While many beauty-conscious women have already experienced the benefits of laser treatments, some still wonder if it damages the skin and what post-treatment care is required. Today, Deputy Chief Physician Fu Qiutao addresses common concerns about post-laser care and medical cosmetics.
"Modern laser technology targets only affected skin, not healthy skin."
Laser treatments utilize photothermal effects to precisely target specific lesions with varying wavelengths, achieving therapeutic results without damaging surrounding healthy tissue. Solutions are customized based on each individual's skin characteristics. Twenty years ago, without advanced laser technology, Nevus of Ota was primarily treated through methods like dermabrasion, cryotherapy, or skin grafting.
Surgical skin grafting involved taking skin from the thigh or abdomen and transplanting it onto the face, much like patching a good garment with a patch, affecting aesthetics. Traditional continuous laser treatments caused skin damage by "removing both normal and affected skin together," resulting in significant trauma and a high risk of scarring. However, modern laser technology has achieved the capability of "targeting only the affected skin without affecting the healthy skin."
"Skin dryness after laser treatment is normal"
Two key considerations for laser cosmetic treatments: First, focus on rebuilding the skin barrier function post-procedure. Second, timing is crucial. Unlike rhinoplasty, where results are immediate, laser treatments require a course of sessions—typically every 3-4 weeks—for gradual improvement.
Most patients experience skin dryness post-treatment, while some notice increased sensitivity. This underscores laser therapy's dual nature: its high-temperature mechanism promotes skin repair but inevitably compromises the skin barrier. Frequent laser sessions are therefore discouraged, as they may damage the epidermis.
"Sun protection is crucial after laser treatment"
Whether it's Nevus of Ota or freckles, these conditions are more pronounced in summer than winter and are inherently linked to sunlight exposure. After laser removal of freckles, many report "recurrence," but this isn't true recurrence—freckles are a congenital condition. Often, the laser didn't address underlying factors, and the reappearance is triggered by UV rays in sunlight, not the laser treatment itself.Therefore, avoid excessive sun exposure after laser treatment and ensure thorough sun protection.
"Use medical-grade cosmetics after laser treatment"
Maintaining skin barrier function is crucial post-laser, which medical-grade skincare aids in achieving. The key difference between medical cosmetics and regular cosmetics lies in their formulation: medical cosmetics adhere to medical standards, produced in sterile environments without fragrances, dyes, or preservatives.
Conventional cosmetics contain chemical ingredients that may irritate the treated area, causing discomfort like itching. Products containing alcohol or preservatives can be particularly harsh on the skin. Irritation can slow healing and lead to hyperpigmentation. While approved conventional cosmetics are generally acceptable for daily use, patients are advised to switch to medical-grade skincare after laser procedures.Medical cosmetics are developed with strict adherence to individual skin characteristics, demanding higher standards and scientific rigor in formulation.