What to Expect After CO₂ Laser Resurfacing: Recovery, Downtime & Aftercare
CO₂ laser resurfacing is one of the most effective technologies for texture, lines, acne scars and sun damage. But results depend just as much on what you do after treatment as on what happens in the room. This guide explains the day‑by‑day recovery, realistic downtime, and dermatologist‑approved aftercare so you can plan confidently. It also shows how we tailor protocols at Skinhorizon Clinic in Maida Vale for patients across Central London, West London, St John’s Wood, Paddington, Hampstead, North & North West London.
Considering Fractional CO₂ Laser in London?
Consultant‑led protocols, pigment‑aware settings and structured aftercare. Appointments in Maida Vale for Central & West London and nearby areas.
Call Us Visit the CO₂ Laser Treatment Page- Day 0–1: Warmth, redness, swelling; oozing is normal in stronger settings. Keep skin moist with the recommended ointment.
- Days 2–4: Bronze/brown “micro‑grid” or fine crusts; tightness/itching. Do not pick.
- Days 5–7: Shedding/peeling revealing pink, fresher skin. Strict SPF and barrier care.
- Weeks 2–4: Pinkness gradually fades; make‑up usually feasible; collagen remodelling begins.
- Months 2–3+: Progressive smoothing and scar softening as collagen matures.
- Fees: Fractional CO₂ laser at Skinhorizon starts from £800 (tailored to area and intensity).
Why Aftercare Matters as Much as the Laser
CO₂ laser creates microscopic columns of controlled injury that stimulate collagen renewal. Aftercare keeps those channels clean, hydrated and protected so new skin can form without infection, pigment change or scarring. Our consultant‑led pathway includes written instructions, check‑ins and products chosen for your skin type, including skin of colour (Fitzpatrick III–VI) where pigment‑aware protocols are essential.
What Happens in the First Week (Day‑by‑Day)
Days 0–1: Calm & Coat
- Cool packs intermittently for comfort (wrapped; never ice directly on skin).
- Apply the provided occlusive or emollient exactly as directed to prevent crusting.
- Sleep slightly elevated; change pillowcase; avoid hot baths/steam.
Days 2–4: Micro‑crust Phase
- Expect a bronze “grid” or fine crusts from fractional channels.
- Do not pick or scrub. Pat dry after cleansing.
- Apply emollient more frequently if tight or itchy.
Days 5–7: Peel & Reveal
- Shedding exposes pink skin; continue moisturiser.
- SPF 30–50 daily; reapply if outdoors.
- Light mineral make‑up often feasible by day ~5–7 (if intact).
Weeks 2–4: Settle & Protect
- Redness fades gradually; introduce gentle actives only when advised.
- Maintain sun avoidance; hats and shade help prevent PIH.
- Attend your follow‑up for progress photos and plan next steps.
Downtime: How Much & For How Long?
Downtime varies with intensity, passes and area. Light fractional settings may allow social downtime of 3–5 days; deeper resurfacing for scars or etched lines can need 7–10+ days before make‑up looks seamless. Your consultant will balance intensity against your goals and schedule — for example, spacing sessions to achieve cumulative improvement with less disruption.
Aftercare Do’s & Don’ts (Consultant‑Approved)
Do
- Use only the cleanser/emollient your clinician provides
- Pat dry; avoid friction
- Wear broad‑spectrum SPF every day
- Report increasing pain, pus, spreading redness
- Keep nails short; hands clean when applying products
Don’t
- Do not pick crusts or peel flakes
- Avoid saunas, hot yoga, steam rooms for 1–2 weeks
- No retinoids, acids, scrubs until cleared by your clinician
- Avoid tanning and sunbeds completely
- Pause heavy workouts for the first 48–72 hours
When Will I See Results?
You’ll notice smoother tone and a “new skin” glow within 1–2 weeks, with progressive refinement over 2–3 months as collagen matures. For acne scars or deeper lines, we often recommend a series of sessions planned around your life and tolerance for downtime.
