Laser Downtime: What to Expect Post-Treatment
Laser treatments are one of the most effective ways to rejuvenate your skin, reduce pigmentation, smooth acne scars, minimize wrinkles, and improve texture. But before you schedule your appointment, it’s important to know what to expect — especially when it comes to downtime.
Whether you're doing a gentle resurfacing or a more aggressive fractional laser, post-treatment care plays a huge role in how quickly you heal and how great your results look. At Bad Skin, located in downtown Redwood City inside Sola Salons, we always walk our clients through the recovery process step by step. This blog is your comprehensive guide to understanding laser downtime so you can feel confident, informed, and ready to glow.
Understanding “Downtime” After Laser Treatments
Downtime refers to the recovery period after a laser procedure where your skin is healing — and may look or feel irritated. The length and intensity of your downtime depends on:
The type of laser (ablative vs. non-ablative)
The depth of treatment
Your skin type and sensitivity
How well you follow aftercare instructions
At Bad Skin, we offer cutting-edge laser treatments like UltraClear, which can be customized from mild to intensive based on your needs.
What Happens Right After Your Laser Treatment?
Immediate Post-Treatment (First 24 Hours)
Right after your session, your skin will likely feel hot, like a sunburn. Redness is completely normal and expected. You may also experience:
Swelling
Sensitivity
A tight or dry sensation
Mild pinpoint bleeding (with deeper treatments)
We recommend going straight home and resting. Avoid sun exposure and heat (no gym, sauna, or hot showers). Apply gentle, cooling products — we’ll give you a post-laser skincare kit to help speed recovery.
Day 2–3: Redness, Swelling & Peeling Begin
By day two, swelling may peak, especially around sensitive areas like the eyes. Your skin may darken slightly and feel tight or dry. This is a good sign — your skin is regenerating.
For deeper treatments, peeling or flaking can begin. Do not pick or scrub at it. Keep skin moisturized, avoid makeup, and stay in cool environments.
This is often the hardest phase emotionally because your skin doesn’t look great — but trust the process! We call this the “ugly duckling” phase before the glow kicks in.
Days 4–7: Shedding & Healing
By day four or five, most clients start to feel better. Flaking is usually underway or ending. You might still have some pinkness or sensitivity, but the swelling should be down.
You can slowly resume your usual skincare routine (excluding actives like retinol or acids), and depending on your treatment, you might be cleared to wear light mineral makeup.
Most patients feel comfortable returning to work and social events by day 5–7, though some redness can linger, especially for lighter skin tones.
Week 2 and Beyond: The Glow Phase
At this point, your skin has mostly healed on the surface. You’ll likely see:
Smoother texture
A brighter tone
Smaller-looking pores
Softer lines or scars
However, full collagen remodeling continues for 4–12 weeks, meaning your skin will keep improving. For deeper resurfacing, final results may not show until 3–6 months.
Tips to Speed Up Healing
Stick to Aftercare
We’ll give you specific instructions — follow them! Skipping post-care is the fastest way to delay healing or compromise results.Avoid Sun Exposure
Wear SPF 50+ religiously and avoid the sun completely for at least 1 week. Sun exposure post-laser can cause hyperpigmentation.No Active Ingredients
Avoid retinol, AHAs, BHAs, scrubs, or exfoliants until we clear you to restart them.Don’t Pick or Peel
It’s tempting, but picking can lead to scarring or infection. Let your skin shed naturally.Stay Hydrated and Rested
Drinking water and getting sleep supports your skin’s healing process from the inside out.
What If You Have an Event Coming Up?
Always plan laser treatments at least 2–4 weeks before any special occasion. Even with light treatments, your skin may purge, flake, or be red for several days.
If you have a wedding, photoshoot, or vacation coming up, we’ll help you create a treatment schedule that fits your timeline and goals.
Is Laser Downtime Worth It?
Absolutely — especially when done correctly and with the right aftercare. While downtime can be a little inconvenient, the long-term benefits of laser (reduced pigmentation, improved texture, collagen boost) are well worth a few days of flaking or redness.
Clients consistently tell us that even after a week of downtime, the results make them feel more confident, smoother, and radiant for months — even years — after.
Why Choose Bad Skin for Your Laser Treatments?
At Bad Skin, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all skincare. Every laser session is tailored to your skin type, goals, and lifestyle. Located in Sola Salons in downtown Redwood City, right across from Philz Coffee, we’re easy to find and ready to help you feel good in your skin.
We serve laser clients across the Bay Area, including:
Redwood City, Menlo Park, Palo Alto, Mountain View, Sunnyvale, San Mateo, Belmont, San Carlos, Burlingame, Foster City, Millbrae, Daly City, South San Francisco, Hayward, Fremont, Union City, Santa Clara, Cupertino, Los Altos, and San Jose.
Whether you're looking to improve acne scars, smooth fine lines, or get that long-lasting glow, laser treatments at Bad Skin are a powerful solution with professional support every step of the way.
Let’s Glow Together
Have more questions about laser downtime or want to know which treatment is right for you? Schedule a consultation at Bad Skin and let’s create a plan that works for your skin, your budget, and your schedule.
We’re not here to make you perfect — we’re here to make you feel better in your skin.
✨ Be bad, but better.
