clinic immediately if you experience:
Severe swelling
Increasing or severe pain
Yellow or green discharge
Fever or chills
Severe blistering
Any signs of infection