Prepping and Caring for Your Skin Before and After Laser Treatments

Ania Sousa
Oct 27
3 min read

Laser results start with preparation and finish with aftercare. Learn how to prep your skin, what to avoid before treatment, and how to support safe, glowing results after each session.

Why Preparation and Aftercare Matter

Every laser treatment, whether it’s for pigmentation, tattoo removal, or rejuvenation, creates controlled change beneath the skin. How you prepare and care for your skin before and after makes a significant difference in both results and recovery.

At Bloom & Beam Laser Studio, every treatment plan includes education on pre-treatment preparation and post-treatment healing, because healthy skin responds better, heals faster, and looks more radiant long-term.

Before Your Laser Treatment: Preparing Your Skin for Success

Good prep starts at least two weeks before your appointment.

✅ Do:

Avoid direct sun exposure and tanning beds. Sun exposure increases melanin activity, raising the risk of pigment changes after treatment.
Use SPF 50+ daily, even on cloudy days. A mineral-based sunscreen is best.
Keep skin hydrated. Moisturized skin absorbs energy more evenly and heals faster.
Discontinue exfoliants (like retinol, glycolic acid, or scrubs) 5–7 days before your appointment.
Shave the area if needed (for laser hair removal only) 24 hours before treatment.

🚫 Avoid:

Self-tanners, spray tans, or bronzers (can confuse the laser’s pigment detection).
Waxing, chemical peels, or microneedling for at least 10–14 days before treatment.
Certain medications (photosensitizing drugs, antibiotics, or Accutane). Always disclose these during your consultation.
Heavy workouts or saunas on the day of treatment — heat increases inflammation.

What to Expect During Treatment

During your session, you may feel warmth or a light snapping sensation, similar to a rubber band against the skin.Bloom & Beam uses advanced cooling technology to keep the skin comfortable and reduce redness or swelling.

For pigment or tattoo removal, a temporary frosting effect (white or grey haze) may appear as gas escapes from the skin. It fades within minutes.

After Your Laser Treatment: Caring for Healing Skin

Your skin will need gentle care for several days following treatment. Healing happens both on the surface and beneath it.

✅ Do:

Keep the area clean and dry. Use gentle, fragrance-free cleansers.
Apply cool compresses for comfort during the first 24 hours.
Use a hydrating barrier cream (like aloe vera, Aquaphor, or Cicaplast) to support healing.
Continue using SPF 50+ and avoid sun exposure for at least 2 weeks.
Stay hydrated and rest well to support your immune system’s recovery process.

🚫 Avoid:

Picking, scratching, or exfoliating the treated area — it can lead to scarring or pigment changes.
Hot tubs, saunas, or steam rooms for 3–5 days post-treatment.
Active skincare ingredients (retinoids, AHA/BHAs, vitamin C) until the skin fully recovers.
Makeup or occlusive products for 24–48 hours (if treating the face).

Healing Timeline (General Guide)

Treatment Type	Typical Recovery	What You May Notice
Pigmentation Removal	3–5 days	Slight darkening or “peppering” before fading
Tattoo Removal	7–14 days	Redness, swelling, or mild scabbing
Skin Rejuvenation	1–3 days	Pinkness, warmth, mild tightness
Laser Hair Removal	1–2 days	Temporary redness, light follicle swelling