How Long Does Laser Skin Resurfacing Take to Heal?

Laser skin resurfacing leaves skin red, tight, and peeling. People want to know when they’ll look normal again. Healing isn’t instant. It takes days for the redness to fade and weeks for skin to fully recover. In Woodland Hills, most want fast results, but skin heals on its own timeline. Here’s what to expect and how to get the best outcome from your CO2 laser treatment.

What Recovery Really Looks Like

Laser skin resurfacing isn’t a quick fix. The first day, your face feels hot and looks red. It’s like a sunburn that won’t quit. Swelling shows up fast, especially around the eyes and mouth. By the second day, the heat fades, but the redness sticks around. Skin starts to feel tight, almost like it’s shrinking. Peeling kicks in by day three. Flakes come off in patches, and the urge to pick is real. Don’t do it. Underneath, new skin pushes through: pink, fresh, and sensitive. By day five, most of the peeling slows down. The redness softens, but it doesn’t vanish. That new skin needs protection, not pressure. Most people in Woodland Hills can walk outside by day seven without drawing stares, but the healing keeps going under the surface for weeks.

Day-by-Day Breakdown

• Day 1: Intense redness. Skin feels hot. Swelling peaks. Sleeping upright helps.
• Day 2: Redness holds steady. Swelling starts to drop. Skin feels tight and dry.
• Day 3: Peeling begins. Flakes appear around the mouth and nose first. Itching ramps up.
• Day 4: Peeling spreads. New skin shows up: pink and tender. Redness lingers.
• Day 5: Most peeling slows. Redness fades a bit. Skin looks patchy but smoother.
• Day 6-7: Peeling nearly done. Redness softens. Skin feels tight but less raw. Most people feel ready for makeup and errands.

By the end of the first week, the worst is over. But the process isn’t finished. Deeper layers keep rebuilding for weeks. That’s why results keep improving long after the surface looks healed.

What Speeds Up Healing

Laser recovery isn’t just about waiting. Every step you take matters. Clean skin heals faster. Moisture locks in comfort and protects new cells. Sun protection isn’t optional. UV rays undo progress in minutes. Here’s what works:

• Use only approved cleansers and moisturizers. Skip anything harsh or scented.
• Apply a thick layer of healing ointment as directed. Don’t let skin dry out.
• Wear SPF 30+ every day, even if you’re indoors. Sunlight through windows still hits new skin.
• Sleep with your head elevated. Swelling drops faster this way.
• Skip hot showers, saunas, and steam rooms for at least a week.
• Hold off on workouts. Sweat and friction slow healing.
• Never pick or scrub. Let flakes fall off on their own.

Every shortcut risks setbacks. Infection, scarring, and uneven results show up when aftercare slips. Our experienced team gives you a plan that fits your skin and your treatment. Follow it, and you’ll see the payoff.

What to Watch For

Healing isn’t always smooth. Some days, redness lingers longer than you want. Swelling can come and go. The key is knowing what’s normal and what’s not. Here’s what you should see:

• Redness fading a little each day, not getting worse
• Swelling dropping by day four
• Peeling that’s even, not patchyy or raw
• No yellow crusts, oozing, or sharp pain
• Skin feeling tight, but not burning or stinging

Most people can start using gentle, mineral-based makeup after a week. Stick to light formulas. Heavy products clog pores and slow recovery. For ongoing glow, add gentle skin treatments once your provider gives the green light.

What Slows Down Recovery

Some habits drag out the process. Picking at flakes opens up raw spots. Skipping sunscreen brings back redness and can cause dark patches. Using harsh products, such as scrubs, acids, or retinoids, sets healing back days or even weeks. Even stress and poor sleep show up on your skin. The body needs rest and steady hydration to rebuild. Alcohol, smoking, and junk food all slow the process. Stick to basics: water, sleep, and simple skincare.

Long-Term Results

Laser resurfacing isn’t just about the first week. Collagen keeps building for months. Fine lines soften. Pigment evens out. Scarsars fade. The real payoff shows up at the one-month mark and keeps improving for three to six months. Maintenance matters. Gentle treatments, smart sun protection, and regular check-ins with your provider keep results strong. Skip the shortcuts, and your skin will thank you every time you look in the mirror.

Schedule Your Laser Treatment in Woodland Hills

Ready to transform your skin? Call Della Bellezza Med Spa at 818-518-4582 or schedule your consultation to learn more about laser skin resurfacing in Woodland Hills.