Is CO₂ Laser Right for My Skin Type?
Suitability depends on skin type, concerns, medications, and history of pigmentation. Skin of colour is not excluded — it needs pigment‑aware settings, careful priming, and strict photoprotection. During consultation we may use Wood’s lamp or 3D analysis to plan safely, and we will discuss alternatives (e.g., microneedling, Profhilo) if CO₂ is not ideal right now.
How We Personalise Your Plan
- Concern‑led targeting: perioral lines, under‑eye crepe, acne scarring or diffuse texture.
- Parameter choice: energy, density and passes tailored to downtime tolerance.
- Adjuncts: LED phototherapy for recovery; staged under‑eye care if needed.
- Scar pathways: combining with microneedling or acne scar protocols.
- CO2 laser recovery timeline day by day
- How long is downtime after fractional laser?
- Is CO2 laser safe for darker skin?
- What to put on skin after CO2 laser?
- When will I see results after CO2 laser resurfacing?
We’ve built the FAQs below to answer these in plain English for voice search and quick scanning.
See Our CO₂ Laser Approach
Consultant‑delivered fractional protocols and structured aftercare. Transparent plans — treatments start from £800.
Call Us Go to the CO₂ Laser Treatment PageWhat About Complications — and How We Reduce Risk
Temporary redness and swelling are expected. We proactively minimise risks of infection, prolonged redness or post‑inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) through screening, pigment‑aware parameters, sterile technique, and explicit aftercare. If you develop increasing pain, pus or spreading redness, contact the clinic promptly. Written red‑flag guidance is provided to every patient.
How Many Sessions Will I Need?
For lines and texture, many patients are happy after one treatment; others prefer two or three lighter sessions to balance downtime. Acne scarring typically benefits from a series with staged parameters and possible adjuncts (e.g., microneedling). We’ll map your plan at consultation and review progress with standardised photographs.
Frequently Asked Questions (CO₂ Laser in London)
How long is the downtime after fractional CO₂ laser?
Plan 5–7 days of visible recovery for moderate settings; up to 10–12 days for deeper resurfacing. Social downtime depends on comfort with redness and peeling.
What should I put on my skin after CO₂ laser?
Use only the cleanser and occlusive/emollient we supply. Switch to a gentle moisturiser and mineral SPF as advised. Avoid actives (retinoids, acids) until cleared by your clinician.
Is CO₂ laser safe for darker skin tones?
Yes, with pigment‑aware protocols, careful priming and strict photoprotection. We tailor parameters by Fitzpatrick type and discuss PIH prevention in detail.
When can I wear make‑up after CO₂ laser?
Often by days 5–7 for lighter protocols once the skin surface is intact. Always apply with clean tools and remove gently.
How soon will I see results?
Early clarity and smoothness appear in 1–2 weeks; collagen remodelling refines results over 2–3 months and beyond.
How much does fractional CO₂ laser cost?
At Skinhorizon Clinic, treatments start from £800. Your exact plan depends on area, intensity and whether a series is recommended. We provide a clear, itemised quote at consultation.
Next Step: A Personalised Plan with a Consultant Dermatologist
If you’re considering fractional CO₂ laser for fine lines, acne scars, texture or sun damage, start with a consultant‑led assessment. From there we’ll create a schedule that fits your skin and life, with meticulous aftercare for predictable, polished outcomes.
Book Your CO₂ Laser Consultation in Maida Vale
Serving Central London, West London, St John’s Wood, Paddington, Hampstead, North London & North West London. Consultant‑led care, transparent pricing, and premium aftercare.
Call Us Visit CO₂ Laser Treatment PageRelated Reading & Technology
- CO₂ Laser Resurfacing (Treatment Overview)
- Acne Scars Treatment • Microneedling (Dermapen 4) • Under‑Eye Rejuvenation
- Fractional CO₂ Laser — Technology • LED Phototherapy
